New seam ripper!!
 

As I was ripping seams yesterday, it occurred to me that I might want a new seam ripper....as in, maybe the one I was using wasn't as sharp as it used to be.

So, I bought a new one at Walmart this morning. Oh my.....ripping seams is never going to be high on my list, but it sure is easier to rip with a nice new sharp seam ripper.

I suppose everyone else already knows that, right? I am going to try to remember this, just like I try to remember to change my rotary cutter blade when it needs it. :)

The Bargello I am working on now just seems to need more companion time with my seam ripper....got to oblige. Here is a picture of where I am now, just in case you are interested.

Dina

I like Clover seam rippers, they are sharp and last a long time. I bought this one and it's great. No pokies and no cap to keep up with. I keep it in my class/retreat notion bag. https://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponline/notion/199180 Your quilt is very nice!

I used to like Clover but now my favorite is Havel's Ultra-Glide. You have to be
extra careful at first because the blade is extra sharp. It took me a while to
warm up to it but now it's my go to seam ripper.

http://www.havelssewing.com/seam-ripper-18933.html

Yeah, I have become quite good at using my best friend the seam ripper. Thinking of name it to be honest. after all , all best friends have names.

You quilt is amazing. I love the colors and the flow of the pattern.

Beautiful quilt and yes I agree, that the rippers get dull after a while.

I always wonder when I change a rotary blade why I didn't do it sooner. Sounds like the same goes for seam rippers. Thanks for the tip :) Great quilt too!

I might get one yet. usually just use my very small rotary cutter like Eleanor Burns does.

Even the cheap ones from Walmart are sharp at first.
bkay

Dina - your quilt is stunning - how many bargellos have you made now?

Thanks! I think this is about number 13. This one has been a bit more challenging than most....thus the extra use of my seam ripper. It is my own fault though, as I designed this one myself. I have designed a few in the past, but I made them up as I went. This one I used a free online Bargello program....and I have a LOT to learn about using the program.

What a good memory you have..to remember that Bargello quilts tend to fascinate me. :)

Dina

Thanks for the recommendations on good seam rippers. I will be checking them out.

Dina

I buy seam rippers in multiples. I always seem to drop them and my dog is right there to chew on it. I also keep seam rippers where I use them so I don't have to get it from my sewing room when I need to rip on the couch while I'm watching TV. Always forget where I last left it. :D

love your quilt. Have kit for one that I bought about 5 years ago. Just haven't gotten to it Hopefully soon

Love your Bargello.........love the colors. I love doing Bargello's as they are like putting puzzles together!! You mentioned a free bargello design program, do you have a link or name?

Dina, I'm loving your bargello quilt!! I love the "optical illusion" types of quilts, but alas! hubby does not - he says they mess with his eyes!! :D

I'm going to have to go to that Bargello website and play anyway!

I like the blue handled Ditz seam rippers--cheap so I can replace often, and I like that the handle is not round so it's rolling away and it's easy to hold (handle big enough too hold easily). Like several of you, I buy several at the same time and put all the places I need them--which is everywhere I sew!

Sure! Here it is. I have never used a design program before, and I am still learning a lot about it, but it has been fun.
Dina

http://www.dgp.toronto.edu/~mcoahran/BargelloSketcher/

beautiful quilt.........glad you got a new ripper

I haven't attempted a bargello (yet) but will be sure to have a new seam ripper on hand when I do. LOL

I call my Seam Ripper , Jack lol

What a beautiful bargello! You do stunning work, I am impressed.

[QUOTE=Onebyone;7759941]I like Clover seam rippers, they are sharp and last a long time. I bought this one and it's great. No pokies and no cap to keep up with. I keep it in my class/retreat notion bag. https://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponline/notion/199180 Your quilt is very nice!]

I'm thinking about buying one but would like to find a retractable seam ripper that has a hole in it to enable it to be hung around my neck. Anyone have one like that?

this is what I do. I have 8 seam rippers. One in each busy bag and with each sewing machine and the others are "somewhere" but I still reach for my 28 mm rotary cutter.

