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Rotary cutters are one of the most essential tools for any quilter. They provide a fast, efficient way to quickly and accurately cut fabric into shapes, strips, and blocks that can then be pieced together in beautiful patterns. There are a number of tools available such as Accuquilt Machines with all of its specialty templates. However, the most economical and easy to find is a Rotary Cutter. An array of rotary cutters are available today, from ergonomic designs for comfort during cutting to ambidextrous styles flexible for righties or lefties no matter what hand they use. Each type has its unique features designed specifically to suit every quilter’s needs.


Ergonomic Cutting

An ergonomic cutter is important for quilters who spend long hours cutting fabric. Ergonomic cutters are designed to reduce wrist strain and fatigue, making them comfortable to use over extended periods. The Grace Company True Cut series rotary cutter is a crowd favorite. The handle is sloped and fits better in the hand of the user. It also features a channel in the cutter and ruler that allows the user to hook the cutter into place so you don't cut your finger off. On tik tok, the number one question I get asked is, "what is that rotary cutter is that?" when I use my Grace Company True Cut.


Use this amazing 10% OFF coupon at sewing parts online by clicking the link here http://shrsl.com/422cg AND selecting any of the Grace Company rotary cutting tools, sets, or rulers, then enter the coupon code SewExcited10 - you have to do both things for it to count!


Ambidextrous Cutting


Ambidextrous rotary cutters are a great option for both right and left-handed, as they provide the same level of comfort and convenience regardless of which hand is used. Teaching my youngest to cut, it never occurred to me that he would have a harder time since he is left-handed. Then I handed him the Quilters Select Rotary Cutter that I picked up at The Quilted Cow. He could cut with his left hand, and then I could use the same cutter to cut with my right hand. The design is wonderful. Quilters can easily use their dominant hand without making any adjustments or switching hands between cuts. This makes it much faster and easier to complete projects that require intricate patterns with multiple layers or small pieces.


One of the most challenging things when cutting is the pressure you have to apply. The Quilter Select Rotary cutter is heavy-weighted, so you don't need to press down as hard to make it work. Cheaper cutters often require you to press harder to achieve the desired result. My friend Jennifer, owner of the Quilted Cow, has all of her team use it, and they all told me that it has saved a lot of arm strain!



The Different Sizes


When it comes to rotary cutters, size matters. Depending on the project and how much fabric needs to be cut, the type of cutter used can make a huge difference in terms of accuracy and speed. There are several different sizes available on the market today, each with its own unique features that best suit certain cutting tasks.


The most common sizes for quilting projects are 28mm, 45mm, 60mm, and 75mm; however, there are other specialty sizes as well. The 28mm is small enough for intricate detail work such as corner cuts or tight curves while also being suitable for more general cutting tasks like straight lines or patchwork piecing. For larger pieces of fabric or when working with thick layers of material such as batting or multiple layers of cloth at once, a 45mm cutter may be better suited. This size has an increased amount of blade exposed, making it easier to slice through large swaths without applying too much pressure, which can cause uneven edges or misalignment issues later down the line.


For even larger jobs requiring precision cuts in high-traffic areas like borders around quilt blocks then you should consider using a 60 mm rotary cutter instead – this bigger model offers greater control over every slice so you won’t have any problems lining up your pieces correctly after they’ve been cut! Finally, if you need something even stronger for tough materials like leather, there’s always the 75 mm option – this powerful tool will get through almost anything. However, it can still provide accurate results due to its wide blade coverage area and adjustable depth setting feature, allowing users to customize their experience depending on their specific needs at any given time!


When deciding what size rotary cutter is right for you, consider both your current project requirements and future plans so that you don’t end up wasting money by buying unnecessary equipment now only to find yourself needing something else later down the road!


Conclusion


In conclusion, having the right cutting tools is essential for any quilting project to ensure you get professional-looking results every time. Rotary cutters are a great choice for fast and easy fabric slicing with improved accuracy compared to scissors or knives. Ambidextrous models provide maximum comfort regardless of which hand is used, while various sizes can accommodate different types of projects from detailed corner cuts to larger swaths of material. By taking into account your current needs as well as plans when selecting a cutter size, plus following simple maintenance steps like cleaning off blades after each use and storing them away safely, you can make sure that your rotary cutter will be in top condition no matter how much activity it sees! With these tips in mind, there’s no doubt that you’ll have the perfect tool at your disposal whenever a new sewing or quilting project pops up!

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Over the weekend, I went to my very first quilt retreat. It was a great experience except for one thing....the chair. The chairs were from the hotel...they were padded but stiff and straight. It was surprising how tired and sore I was! Maybe I am just soft in my advancing years, or maybe there is something to do with that chair!


A good chair is a game-changer for any crafter, sewist, or quilter! It provides support, comfort, and stability. This blog will help you think through some of the functions that you should look for when picking a great chair to sew, craft, or quilt in...and maybe help you pick one that will be awesome for your sewing needs!


While there are a number of chairs you can think about - everything from an office chair to a chair created specifically for sewists - this blog will focus on the Arrow Hydraulic Sewing Chair and the Koala Sew Comfortable Sewing Chair.


Here are some things to think about....


Back Support: A chair should provide you with back support that helps you maintain good posture and helps to reduce the amount of strain on your joints, muscles, and ligaments. Good back support works by allowing all the muscles in your body to remain relaxed instead of having them tense up due to poor posture or uncomfortable seating positions. It also encourages proper alignment of the spine, which can drastically reduce lower back pain such as sciatica or soreness caused by sitting for long periods at a desk or computer station.


