luckylindy333

I was so amazed the first time I used a rotary cutter. I tried quilting in the sixties with scissors and cardboard templates. I don't know how people made quilts back before the rotary cutters were invented! And I love my pfaffs!

Johanna Fritz

I have the original Viking Designer that uses the "D" cards. What a great machine! At classes it seems to chug along while all the gals on the "B" machines (rhymes with "her-tina")seem to be fighting with theirs.

Johanna Fritz

I learned to quilt in 1992 with cardboard and templates with scissors. I guess that makes ME an idiot!

sarahrachel

Though I have a different machine, an old Bernina 830 which I love, I must say you are right. I had a walmart kiddie machine when I was about 10, and I used it a lot until I broke it. Let me just say, I've used 3 different Berninas, the new really expensive one that my aunt got (the thing is huge! and heavy!) and her new Bernina 830, then of course the old Bernina 830 she gave my mom for Christmas when she got her new one. Now I need to start saving some money so I can get one of my own.

But if I had to pick a gadget, I would have to say my thread cutters. Cuz regular scissors in my house are not sharp at all!

FQ Stash Queen

As far as gadget, I'd have to say my Gorham rotary cutter. Well worth the extra money.

Lesson: Measure twice, cut once!!

Rose L

Hahaha!

patchsamkim

I started quilting back in the 1970's...before rotary cutters were invented...and I remember when I got one and was so afraid of it that it sat in a drawer for over a year before I got the nerve to use it..but it really has revolutionized quilting...the other best thing would be the June Tailor Shapecut...cutting out a quilt is so much faster using this!

RkayD

Amen! When I stopped worrying about breaking all the "rules" and sewing for ME...I found so much joy & happiness in MY creations. I give 90% of what I do away. All I ask is that my quilts be loved and used. One day I may make a show piece but until then...Use them Up!

mmonohon

Starch. It has made a huge difference on my accuracy.

QuiltnLady1

My Elna Supra (now 35 years old) which had cams -- it and the Viking were the best machines the year I bought the Elna. I got 4 weeks of free lessons with the Elna and teh Viking offered none. It can still sew anything that fits under the presser foot. I made a lot of memories on that machine.