Quilting Notions You Don't Like or Use
 

Inspired by a previous thread about favorite non-quilting supplies, I wonder about people's thoughts on notions and supplies specifically designed for quilting that you purchased but either don't like or haven't ended up using as you planned.. In a way, I want to learn what NOT to buy. (I hope this is not offensive to anyone. That is NOT my intention). Maybe you ended up using it in another way or it is sitting in a drawer somewhere.Either way, I would like to hear all about it.
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The Tucker Trimmer - every time I get it out, I have to look up how to use it, so I put it away again.
The twister ruler - used a couple of times and then given away
Other specialty rulers too numerous to mention.

Without going thru all of them to name them, I have to agree with this. I have a storage box full of either unused rulers and/or some that had books with a pattern to use it for.

I had almost forgotten the craze over the twister until just recently when I wanted something quick for a Christmas wall hanging for my granddaughter's new, very tiny apartment. I used the twister for a Christmas wreath. It's been awhile!! But here's the reminder to NOT mix up those pieces. The secret behind twister it to keep them in order. Twister makes a great wreath!

Interesting. I LOVE the Tucker Trimmer. I use it all the time along with her other rulers. I rewrite patterns to use her tools. I like oversized blocks that you cut down. More precise.

I’m with you - love my Deb Tucker rulers. However there are many specialty rulers that I have bought and never used.

The June Tailor shape cut ruler? mat? The plastic thingy with slots for your rotary cutter. My friend thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread. I'm glad I bought mine on sale because I have used it twice. The first time I miss cut so many strips that I had to change the pattern. The second time I guess I got too much speed going because I almost slit thru the plastic edge. I usually use a ruler and a piece of masking tape (and a role of masking tape costs a whole pile less than that June Tailor thingy)

I too like the Tucker Trimmer! Just goes to show, different strokes for different folks.

The flat square rotating mat is one I don't like. It never stays together and awkward to spin. I love the Martelli Roundabout one.

The Spider Ruler from Creative Grids that is supposed to make the Crazy Christmas Tree pattern and others. I have never been able to figure that thing out. I rarely buy specialty rulers and this just showed me why once again.

Watson

There several very good video how to use this ruler on youtube. Before I buy a speciality ruler I always watch a video how it's used first.

I used mine when I first started making quilts but after awhile I felt like I somehow was less accurate using it and put it away.

The Flynn Frame for quilting your quilts on a domestic machine. I used it once, but found it much easier to just "puddle" my quilts when quilting on my domestic.

Rob

I bought this tool, it was a glider to glide your quilt through your DSM when quilting. A big waste it was. I could never get it to move along as advertised. Another thing I bought was a Flynn Frame another useless item and a costly one at that.

I loved the John Flynn frame and used it to quilt many large crib quilts. I kept trying and one day it was oh this is how it's done and it was smooth as silk afterwards. I think most get frustrated after a couple times tying to use it and give up. I wouldn't use it for a big quilt but for smaller donation quilts it's great.

I've had to look up almost all the devices mentioned. (I'm new to quilting) some of the rulers look like they could be handy to have around. I hesitate to purchase any specialty ruler, concerned i might not use it and it would all be a waste of money. I think as i gain more experience i might be more interested in some of the specialty rulers but for now, I should probably stick to learning how to cut things using a standard ruler first. Do y'all think that is prudent? What was it that drew you to purchase some of these rulers? Just curious.

That said, several years ago, at a sewing and quilting expo, I purchased a Creative Grids slotted ruler. I really like it. So far. 0:) all I've used it for us strips but it does do that very well. Haha

Right off the top of my head I can't come up with anything but what bugs me is forgetting what I have. Then again I'm also not the most organized person in the world.https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png

​​​i can relate! I forget what the heck i have all the tme. It's the main reason I like see-through containers or having things visible in some form or fashion. I do try to stay organized, but it gets complicated some times with space issues, etc.

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Hi beckyboo. What was it you stopped using? The June Tailor thing or the slotted ruler?

I watched a video on the twisted ruler
​​It looked like it could be handy. I saw a wreath using it and it was very cute. Do you have a pic of yours?

GingerK, what mat are you referring to?

I have a couple of rulers that seem to be seldom used and pricey. And of course, like many, my quilting tastes have evolved so there's plenty of pattern books that I give away.

I am interested in getting a rotating mat. I will check out the Martelli one. What was the other one you mentioned? I don't want to get a worthless one in the name of saving a couple bucks. 😊

I bought the binder tool. Never used it.

I bought one (binder tool) too, and always had to look at the directions to use it...admittedly I am left/right challenged. I've heard some use it as a template for quilt pieces, i.e. pioneer braid strips.

I also got rid of my rotating mat; i don't remember the brand, but it was square and green. The corners and center were not well supported, so almost any cut ended up wavy. Ugh!

I agree, it was either bad design or bad execution. Good idea, though. I'd be interested in checking out the Martelli version.

The pressing stick, I think it's called The Strip Stick, is the item I spent money on and never used. It's sitting in a drawer somewhere.

I bought it read instructions and never used

Oh yeah, I retired my square rotating mat too. I bought a Matilda and love it. It was really cheap on Craftsy a few years back. Love it.
The square was a pain.

Sharon, I ordered some see-through containers the other day. I must get better organized. And my room seems to be shrinking haha. Maybe better organization will help.

My best tip is to tape a card or post a note with contents of container to an end of the container for at a glance searching. I have various sizes and styles of containers so not all coordinated.

That is a good tip- thanks! I should be getting them today.

There are several square rotating mats available to buy the Martelli Roundabout is the best I have used. I found mine on sale a few years ago. I would pay full price though if I had to replace it for any reason. Martelli has a big sale every so often so keep up with that.

I got rid of the purple gel pillow thing that sewers sit on. It's supposed to relieve fatigue and back strain. All it did was give fanny fatigue.

I also like my Martelli rotating set up. Cut mat and iron pad. And yesterday I saw they came out with a 10” set up. Much better size to sit next to machine for easy iron or square!

I do have some specialty rulers that may never get used!

I purchase a lot of little snip scissors and cast them aside fast. Cant seem to find a pair that fits me and cuts!

hi Fizzle. I too purchased more than a few snips that are worthless. I found these at a sewing, quilting show and they are awesome!

https://www.amazon.com/Unique-Edge-T...6491799&sr=8-8

Fanny fatigue? Haha too funny. I have one that I use on my chair at my home desk. I like it mainly because the chair is too hard. I had two hip replacement surgeries last year and find any fanny surface that is too hard bothers me after awhile. At work my chair is a little too hard and since I sit for much longer periods of time than at my desk at home, I use a memory foam cushion. It also works really well for me.

After reading all the comments about the rotating mat, it seem the square ones aren't as good as the round ones. I looked at some on Amazon and can see that unless the mat is lined up with the base, it won't support the corner. I also see where the Martelli one has a replaceable mat. So even though it is more costly investment in the front end, it would be better in the long run. I'll have to watch for sales.

I like the Gypsy Sit Upon cushion. It's squishy and firm. It helps me keep balance on both 'cheeks'.

Thanks! I'll have to check that out.