onaemtnest

Yvonne post #44 You reminded me of something I absolutely would quit quilting if I didn't have, my Horn sewing table which has a drop sewing machine insert table, so the machine and extension units are all level. I purchased the Horn system when I was still working as they are expensive. I also purchased extension tables and storage units for threads, multiple drawers which keep essentials right at hand. My husband is quick to tell anyone, that the most expensive room in our home is my sewing room. However he is my enabler and great husband for the past 51 years. :0)

petthefabric

1. Stiletto
2. Koi scissors
3. A second iron & small ironing pad dedicated to fusing. I semi-permanently cover the whole ironing pad with parchment
4. A second Brother Nouville 1500S.
5. Aurifil thread 50wt in almost all of the colors
6. Design wall

A fellow quilter wanted a rottary cutting matt. Gave her mine. It was a total waste to me.

Sephie

I've seen this mentioned a couple times and I just wanted to throw my two cents in there:

Yes! If the rectangular Stripology was just a tiny bit taller, it would be perfect on the first try. However! However, after figuring out what was happening, I think I've got my method worked out to fix it. I love this ruler. It makes me so happy to use it.

The first couple times I used it, I wasn't able to cut all the way through the top of the strip and had to finish it off after I moved the ruler. That was super frustrating, and I kept thinking: did I waste my money?? Here's the thing though: the ruler has marks from 1-14 inches vertically, but that's including space outside of the usable cutting area so I do think that is a little disingenuous on their part. You really truly have a little over 11in of true cutting space in the slot.

However, I think the longest WOF is 44in? So folded in half is 22, then folded in half again is 11in. Once I figured out that I can't double fold it if the first fold (coming off the bolt) is ridiculous lopsided, I haven't had a problem again. The selvages need to be close to matching - it doesn't have to be perfectly matched unless you're cutting something that is greater than 44in. I don't actually line my fabric up on the inch marker at the bottom of the cutting slot either. Creative Grids provides lots of markings on the ruler, so I use the top of the black little 1/4in dashes in between the slots when I'm cutting a piece that is a full WOF. I could use the 2in line if I really needed to and still have plenty of room at the top. Normally, I use a 45mm cutter and that has been fine.

I think if you were really tight on space, you could use a smaller cutter and get more cutting space in the slot.
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Prism99

Thanks, Sephie. That's really helpful.

I still don't like this ruler, though. For one thing, I prefer a 60mm cutter for cutting strips. Secondly, I hate not being able to use the fold that comes off the bolt; it is extra work to refold, and I am usually working with yards of fabric which makes for lots of refolding. Finally, some of my fabric is actually 45".

When the strips are 2.5" wide, I vastly prefer my June Tailor Shape Cut Pro which allows me to cut strips from the fold off the bolt and is so tall I do not need to make a second fold at all. For other strip widths, I will choose the June Tailor Shape Cut Plus every time over the original Stripology rectangular ruler -- because the slots are long enough to cleanly cut both ends even when I use the fold off the bolt and my 60mm cutter, and even when the fabric is a little more than 44" wide.

SusieQOH

Prism, I got the wrong one
Darn!!!
And the thing is, it's more costly than the square! But thanks, Sephie, for your hint. I'll remember that.
And a really funny thing happened the other day right after I ordered the glue- I'm cutting away and I looked up on my peg board and there was a brand new bottle in the package! hahaha!!!!
This madness has to end

Sephie

Prism, I use the fabric as it comes off the bolt as well, unless it's really wonky. I really haven't had a problem with it since the first couple times I've used it. I don't use the 60mm cutter though When I started quilting, I only had a 45 and that's still all I use! I can see how the 60mm would take much more cutting space. Yay math.

I originally went with the Stripology over the JT because so many people said the JT was too thin. I love the thickness, sturdiness, of the Stripology. Never used the JT, so I guess to each their own.

Susie, I hope you love it! I love mine and I don't regret a single bit of the money spent on it. It makes cutting FUN!

Prism99

You know, there is one more item I want to mention. Although it's not very extravagant, I am absolutely *loving* the General Sketch and Wash pencils that someone on the board recommended awhile ago:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Y2MD16/

I keep one out now because I am using it all the time. Right now I am using it to mark the halves and quarters for my current quilt's multiple borders (much better than using straight pins). I also used it to draw lines when piecing the borders. This is really a nice pencil! I can press lightly and get a light mark, or I can press a little more heavily and get a really dark mark. And the best thing is, the marks will all wash out!

This is *so* much better than a regular pencil. I plan to use it to mark quilting lines on light fabrics. This pencil, along with sharpened chalk (for dark fabrics), are all I will need for marking quilting lines, I think.

I wish I could remember who recommended this pencil. Whoever it was, thank you!!!

SusieQOH

Prism, there you go again!!!!!!! hahahaha!!!
But I need to check it out.

Thanks Sephie!!!

hray

My first embroidery-capable machine was a Viking Rose and I used it a bit, but the 4x4” hoop was a limitation, as was the difficulty of getting designs onto it (or the expense of buying dedicated design cards.) When the Rose died and I replaced it with a Brother VQ3000 (high end machine but no embroidery) I found I sort of missed embroidery function but was glad I hadn’t spent several thousand more $ for the high end embroidery capability. Instead, I bought a Brother DZ820E which will use a 5x7” hoop and a USB drive, and find I use it frequently—great for decorating sweatshirts and making quilt labels.

I prefer piecing to appliqué, so being able to make designs (I did 20 “Flowers of Faith” for a quilt for my best friend) that I can then just piece into the blocks is another use!

hray

I went to look at those, and found it even cheaper here (free shipping): https://www.officesupply.com/craft-s...caAgFxEALw_wcB