Thursday 6 July 2017

New equipment

Hello. I've been a little bit spendy today. I usually get on well with cutting fabric with scissors, but I am finding that I am not always as accurate as I need to be, especially with smaller pieces. So it's about time I got a cutting mat and a wheel, so here we are. I've given it a try and I am pleased with the results. I now have an urge to make something patchworkish. 
I also bought this paper cutter. I have had one for years but a few months back it broke and the blade kept getting stuck. Probably my fault as I tried to force too many sheets through it. I will look after this one.

Thought I would show you this pair of scissors. They are not new, but were given to me not long ago. They are very big and heavy, and cut fabric like a dream. Especially good for cutting out shopping bags and cushions, with the fabric laid out on the floor. 
And then there were four skinny dollies. Think I am getting the hang of this now. 
We've just has a massive thunderstorm and downpour. The road turned into a river. Mayze came rushing in as she was caught outside in it. One wet cat on my desk. Don't think I'll bother going out tonight.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

15 comments:

  1. If the new equipment helps make your crafting easier, it's money well spent, love your dollies especially the hair.x

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  2. The shears are taylor scissors. I had a stitching teacher bring a pair to class once and told us about them. I had never seen any scissors so big! I love my cutting mat and cutting wheel. Saves so much time and saves my hands from using scissors all the time.

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  3. I cannot wait to see what you make next with your new equipment, and the dollies look great.

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  4. Pleased about your new crafting equipment. Can I just say that I will be pleased for a thunderstorm to 'clear' the air, it has been so muggy and at night difficult to sleep. Never satisfied with the weather 'it's too cold, too windy, too hot etc', but really mustn't complain with the English weather compared to other countries. Amanda

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  5. I love your rotary cutter I'd love one. Great for cutting patchwork stuff.

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  6. Love my rotary cutters and mats. A word of caution though always put the safety on when laying it down because it will cut all kinds of unintended things up to and including yourself. Did you get a ruler to go with it? Those are invaluable at helping you make clean straight cuts. The 24" by 5" are universal but the smaller ones work well for making a lot of smaller cuts.

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  7. Hi, Ilona. Congrats on your new stuff. As a long-time patchworker and fabric cutter, I beg you to please also buy and use a STURDY (thick) see-through ruler or biggish square or rectangle to complete your new equipment of cutting mat and rotary cutter. It will save you some nasty cutting injuries, I promise. YouTube agrees with me. All the best, as always. Elaine

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  8. Ilona, considering the fabulous things you create out of found material- some of which you sell to raise money for causes near to your heart - these items are simply capital equipment investments. No doubt you will get many years of use and enjoyment from them. Great idea!

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  9. Hi Ilona,
    Thanks so much for the postings the last few days. Here in Arizona it has been beastly hot, most folks stay indoors after midday....so I have enjoyed seeing the photos of your garden tour and hearing about the rain. ;). A cheap vacation to see England through your camera lens.

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  10. Working with good quality tools (not necessarily new) makes all the difference in my view. Love the dollies! I have been rummaging through the scrap bag and hope to have a go at making a dolly (if and when I get a day off). Hugs from Barbara (Canada)

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  11. You will love working with your new equipment I always say right tools fir the job makes it so much easier. I agree with the ladies who mentioned the rulers they are Indespicable can be a bit pricey. Try The Qiilted Bear make sure your ruleris are compatible with your mat it does make life easier. Good luck and I look forward to seeing what you produce. I love patchwork. Have a good weekend it's another scorcher here at Heathrow. Hazel c uk

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  12. Hi Ilona, Glad you treated yourself to some new craft tools, especially since you enjoy sewing and crating as much as you do. Makes all the difference when you have the right tools for the job. I think you'll find you use the rotary mat and cutter a lot. Did you get an acrylic ruler to use with it? They really work great together. Haven't seen tailor's scissors in a long time. You were lucky to acquire a pair. They can cut through multi-layers of heavy fabric, though they are not used today commercially and have been replaced by electric fabric saws.

    It's raining here today also, but it's good for the garden so I don't mind at all :)

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  13. I bought a wheel years ago and cut my hand badly when it slipped. I gave it to a charity shop and use scissors now

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  14. Ilona where did you get that white mat from? I have been looking for one for ages, I find the usual green ones a problem when I am cutting green fabric.

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    1. Hi. I got it from The Range. It was £9.99. It is A3 size.

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