I just started quilting this past year. I’ve tried it in the past, but gave up because no matter how meticulously I measured, I could never get the squares to match up in the end. Then my cousin introduced me to a rotary cutter and measuring board. I was amazed! Now I could quickly and easily cut accurate, and for the first time my squares matched up! I excitedly worked through my first quilt and am very proud of how it turned out. Then while into my second quilt I started noticing deep rivets in my cutting board. Also, my rotary cutter seemed dull so I changed the blade, even though it seemed like I shouldn’t have had to do that so soon. Now I’m cutting pieces for my third quilt and it’s awful! I have to go over with the cutter 5-6 times, maybe even more, to have it go all the way through the fabric (I do not layer my fabric).The board has so many rivets in it that the fabric gets stuck in them, particularly around the main corner, where straight line cuts have gone all the way through the board. I can’t even use that corner anymore, which is a pain since that’s where the numbering starts at "1". (It’s easier to count starting at "1". When I use the other corners I have to start at "23" and go backwards) Also, the screw that holds the blade in place keeps coming loose. Is it normal for my supplies to be breaking down already? I don’t know what’s going on with the rotary cutter. I thought the blades should last longer. I also thought the board would last longer. I obviously need to buy a new one. Shouldn’t they be more durable? The brand name is Quilting Mate. Is this a bad brand? What are some good brands that will last longer? I didn’t think a board would need to be replaced. Shouldn’t the board last indefinitely?
How to attach quilt borders; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video. Expert: Shelly Cordsen Bio: Shelly Cordsen has been sewing and crafting for years. She offers classes around the Southwest demonstrating many different advanced techniques. Filmmaker: Mike Phillips
How to use a sewing machine for sewing quilt binding; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video. Expert: Shelly Cordsen Bio: Shelly Cordsen has been sewing and crafting for years. She offers classes around the Southwest demonstrating many different advanced techniques. Filmmaker: Mike Phillips
How to cut quilting fabric when making a baby quilt; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video. Expert: Shelly Cordsen Bio: Shelly Cordsen has been sewing and crafting for years. She offers classes around the Southwest demonstrating many different advanced techniques. Filmmaker: Mike Phillips
Discussion explaining to people that they should stock up on craft supplies, sewing and quilting supplies so that they will have materials on hand to make their own clothes, blankets, household useful items. During the coming depression you are not going to be able to go out and buy many items. But if you have crafting supplies already on hand, then you can make your own items. Some items I would have on hand: Fabric (material) thread needles sewing machine batting scissors measuring tape or yard stick buttons elastic zippers snaps cutting mat rotary cutter bias tape ribbon yarn knitting needles glue glue sticks glue gun wood tools nails screws bolts paint stain pillow stuffing paint brushes crochet thread patterns for men, women and children in your family’s sizes iron or press If you folks have any other tips or items, please share them in the comments section
