I have no idea why, but I'm so intimidated by cutting my fabric! any ideas as to how to overcome my fears! My wonderful MIL has cut all my fabrics and even though I watch very closely I get home and just avoid it all together. Help me! :cry:

Next time let her coach you as you cut to help you build your confidence by watching you as you do it, and catch it if it's wrong .... before the slice happens.

Wrong cuts happen to the best of us ... and some great creativity and results can come from it!

Get some cheap fabic...go to goodwill or a second hand store to get it, and get after it! Cut, slice, dice, mess up, do it perfect, and practice!! :) I have faith in you...I KNOW you can do it, you just need faith in yourself! ;)

Are you rotary cutting? Are you afraid of using the cutter, or of making a mistake with the fabric? If so you might practice on an old sheet until you feel proficient. Force yourself to cut it as if it were expensive cotton. Practice cutting strips, squares, angles, etc. until you feel that you're good at it, and then tackle your fabric.

Thank you very much I wish I had more faith in myself! :D

I learn by doing. The best advise I got was "it's not brain surgery. It's only fabric". As others have said practice on cheap or old fabric. Then take on a small project. Just do it!!!:):):) And have FUN!

Practice will give it to you! Dunster suggested an old sheet...or that cheap fabric... Get to cuttin' Girl!!

When I'm afraid to do something I know I need to learn to do, I just say to myself, "Here goes nothing!" and then I just dive in! It's like learning to ride a bike...once you've learned how, you'll wonder why you were afraid. You'll be doing "wheelies" in no time!!

Much truth here, and great advice. I find that if I'm lucky enough to buy something at a fantastic price, or given some fabric from someone, it is much easier to cut into.

I think that's one of the reasons we are quilters - we don't like waste... so use that to your advantage. If you mess up save the piece and use it for something else.

You are intimidated because like us, you don't want to ruin a great piece of fabric BUT like us, you need to face your fear and get cutting.

If you can have your MIL coach you, she can watch to see that you are cutting correctly and safely. Maybe you could start with a small project first. Like anything, a little practice goes a long way.

Also, sometimes LQS's have classes about How to Use Your Rotary Cutter. Quite often they are free.

http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc...34111112701.f3

Lastly, if you are concerned that your ruler might slip, giving you a wonky cut, back your ruler with Omnigrid InvisiGrip. This is the best product!!! It really keeps your ruler from slipping. I really wish this was available when I was new to rotary cutting.