Rotary Cutting

Whew! I have been using my rotary cutter on the placemat project. It really does take a lot of work to cut a straight line. However, I'm bummed. I thought that I had purchased enough fabric to make 6 placemats and a table runner, but there isn't enough fabric. I was able to cut out 4 placemats and the front of the table runner. I'm still cutting out the fabric for the shamrocks, but I have lots of the dark green fabric. In fact, more than I need. So, I will be using the dark green for the back of the table runner. So officially, the fabric has been cut out. Next, I will tackle the cotton batting and interfacing. I think that sewing of this project should be fairly quick and easy. I hope so.

Since I've been using the rotary cutter and cutting mat a lot the last few days, I realized that I my Salem cutting mat is not in very good condition. It is the only cutting mat that I have ever owned and it has been used a lot. The size is approximately 24" x 18". I have found a company that carries the Salem mats but I'm not sure what size to purchase. Any size suggestions?

I've been looking at the Sew Easy Ruler Cutter as a replacement for both the ruler and rotary cutter. There is much less chance of hitting a finger with a blade with this cutter. Has anyone used one of these? I would love to hear about your experiences.

Happy Sewing!

Moving along slowly...

Yes, I have been working the fabric for the placemats/table runner. The fabric has been washed and pressed. In reading through the directions, it stated to use misty fuse. I have never used this particular product. So, off the nearest quilting store. They didn't have misty fuse either but they did suggest steam a seam 2. So, I purchased a 1/2 yard and looked around a little bit. Low and behold, I found my favorite sewing notion - Wonder Tape by Collins. I felt a little bit greedy in that I picked up 4 packages for my notions stash. I can't believe that this has been discontinued. If you have been looking for this notion, may be you will find it at your local quilting store also.

Tonight, I plan on cutting out the placemats, table runner, and ironing the interfacing onto the fabric for the shamrocks. DH is out of town so I will not have a lot to do tonight. So, I'm going to be productive and work on this project. I have decided that I will use my featherweight to sew everything together. My various machines need to be used from time to time and this will be a very good project to use that machine for.

Ok, I'm off to get the rotary cutter going. It should make quick work of cutting out the base fabric for the placemats and table runner.