One Quilter’s Favorite Gadget
November 28, 2005 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Home & Living
I asked my daughter what her favorite quilting gadget was. Beth pondered awhile. Then remarked, I guess Id have to say the rotary cutter.
She explained that this gadget for cutting strips, geometrics, floral, and other shapes saves so much time. Also, in addition to the straight edge blades, you can use scalloped, deckled, and other shapes.
These latter actually were made originally for scrapbooks or memory books. However, they work well with fabric, too.
When I began my home quilting business, during the United States Bicentennial Years, 1975 & 1976, most of us didnt know about rotary cutters, so cut everything with scissors. When a fabric shop owner showed me how she could cut through many layers of fabric accurately using a rotary cutter, I was delighted with this discovery.
Nowadays, most quilters wouldnt be without their rotary cutters. Many, like my daughter, might consider them their favorite gadget.
What is your favorite quilting gadget?
©2005
(If you have questions or suggestions, e-mail me: me.allen@juno.com. Type quilt blog into the subject line.)
I have two – well actually more than two – but I love buying scissors – always trying to find that one pair that will be “just right”. The of course, rotary blades – I love the new colors that are coming out. Olfa has finally gotten away from the yellow, BUT has kept the quality. Its great.