One of the best qualities of the Arrow Sewing Chair is the lumbar support. It does not look like it would provide as much as it does, but it is amazing.

The Koala Chair has six adjustments, including how the back of the chair can be angled to support your back.


Comfort: For years, I sat in an office chair and struggled with comfort - especially how the chair hit the backs of my legs. I had lots of pain, and the doctor recommended changing my chair. He said where the chair hits your legs and the angle is super important to comfort and leg health...who knew!

Things to think about are foam or padding density, fabric or upholstery texture, and design. Also, think about adjustability.


The Arrow chair has a very simple design and is surprisingly comfortable. It does not angle up against the back of my legs and provides the necessary support.


The Koala Chair is highly regarded as extremely comfortable with adjustability with the entire seat back. (I haven't tried this myself, but I have read the reviews...sounds like a fan favorite.) The Koala chair has 6 variable adjustments to make sure it fits your comfort.


Height Adjustability: Height adjustment isn't just about how your legs fit under the table. Height adjustable chairs allow you to sit more ergonomically correct at your workstation. One of the reasons I love a height-adjustable chair is even though I look tall, when I sit, I am short....yep, I said that right. The height adjustment will allow you to raise and lower your seat so that your arms can sew properly without slouching or reaching.


Think about how easy it is to lift and lower - do you need to stand up to lift and lower?


An Arrow chair, like mine, is adjustable from 18" to 22" this is perfect for the Kangaroo sewing cabinet - which is what many of you have been watching me build on my Tik-Tok.


A Koala chair, is adjustable from 29" to 38" and is made to work with the Koala adjustable table.


Durability: Durability means how long it will last and how well it will last over that time. That can be anything from the chair's function to the chair's fabric.


Things to think about - casters are they high quality or plastic, warranty..warranty..warranty....


The Koala Chair offers an impressive 5-year warranty and even has a replacement cushion for both the back and the seat.


The Arrow chair only offers a 1-year warranty....


Design: Design isn't about ergonomics. It's about aesthetics. Your sewing space is personal, and your chair must also be. This is where the Arrow chair wins, hands down! The Arrow chair has several different fabrics, everything from sewing-themed to cats! You can't go wrong with the customization available in this chair.





Conclusion

I hope this has been helpful! Comment below on what chair you use and why you picked it!

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When you were dating….did you ever say he or she is just not my type? We all have type….especially when it comes to sewing machines. I love a good sewing machine…ok, so I love just about any sewing machine. Even though I love all sewing machines, I do have a type. I am partial to a mechanical sewing machine (Juki TL2010Q), but I also own a computerized sewing machine (Juki Dx7) which has some cool features. Sewing machines have been around for centuries and through the years everyone picks favorite features that make them “their type.”


Here is an easy way to figure out your type....


Do you like a black cup of coffee….little or no cream and maybe a package of sugar in the raw? You probably want a mechanical machine.


Do you grande part skim no foam caramel macchiato with extra whip cream? You probably want a computerized machine.

Just like a caramel macchiato with all sorts of options, a computerized machine has options, flexibilities, buttons, touch screens, and abilities out the wahzoo. A mechanical sewing machine is durable, dependable, and reliable with no muss or fuss.


Mechanical sewing machines are typically cheaper than their computerized counterparts, and while more durable they offer fewer features. At the same time, more expensive computerized sewing machines come with a variety of features that allow users to customize stitches, embroidery designs, and other settings. Both types of machines can help you craft garments, accessories, or even quilts; however, depending on the type of project you plan to undertake, one machine may suit your needs better than the other. This post will explore the pros and cons of each type so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a new machine.


Top 3 things to think about when you are considering a machine:


What is your budget?


Even though every machine can bring the priceless benefits of stress relief, gift creation, and clothes making. Some sewing machines are $100 ,and some sewing machines are $20,000. The right machine is probably someplace in between. A good beginner budget is somewhere between $250-$650.


Before you start shopping or you will think, just a little bit more….just a little bit more….and before you know it you are buying a $10,000 sewing machine.


What are you going to make with your machine?


If you want to piece a quilt, just about any machine will work. Seriously, a straight stitch is the most basic stitch and the fabric is generally cotton so any basic machine will work. However, as you start to sew craft projects, you may want to start looking into durability and fun stitches. You may want to add a button or a zipper or other types of hardware. Someday you may want to sew with a material other than cotton….yes, that was hard for me to type.


A good rule of thumb is that a mechanical machine will be more durable with bulky things. While they don’t offer the variety of stitches as a computerized machine, they are generally workhorses.


How much time do you want to spend learning about your machine?


That may sound like a weird question, but some people like to sit and sew. A computerized machine has a number of features, functions, and abilities. They are incredible. My Juki DX7 had nearly 300 stitches, and I could program the foot pedal with different capabilities like sniping the thread and back stitching. I will be honest, I only ever used 2 stitches….the straight and the zig-zag….but I could have done more.


Here are my top picks – check them out at Sewingpartsonline.com


Beginner Mechanical: BabyLock Zeal BL35B

Beginner Computerized: BabyLock Jubilant

Intermediate/ Advanced Mechanical: Juki TL2010Q

Intermediate Computerized: BabyLock Presto II

Intermediate/ Advanced Computerized: Juke DX7


No matter what you choose a sewing machine is an outstanding investment. It is a family heirloom and something you can pass on to your kids or grandkids.


What are some of the reasons you picked your machine?



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