California sunset
01-06-2018, 02:05 PM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: So. California
Posts: 1,447
California sunset
This was my first quilt on my Simply Sixteen and as a first was a quilt of much learning - what to do and what not to do. I have been unable to attend a class at the dealer - yes I am a workaholic when not quilting. Watching you tube videos and videos from HQ I decided to practice and play.
Just need to bind it now..aghhhh I would rather be piecing or quilting with my new toy. Lol
has anyone used rulers? How did you find handling the ruler while handeling the handlebars on the machine?
thanks
Just need to bind it now..aghhhh I would rather be piecing or quilting with my new toy. Lol
has anyone used rulers? How did you find handling the ruler while handeling the handlebars on the machine?
thanks
01-06-2018, 04:16 PM
#4
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Pretty quilt. Because you said handlebars I am assuming you have a simply 16 that is mounted on a rack and not a sitdown sweet 16. You need to have a ruler base to do ruler work. At first it feels awkward to hold the ruler with one hand and only one hand on one of the handlebars. But after practice it becomes 2nd nature. I have taught myself to be able to move the machine right or left handed but because I am right handed it is more natural for me to hold the ruler with my left hand and guide the machine with my right.
01-06-2018, 06:57 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: So. California
Posts: 1,447
Pretty quilt. Because you said handlebars I am assuming you have a simply 16 that is mounted on a rack and not a sitdown sweet 16. You need to have a ruler base to do ruler work. At first it feels awkward to hold the ruler with one hand and only one hand on one of the handlebars. But after practice it becomes 2nd nature. I have taught myself to be able to move the machine right or left handed but because I am right handed it is more natural for me to hold the ruler with my left hand and guide the machine with my right.
Thanks
01-07-2018, 07:41 AM
#8
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
The ruler I use the most is my little straight ruler. It only measures approximately 2" x 6". It was made by Willow Leaf studios but they quit making them. It is easy to hold and keep straight, I think because it is smaller. I also have a larger straight ruler, made by HQ but I rarely use it because I find the size a little unwieldy. I think that one measures 3" x 12". I thought the longer length would be good because I wouldn't have to stop to reposition the ruler when doing long lines of straight quilting (like ditching sashing or a border) but I found I much prefer the smaller size so I never grab the HQ one. The other rulers I use the most are my arc rulers by the Quilted Pineapple. I asked for the complete set for Christmas year before last and Santa was good but I know I haven't used all of them yet. Since then she has come out with some really big oversized ones which I think would be good for doing a whole cloth or larger center medallion type motif.
I also have a complete set of circles ranging from 2" to 11" in 1" increments, but they quilt out at 1/2" bigger than all those sizes. I know there are many circle rulers out there that are made to allow for the foot and quilt out at the even size. There are times I wished I did have a circle that measured at say 5 1/2" diameter so it would quilt out a 6" circle. But for the most part I am happy with my circles. I think I use the smaller sizes much more than the larger ones. I hope to quilt a baptist fan design on a quilt and that is when my circle rulers will come in handy.
There are so many quilting rulers out there, it is easy to be overwhelmed and easy to overbuy too! I have a couple of rulers that I have never used, other than try them out. Like one that mimics a saw tooth border on one side and has clam shells on the other. Waste of money! First I am limited to only that size with the ruler. Second I find if I want to do clamshells and not free hand them I will use a little circle ruler and just move it for each clam. So beware of those specialty shapes.
Many rave about Jamie Wallen's rulers marketed under Quilters Apothecary. His have a little handle built into them. Some people love the rulers with the little notches for lining up for ditch work. I prefer my rulers to be plainer and simpler but that is me.
One thing I would make sure when shopping is to look for Rulers that are laser etched with markings in 1/4" increments and for a straight edge to also have a 45 degree angle etched into it as well. Make sure the marks are easy for you to see and read. Some rulers are colored some are clear so whatever is easiest on your eyes. Mine are all clear.
Have fun at Road!
I also have a complete set of circles ranging from 2" to 11" in 1" increments, but they quilt out at 1/2" bigger than all those sizes. I know there are many circle rulers out there that are made to allow for the foot and quilt out at the even size. There are times I wished I did have a circle that measured at say 5 1/2" diameter so it would quilt out a 6" circle. But for the most part I am happy with my circles. I think I use the smaller sizes much more than the larger ones. I hope to quilt a baptist fan design on a quilt and that is when my circle rulers will come in handy.
