How to kill time?
 

I have been wanting to get more "creative" about making quilt tops. I'm not good at it... and I hate cutting!! I don't have money to buy pre-cuts or a die-cutting machine. I thought I would enjoy cutting with scissors, but not really sure how to do that and get accurate pieces. I have, in the past, drawn lines with a ruler, then cut, but there HAS to be a better way! I love deconstructing clothing to use (yeah, I know that's weird), but then I get stacks and piles and bags full of fabric that frustrate me, when I pull out my rotary!

What is a good way to relax and cut 2-inch squares during my lunch hour or while sitting around.. without carrying a load of supplies?! Just me, my fabric, and my scissors?

I use my rotary cutter and ruler - I don't use my scissors unless its cutting out applique - perhaps you could get a small cutting mat and use your rotary cutter - you could make yourself a special tote bag to keep your supplies with you.

My Mother-in-law used a square or pattern of the size she wanted cut from sandpaper. She made dozens of quilts hand pieced perfectly sewn together. Try it, you will like it. And, you will get better as you go.

They make small cutting mats, check in the paper crafting aisle. They also make small rulers. Press a couple pieces of deconstructed clothing (spritz with spray starch), like 2 or 3 shirt fronts. Then roll the fabric loosely. The fabric, rotary cutter, mat and ruler should all fit in a small tote.
If you really want to go with the scissors, a sandpaper pattern is the way to go. Cut the sandpaper with a pair of crummy scissors dedicated to this task or use a box cutter from the $1 store. You will ruin any blade you use to cut this stuff, but the template will not slip at all.
P.S. What is your avatar a picture of? Every time I see it I wonder...

I cannot cut accurate with sissors so I use rotary cutter

My suggestion is to get a June Tailor Shape Cut ruler. It makes cutting strips and blocks sooooo much easier and more accurate. For blocks, just cut the fabric into strips, then cut the strips into squares. Hobby Lobby has it online for $24.99. With a 40% off coupon, that would bring it down to about $15.


http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/...ate-qo-880989/

ok, I will try the sandpaper. It just so happens that I have some laying around! Thanks, everyone!

My avatar is my bunny rabbit, Buddy. He was so easy-going, that you could lay him on his back and "pose" him and he would just hold that pose. He just loved people! He'd come running up to you like a tiny dog and lick you and he'd jump around and tease the dogs... He was the best!!

Ashley

I worked in the computer room at a major aerospace company. I brought a small mat and rotary cutter along with fabric. I was sure security would give me a hard time, but I breezed right through. Saturdays were always a slow day doing backups. Hours and hours of sheer boredom with mounting a backup tape every 30 minutes!! So this helped pass the time. Good Luck and start those creative juices flowing.....

Personally I wouldn't even think of cutting fabric for quilts with a pair of scissors, usually it's my June Tailor Shape Cut ruler and rotary cutter.

when I make drunkard's path block, I trace and cut with scissors with no problems. But have you thought of doing applique??