I've been sewing since I was a teenager in 4-H--more years than I care to admit! And it wasn't until just within the past year that I learned what that little 'wad' is for on the long end of a seam ripper. Leave the piece as is (not pressed open), insert the long end into the seam so the stitching is between the 2 sides of the ripper next to the cutting edge and away you go. That little 'wad' is for keeping the ripper right there in the stitching line and you can unsew in a lot shorter time. So far I've had no problem with it nipping the fabric but I'm careful, too. Sorry this isn't a better explanation of how to do it but that little piece of plastic on the one side of the ripper is there with a purpose in mind! (This idea has been around for a long time apparently, just like the tabs in the end of the aluminum foil box--didn't know it was there for a reason!)

I ripped a crib size quilt in less than 20 minutes with my 28 rotary.

Love the quilt! Love, love, love the clover tools!

I have a basket full of seam rippers and a basket full of scissors on my cutting table. I don't spend time looking for one for the one I 'just had in my hand and it's gone' anymore. I grab another one. They sure can disappear fast.

Your quilt top is lovely and well worth investing in a new seam ripper or rotary cutter blade. Keep up the good work.

Oops! Just went to my machine and found that the little bump thing is on the short end of the seam ripper. CORRECTION, CORRECTION!

Concerning the seam ripper's use, I tell my students that it is not a question of 'if' but 'when' you will use the seam ripper. I also tell them to remember to replace it. I had not even thought about replacing mine FOR YEARS when I heard Angela Wolfe talk about it in an alterations class. I bought a new one and could not believe how much easier it was to use! It is amazing how we skimp on the the simple things (cutter blades, needles, rippers) that would make our projects go so much faster and easier.

This is so beautiful already!

Love your work dina. I do replace my seam ripper ever so often. I have a few around here and there too. It makes it easy to grab them as you need them. This last christmas my secret santa sent me one that stands in a holder to cut the block chains quickly. It is pretty neat. The gal got it at the Huston Texas quilt show. I did almost stab myself in the face until I got used to it sitting on my desk. Those sewing rooms can be dangerous! LOL...

Your bargello is gorgeous, I have not made one yet, but plan to someday...I too just got a new ripper, the tip of mine just broke off, guess I was ripping to hard..:) I got another Fons/Porter....

I got one with a light, that even makes it easier, oh and it has a magnifying glass. It is great!!

I own lots of seam rippers, but must tell you this event from yesterday......I stitched on a quilt binding and then realized it was on the fabric too much, so started picking out the seam, turned the quilt over to the back side to pull off the bobbin thread, I had wound my bobbin with 100% polyester Glide thread because it is so strong, and then to my surprise when I pulled on the bobbin thread, it popped off very easily and no more stitch picking for me on this quilt - just have to be certain to make a good secure knot on the end.

Hmmm, I think I have one of those somewhere. I just barely remember using it. Got to go search for it. That could be really handy, and I don't think I have given it a chance! Thanks for mentioning it and jogging my memory!

Dina

I love your pattern and the colors. Bargello is one of my favorites because there are so many variations. Years ago Olfa made a razor seam ripper that was only about 3/8" wide and when the razor became dull you just broke it off and another razor was pushed up in place. I now buy mine at Home Depot or Lowe's and my latest one was made by Kobalt. They're much cheaper than the Olfa version and seam ripping is a breeze.

If you hold it so the little ball end is on the inside of the seam and the sharp point is on the outside and pointed little out (and the seam is not pressed) the ball will keep you from snagging the fabric and ripping it. Work on a flat surface and hold the end closest to you and you can "unsew" a seam very quickly. There are some fabrics that are don't play well--looser weaves can be a problem.

Your quilt is beautiful! Never thought of replacing a seam ripper either, but from the input on the Board, I am thinking of trying a Clover. Maybe I can get it at Joann's with a coupon next time :)

I really love your quilt. Your colors are so pleasing! I'm a pretty big fan of bargello and purples and teals. Thanks for sharing.