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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 03-10-2005, 06:06 PM (1 of 12)
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I am wanting to start doing some quilting and was wondering what size mat I should buy???.....how about brands of rotary cutters?? I'm sure this is a preference thing but I want to start out on the right foot! Advise please~~~ mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: Hogmami
Date: 03-10-2005, 06:14 PM (2 of 12)
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I have two mats. A 36 inch and an 18 inch. I also have a Fiskars and an olfa rotary cutter. I guess its kind of what ever fixs your cutting area.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: Debby215
Date: 03-10-2005, 09:09 PM (3 of 12)
I had a 36 inch mat given to me by my dear MIL, but it became warped from the way I stored it, since I don't have an official sewing room for now. I did get an 18 inch one, that suits me fine. I have a Fiskars rotary cutter 45 mm. and I love it. I haven't ever tried Olfa, do they work about the same? Actually I accidentally misplace my cutter, put it up when the grands came over and then couldnt' find it....I  SO I had to make an emergency trip to get another. Don't you know the next evening I found it...oh well 2 cutters are better than NONE.... 
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
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From: postcardgirl
Date: 03-10-2005, 09:25 PM (4 of 12)
| as an aside, I think JoAnn's has a sale on Fiskars cutting mats/rotary cutter sets - that's what I have - 24" mat with a 45mm cutter. |
User: postcardgirl
Member since: 05-01-2001 Total posts: 367 
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From: Joe_L
Date: 03-10-2005, 09:30 PM (5 of 12)
I really need to invest in a rotary cutter. Grandma says they're the best thing since...maybe they sliced the bread with it? lol Unless someone has a cure for trying to make quilts by cutting ALL the squares with hand scissors?? 
There's no such thing as stupid mistakes...it's only stupid if it's repeated.
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User: Joe_L
Member since: 03-09-2005 Total posts: 7 
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 03-10-2005, 10:04 PM (6 of 12)
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Yes PCG~That is on sale at JoAnns plus they have free shipping for this month on purchased over $25.00!~! The item I'm looking at is $22.49 so just a few more bucks and I will get free shipping! Sure wish I had a local JoAnns here! Thanks for the info! What is the best way to store these so they won't warp??  mgf~
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288
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From: Hogmami
Date: 03-10-2005, 10:31 PM (7 of 12)
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I leave mind flat on the cutting table.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800
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From: Susy
Date: 03-11-2005, 12:00 AM (8 of 12)
| I have the large 36 inch mat and a 24 inch and I think the 24 is all that is needed. They should be stored flat or if you want to hang it to store, just buy a couple of office (bull clips) and hang it. I don't have one but the Olfa rotary cutter that automatically slips the guard back in place is best, if you are kind of sloppy about pushing the protective guard back (dangerous little implements). |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
From: esrun3
Date: 03-11-2005, 12:14 AM (9 of 12)
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I have a 24 inch mat and 45 mm rotary cutter-think it's fiskars. I hang my mat on the wall along with my rulers and keep my rotary cutter in a basket. Be sure to close your cutter when you aren't using it-it's very sharp and I've cut myself more than once just in moving fabric around on the table because I didn't close it when I was finished with a cut.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: paula1725
Date: 03-26-2005, 05:55 PM (10 of 12)
 I am left handed and have found that the olfa cutter is the only one I can cut with either hand.
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User: paula1725
Member since: 03-26-2005 Total posts: 8 
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From: JoanieB
Date: 03-26-2005, 08:49 PM (11 of 12)
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Paula I too am left handed, I use the self retracting Olfa 45mm. I also have a 28mm Fiskars, but I switched the blade to the other side so I can use it with my left hand. I also have recently been given a left handed pair of Gingher scissors. I have a 24" and a 18" mat. The 18" mat is a good size to take to classes. JoanieB |
User: JoanieB
Member since: 01-28-2005 Total posts: 68 |
From: Julia's Nana
Date: 03-27-2005, 06:35 AM (12 of 12)
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The first cutter I bought was a Fiskers in a set with a 18 inch mat. I love the 18 inch mat because it fits on my ironing board if space is limited. I now have a Olfa and a 36 inch mat and I really perfer the Olfa. For some reason it just seems to work smoother. Whatever cutter you have, just replace the blade often. I just put a new blade in and wow, what a difference it made. Another item that I can't live without is my June Tailor strip cutter. It is a large piece of plastic with groves cut every 1/2 or 1/4 inch. Makes strip cutting so easy. Mine is full of nicks and scratches...........I use it all the time and may replace it soon. Norma |
User: Julia's Nana
Member since: 08-28-2001 Total posts: 361 |
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