There are so many quilting rulers out there, it is easy to be overwhelmed and easy to overbuy too! I have a couple of rulers that I have never used, other than try them out. Like one that mimics a saw tooth border on one side and has clam shells on the other. Waste of money! First I am limited to only that size with the ruler. Second I find if I want to do clamshells and not free hand them I will use a little circle ruler and just move it for each clam. So beware of those specialty shapes.
Many rave about Jamie Wallen's rulers marketed under Quilters Apothecary. His have a little handle built into them. Some people love the rulers with the little notches for lining up for ditch work. I prefer my rulers to be plainer and simpler but that is me.
One thing I would make sure when shopping is to look for Rulers that are laser etched with markings in 1/4" increments and for a straight edge to also have a 45 degree angle etched into it as well. Make sure the marks are easy for you to see and read. Some rulers are colored some are clear so whatever is easiest on your eyes. Mine are all clear.
Have fun at Road!
01-07-2018, 08:37 AM
#10
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: So. California
Posts: 1,447
The ruler I use the most is my little straight ruler. It only measures approximately 2" x 6". It was made by Willow Leaf studios but they quit making them. It is easy to hold and keep straight, I think because it is smaller. I also have a larger straight ruler, made by HQ but I rarely use it because I find the size a little unwieldy. I think that one measures 3" x 12". I thought the longer length would be good because I wouldn't have to stop to reposition the ruler when doing long lines of straight quilting (like ditching sashing or a border) but I found I much prefer the smaller size so I never grab the HQ one. The other rulers I use the most are my arc rulers by the Quilted Pineapple. I asked for the complete set for Christmas year before last and Santa was good but I know I haven't used all of them yet. Since then she has come out with some really big oversized ones which I think would be good for doing a whole cloth or larger center medallion type motif.
I also have a complete set of circles ranging from 2" to 11" in 1" increments, but they quilt out at 1/2" bigger than all those sizes. I know there are many circle rulers out there that are made to allow for the foot and quilt out at the even size. There are times I wished I did have a circle that measured at say 5 1/2" diameter so it would quilt out a 6" circle. But for the most part I am happy with my circles. I think I use the smaller sizes much more than the larger ones. I hope to quilt a baptist fan design on a quilt and that is when my circle rulers will come in handy.
There are so many quilting rulers out there, it is easy to be overwhelmed and easy to overbuy too! I have a couple of rulers that I have never used, other than try them out. Like one that mimics a saw tooth border on one side and has clam shells on the other. Waste of money! First I am limited to only that size with the ruler. Second I find if I want to do clamshells and not free hand them I will use a little circle ruler and just move it for each clam. So beware of those specialty shapes.
Many rave about Jamie Wallen's rulers marketed under Quilters Apothecary. His have a little handle built into them. Some people love the rulers with the little notches for lining up for ditch work. I prefer my rulers to be plainer and simpler but that is me.
One thing I would make sure when shopping is to look for Rulers that are laser etched with markings in 1/4" increments and for a straight edge to also have a 45 degree angle etched into it as well. Make sure the marks are easy for you to see and read. Some rulers are colored some are clear so whatever is easiest on your eyes. Mine are all clear.
Have fun at Road!
I also have a complete set of circles ranging from 2" to 11" in 1" increments, but they quilt out at 1/2" bigger than all those sizes. I know there are many circle rulers out there that are made to allow for the foot and quilt out at the even size. There are times I wished I did have a circle that measured at say 5 1/2" diameter so it would quilt out a 6" circle. But for the most part I am happy with my circles. I think I use the smaller sizes much more than the larger ones. I hope to quilt a baptist fan design on a quilt and that is when my circle rulers will come in handy.
There are so many quilting rulers out there, it is easy to be overwhelmed and easy to overbuy too! I have a couple of rulers that I have never used, other than try them out. Like one that mimics a saw tooth border on one side and has clam shells on the other. Waste of money! First I am limited to only that size with the ruler. Second I find if I want to do clamshells and not free hand them I will use a little circle ruler and just move it for each clam. So beware of those specialty shapes.
Many rave about Jamie Wallen's rulers marketed under Quilters Apothecary. His have a little handle built into them. Some people love the rulers with the little notches for lining up for ditch work. I prefer my rulers to be plainer and simpler but that is me.
One thing I would make sure when shopping is to look for Rulers that are laser etched with markings in 1/4" increments and for a straight edge to also have a 45 degree angle etched into it as well. Make sure the marks are easy for you to see and read. Some rulers are colored some are clear so whatever is easiest on your eyes. Mine are all clear.
Have fun at Road!
thank- you so much for an informative review of rulers! I will use your recommendations when perusing the vendors at the show.
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