I didn't mean to say I thought Shar was outdated. Just, I've seen so many new tools for half-square triangles, flying geese, etc. while watching Fons and Porter or Quilt in a Day. I guess they don't show Shar's videos on our public TV station. I will start watching them on YouTube right away! Thank you all for helping!

I used to do handquilting for Shar and I have to say I have never seen, before or since, such precisely pieced quilt tops. Astounding!

I've never used acrylic templates, although I've seen them. Do you use a rotary cutter with them or trace and cut scissors? Or something else?

thanks,
Charlotte

Although you could trace and cut with scissors, acrylic templates are usually used with a rotary cutter -- typically the smallest one, 28mm, which is easier to use accurately with templates than the more typical 45mm and 60mm cutters.

I just went through the stack of books and realized that this was all a very precise system. I think I should go to the first book and work through at least some of it before I try one of her big quilts. Something interesting to do in the New Year! I also have a number of the VHS tapes that go with the books - will have to get a VHS player in order to watch them!

Lucky you! This sounds like a fantastic purchase. I made my one and only (so far) log cabin quilt with her book and templates years ago. I would probably do it again that way because I like cutting the pieces to size. She's great! :-)

Thanks so much for the explanation, Prism99. I felt like a dunce asking it, but i truly didn't know.

hugs, charlotte

Cannot go wrong with her books and templates...she is one of the pioneers of templates.....bought them then, still use some now....rather use a " bought" template, than try to design my own...tried it, wasted time,energy, and fabric.....JMHO

Not using templates can really limit your block choices I would think ..try one, you may like it....

Just went to you tube and watched her DWR video...I think I have that set of templates....makes me want to make that my challenge for the new year, as I have always shied away from that pattern, but her thorough video has urged me on!