Most frustrating quilting notion!
#103
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Rockwall, Texas
Posts: 64
Several years ago, I won a trip to a major quilt show that included $200 cash. I purchased a Martelli mat, rotary cutter & strip cutter. Still have the mat - I use it as a measuring stick under my Olfa mat. Gave the rotary cutter & strip cutter away. Also have the useless lighted seam ripper. Those are just a few of my regretted purchases but will probably fall for something else in the future. What can I say, I'm a gadget girl!
#104
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,783
I have this and like it, too. The only thing you have to be careful of is that the needle hole is facing the right way. The thread can't go through the hole if the hole is turned a quarter turn.
Have you tried the Clover Desk Needle Threader? It isn't perfect because it doesn't thread ALL needles (depends on the shape and size of eye) but it has made my hand quilting and appliqué experiences so much more pleasant! I could never get that little wire thing into the eye of my 11 betweens..... take a look. It's pricey, but I find it worth every penny.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_7bu4g8v5xi_e
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_7bu4g8v5xi_e
#105
EXCELLENT idea!!! I also have the F &P red and cream colored ripper and absolutely love it, but my kitten likes to roll it around on the table and knock it onto the floor. I'll try the rubber band - I'm sure it will work!!
#106
I fell for the Martelli rotary cutter at a show, then didn't try it for awhile. Big mistake, I should have opened it immediately! It is the best thing since sliced bread! I have arthritis, in hands, ankles and back, so I can't stand to do my cutting, this little gem cuts through my fabric like butter with NO pressure on my hands, in fact I have to remind myself that I don't have to hang on so tight, it works without a lot of force. I too love gadgets, but this on is on top of the heap!
#107
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Wasilla, Alaska
Posts: 252
can you try wrapping a rubber band or something similar around the handle so it doesn't roll? Just a thought. I have the Ginger one and it is ok for certain uses. the tip is too fat/wide to slide under the stitches easily. I also have the Havel one and like it very much. Very sharp and the tip is fine enough to pick out stitches easily.
Last edited by smurfsmom; 05-11-2013 at 03:54 PM.
#109
Have you tried the Clover Desk Needle Threader? It isn't perfect because it doesn't thread ALL needles (depends on the shape and size of eye) but it has made my hand quilting and appliqué experiences so much more pleasant! I could never get that little wire thing into the eye of my 11 betweens..... take a look. It's pricey, but I find it worth every penny.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_7bu4g8v5xi_e
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_7bu4g8v5xi_e
but you must remember to put the needle in first.
#110
I was frustrated with the "carpet cutting" blades from Harbor Freight that I was told I could use in my Olfa rotary cutter. Yikes... that didn't work at all! I was so excited to be saving that much money, but man they didn't cut a thing and where not "smooth" rotating. So... still buying the crazy expensive ones for now. I did order some cheap ones through a co-op...but as cheap as they were I'm worried they're like the Harbor Freight ones. We'll see!
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