As we head towards Christmas, I thought it would be a good time to share some of my favourite things with you so you can start dropping subtle (or not so subtle) hints to your loved ones about what you would like for Christmas. Over the coming weeks, I will share tools, books, notions, patterns and the fabrics which I like to use in my projects.
Let's start with rotary cutters. My favourite for everyday use is the 60mm Olfa rotary cutter. This is the one you will see on the counter, I use it when cutting fabric for customers and cutting strips for projects. As it is suitable for left and right handers, Steve can also use it right-handed by flipping it over. In the studio I use the 45mm Olfa rotary cutter for cutting shapes with various rulers and templates. I also love the True cut comfort cutter when cutting out with specialty rulers like the Quick Curve Ruler, Mini QCR and the new Wonder Curve Ruler. The True cut cutter is easy to set up for left or right handers, but mine stays as a lefty! Another great feature of the cutter is you can fit a guide next to the blade which works with the True Cut track and guide system on the True Cut rulers. A handy ruler if you have trouble keeping the cutter against the ruler when cutting.
Of course, you can't cut a straight line without a ruler and Matilda's Own rulers are my go-to ruler. The 6 1/2" x 24" is the most popular, followed closely by the 8 1/2" x 24". For cross cutting I generally use the 8" x 14" or any one of the square rulers, the 6" and the 10" squares are the most popular and the ones I use most in the studio.
Other specialty rulers you are likely to see me using include a 60 degree triangle, a fussy cutter, Kaleido ruler, Add a Quarter ruler, Quarter Plus ruler and the very handy 6" x 1" ruler to name a few. If you have watched any of my video demonstrations, seen my stand at a craft show or visited the shop, you have probably seen me with a ruler or template in my hands.
Lastly, a quality self healing cutting mat is essential when using a rotary cutter. The Olfa self healing cutting mat is exceptional quality, I first starting using the Olfa rotary cutter and mat when I was learning fashion design at TAFE about 30 years ago. We also use the Matilida's Own self healing cutting mats in the studio and our classroom.
If you are interested in any of the cutters or rulers I have mentioned today, you can find most of them in our online store here or ask us next time you visit the shop. Some rulers are not listed online due to their size making the postage more expensive than the ruler. Please call the shop on 03 5755 5118 to order over the phone and discuss shipping options of oversized products.
A great way to see many of the rulers and templates in action is to attend one of our Template & Ruler demo days. The next one to be held in store is Monday November 1, 2021. Join me for a cuppa and demo from 11am -1pm. Bookings are essential as density numbers in store apply. Book your place here
Next time I will share my favourite Embroidery supplies.
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