Of thread and rotary blades....
 

Alright, I have a conundrum for those more experienced quilters out there.

I am in dire need of both thread and replacement rotary blades (once you go rotary, you never... um... insert something clever involving not going back to scissors??).

MY QUESTIONS: (Keep in mind, Jo-Ann's is having 50% off all thread and 40% off rotary blades starting sunday)

What is the best 'value' thread? I have been using hand-me-down thread that apparently isn't even made any more (surprised me, it's still stronger than the cheap stuff! Sews fine, no breakage!) It's called "Spun Dee - the Anything Thread". It's on a wooden spool, and has a price of 39 cents on the label!! Geeze... I guess they really DON'T make things like they used to... I wish I could find more of this stuff!

Is there an equivilant? I can't spend a ton on 'fancy' thread, I just want something that will sew and not break or jam my machine. I do like Guntermann, but it's the only other kind I've ventured to try... Recommendations are appreciated!

On to the blades!!

I have a Fiskars 45mm cutter, and it needs a blade. It was dull, and I tried to sharpen it. I FAILED, now it won't cut at all. :(

Should I buy a bunch of blades while they're on sale? Or should I buy a few and invest in a blade sharpener? I'm just not sure if they are worth the money? Reviews??


OK, That's it for now. I'm trying desperately to hold onto my newfound hobby in light of my job loss... but now I'm on a tighter budget than ever...

Gutermann thread is fine. Stay away from Sulky cotton as it has a short shelf life and breaks easily. Poly threads will last longer, but remember that thread needs to be kept out of the sun light. Egyptian cottons are good. Stay away from Coats and CLark. I really like my blade sharpener. I think I have a True Sharp. It does 3 different sizes of blades. It is an investment. The first one on this link is a good deal and no shipping cost: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=new

I like the thread from Connecting thread and it is fairly reasonable, I buy most of my blades from Ebay, they usually have cheaper costs and are the same as you find in the store. Haven't tried the sharpener but not very good with my hands and afraid to trust myself on something new.

If you want reasonable good thread, I think connecting threads is still having their sale. Their thread is nice. You can use gutterman, even coats and clarks from walmart is fine. I have never had a problem with coats. I had some about 10 years old I just used last year, and it was still good.

A lot of us have purchased rotary blades from Harbor Freight. They're meant for carpet cutting but fit the major rotary cutters. I've been happy with mine, but some people have had problems. (Harbor Freight reportedly will replace or refund if you're not happy.) If money is tight, you might try their blades - much, MUCH cheaper than anywhere else. I have heard more bad reports than good ones on rotary cutter sharpeners. Usually when my blades go bad it's because I ran over something I shouldn't have and caused a nick in the blade. Sharpeners don't help with that.

I use primarily Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP. Worked for my mother and my great aunt works from me! It is a poly covered poly thread. I have found the other Coats & Clark threads to be very linty but don't have that problem with the Dual Duty XP

Why do you say to stay away from Coats & Clark?

Connecting thread is great quality and price! Cant give advice on blades. Need some myself.

Connecting Thread is great for quality/price. That's all I use.
I bought my blades from Harbor Freight. They are cheap therefore I can afford
to change blade more often. Makes my cutting mat and my hands happy.
I can buy a lot of new blades from HF for the price of a blade sharpener.