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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: pretnichols
Date: 11-13-2005, 08:41 PM (1 of 14)
Hello again ladies. I have been reading the posts for some info on this question, but cannot seem to find the thread I originally looked at -- "why you don't like fleece"? Maybe I'm looking in the wrong forum. Hope you don't mind if I post this here, even if it appears to be a duplicate question.

I make fleece doll buntings, ponchos and mini-blankets. I "wrecked" my last pair of scissors doing this -- they are very dull and cannot be sharpened. (Lesson 1 -- never buy scissors that cannot be sharpened!!) So, instead I am going to purchase a special pair for cutting fleece, and replace my scissors for fabric cutting. I liked what I've read through the various postings about the Fiskars spring loaded type, but am open to other suggestions. I also have a rotary cutter, but haven't used it in about 5 years, so I know it needs new blades. Would this work better than scissors?

Just wondering your thoughts!

Thanks ladies!

Peggy
Peggy

So little time, sew much to do...........
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005
Total posts: 342
From: Sancin
Date: 11-13-2005, 10:10 PM (2 of 14)
See discussion in Beginning Sewing regarding scissors the
and discussion regarding fleece. Fleece is hard on both scissors and rotary cutters so be prepared as you have learned. If you are going to cut a lot out at once with rotary cutter make sure you have a spare blade.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005
Total posts: 895
From: bunzino
Date: 11-13-2005, 10:36 PM (3 of 14)
i use rotary cutters for EVERYTHING! It's so much faster. Fleece will dull them, but it's worth it.

nancy
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002
Total posts: 119
From: Jo-Anne46
Date: 11-13-2005, 11:03 PM (4 of 14)
I use a rotary cutter as well. I find fleece to be very hard on my scissors.. Even the fiskars I bought..
User: Jo-Anne46
Member since: 09-21-2005
Total posts: 28
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-14-2005, 04:33 AM (5 of 14)
The one thing I don't like about cutting fleece with rotary cutters is if you are using the tissue paper pattern, I find it tends to rip the tissue as the two layers of fleece are so thick. I even find this if I am using wax or parchment paper, so I tend to use scissors with the fleece, or else cut my pattern out in a cheap cotton or old sheet, then place it on the fleece.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: paroper
Date: 11-14-2005, 12:41 PM (6 of 14)
When I was in high school home ec we were forced to cut out the pattern on the pattern lines before we layed the pattern. The reason was so that we could see that our pattern piece was clear of the others before we cut. Although I'm many years past that, when I have something to cut out that has extra spring and cushion, I still use that old practice to save the pattern piece.

I do prefer a good pair a gingher dressmakers and I use them for everything. Over the years I have aquired several pair and I usually take them all in for sharpening at the same time...but it is very rare indeed.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Auntie_Pam
Date: 11-15-2005, 09:16 PM (7 of 14)
When I seen pam's post about Gingher scissors, I had to laugh! My Mother had several pairs of these (lightweight ones) years ago and about 6 mos. ago my sister bought a new pair. She came over and said "try these scissors!" They were so smooth at cutting, we both laughed and said "cuts like butter!" (Of course, with a southern accent!) So now everytime we want to cut something out we call out get the scissors "that cuts like butter!" lol

They are one of the BEST scissors out there!! If you don't have a pair I would encourage you to get them. They are well worth the extra $!

Best Wishes!
Auntie_Pam
User: Auntie_Pam
Member since: 11-11-2005
Total posts: 10
From: pretnichols
Date: 11-18-2005, 12:19 PM (8 of 14)
I just noticed in the Joann's Flyer, that both of these are on sale this week for 50% off. Guess I'll be heading there tonight! Can't wait to try them out. My mother and the Gingher, but I didn't know they were still around.

Thanks so much for everyones responses & suggestions. I truly appreciate it.

Peggy :bluesmile
Peggy

So little time, sew much to do...........
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005
Total posts: 342
From: pretnichols
Date: 12-11-2005, 09:50 AM (9 of 14)
Wow, thank you to all who suggested the spring-loaded Fiskars. I used them this weekend and they were wonderful! I wish I'd known about these ages ago.

Now I know why I joined this board -- you ladies are wonderful, from your simple suggestions, kind words, and support!

Thank you again!

Peggy
Peggy

So little time, sew much to do...........
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005
Total posts: 342
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-12-2005, 06:13 PM (10 of 14)
Peggy,
they have been life-savers for me because of my hand problems.. I love mine. I have 2 sets 1 for sewing (fabric only ) and 1 pair for other things.(crafts, paper, etc..)
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: mozeyrn
Date: 12-28-2005, 06:40 PM (11 of 14)
I bought a new pair of Fiskars "spring loaded" scissors but after using them for half an hour (cutting fleece) there wasn't any more spring left! Is this due to the fleece or did I just get a bad pair of scissors? I know fleece is hard on scissors in general but would it do anything to the spring action? After 15 minutes the scissors wouldn't pop open anymore. I'm going to bring them back and try another pair (and not use it on fleece) but I was curious if anyone had this prob before.
Thanks.
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!!
Kenmore 16231000
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005
Total posts: 349
From: gm23237
Date: 12-28-2005, 07:36 PM (12 of 14)
I keep about 4 pair of sissors in my sewing/craft room. They are the cheap Dollar Tree scissors so when they are dull I turn them into crafts scissors and mark them with a perm. magic marker so I keep them seperate from the good ones.
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003
Total posts: 145
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 12-28-2005, 10:56 PM (13 of 14)
I also own lots of pairs of Fiskars, I have 2 small ones, and 3 of the bigger ones, ONe I keep just for cutting the fleece/quilt batting, one for fabrics, and one for paper.

I just bought a new pair at Joann's right before Xmas which are the pink handles .. they are also just as good as the Fiskars ( and a bit cheaper)

all of my Fiskars are heading towards the sharpening in the next few week..

Fiskars told me to use this Co for the sharpening.

AMERICAN SUPPLY
JIM BRIDGES
153 HWY 300
WARRICK, GA 31796
PHONE: 229-535-4152


also if you bought new Fiskars, and they are not working, you may want to go to Fiskars web site and leave a message, they will send you a replacement.
DB
User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005
Total posts: 159
From: pretnichols
Date: 12-29-2005, 08:44 AM (14 of 14)
Mozeyrn, I have been using my new fiskars spring-loaded scissors to cut all kinds of fleece without any problem. As a matter of fact, I had to stop for a while because my hand was cramping (I was cutting all kinds of fringe). They do have a safety lock that kept slipping closed when I was cutting at first, until I made sure I opened it all the way. If they won't cut at all, take them back. You might also want to let Fiskars know as well, as someone else suggested, as they would not want you to be disappointed with them.

In the meantime, I have to get my regular scissors sharpened. I've missed the last 2 dates at Joanne's. I'm going to keep those set aside for just fabric, which I had purchased them for. At first I thought I was crazy for having 4 pair of scissors. 2 pair will be "donated" to the junk drawer -- they can't be sharpened and won't cut fabric any longer. I'll purchase more as I need them, for various projects. I also got a pair of spring-loaded snips, so they will be near my machine for quick trims.

Good luck and let us know what you find out! These ladies are wonderful for helpful suggestions.

Peggy
Peggy

So little time, sew much to do...........
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005
Total posts: 342
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