Quilting tutorial - assignment #1

**homesteadmamma** · 12-09-2002, 11:01 PM

Okay ladies we have just over 4 weeks to get prepared for the tutorial and I know many of you are anxious to get started so I'm going to give you 4 assignments, one each week until the tutorial starts.

This week will be rulers and rotary cutters and the use of them.

I want you to find some old material (cotton), either some you have around your home, an old cotton shirt/skirt and begin using your rotary tool and ruler.

- always place your cutter next to your ruler, making sure your hand is firmly placed on the ruler so it doesn't move but out of the way of the cutter. Press firmly but don't push the cutter so hard that it tears the material. Always have a sharp blade. Cut strips of 2 1/2 inches (measure with your ruler) about 12 inches long, 4 1/2 inches by 12 inches and 4 7/8 inches by 12 inches.

- you won't have to cut many to get the feel of the rotary cutter and the ruler, making sure your cutting on your mat of course.

When you've done that, come back and tell me what you've done, was it easy/hard, did you have trouble with the ruler staying in place, were the numbers easy to read on the ruler. Could you find the 7/8ths.

Tip #1 Always close your blade after each cut. They are extremely sharp and very dangerous and give a wicked cut.

Tip#2 Never leave your cutter where a child can reach it or find it They are dangerous for a child to find or play with.

**TheCottageRose** · 12-09-2002, 11:14 PM

OK, I cut some material and everything went fine.

My cat supervised and even attempted to participate.

**SewCrafty** · 12-10-2002, 08:11 AM

This is an easy one for me. Thanks CJ

Ladies, what CJ said about closing your rotary cutter after each cut is the absolute BEST advice. She is right, that blade is extremely sharp. Besides keeping it away from children, please also keep it out of your pets reach. My cats will steal anything to play with it, so please be careful.

**never2late2bfrugal** · 12-10-2002, 08:51 AM

Got it done -- no problems so far!

ida

**captclearance** · 12-10-2002, 09:29 AM

The rotory cutter is a bit scary, but I cut with it.........

**voodidit** · 12-10-2002, 11:33 AM

Well, since santa is bringing my cutter I am going to be behind...lol.

Angie

**Darlene** · 12-11-2002, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by voodidit
Well, since santa is bringing my cutter I am going to be behind...lol.

Angie

Me too Angie. We can play catch-up together.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-11-2002, 07:46 PM

Actually, no one will be behind in the tutorial. Will be going all over this come January 2nd. This is just some fun things to do and something for those who can't wait until January 2nd.

Don't worry though, they won't be ahead of you, PROMISE!!

**frugalmel** · 12-12-2002, 02:38 PM

Ok. I did the cuts. It was harder than I expected. I can't seem to keep from moving the ruler.

I think I will get the 6x12 next month and see if that helps. The 6x24 I bought is kinda hard to handle. It took me a while to remember where 7/8 was. Darn math! I never was very good at it. LOL I think I will practice some more, then hopefully by Jan I will do ok.

**justGina** · 12-14-2002, 01:22 AM

Easy-peasy. I actually cut some squares for my new ragged quilt.

**mrscornbread** · 12-14-2002, 10:54 AM

Im good at this so far...

**Michelle** · 12-14-2002, 12:59 PM

How did I miss this post before?

CJ, will we be using this cut fabric for the quilt we are making? Or is it just to practice using the ruler and rotary cutter?

*Tip when you are done making a cut, retract your blade. Get in the habit of doing this every time. That way if your kids get ahold of it, they can't hurt themselves, and also you won't cut yourself either!

**homesteadmamma** · 12-14-2002, 01:14 PM

Michelle, no this is just for practice because it sometimes is difficult to get use to the cutter and ruler and to get everyone ready to be able to cut when the tutorial comes.

I agree with Michelle, close your cutter after each use, no matter if your only moving your ruler over. Get in the habit of closing it.

Frugalmel - keep practicing with your longer ruler because you are going to need it when we come to doing the final work on the quilt/wall hanging. The longer ruler though is harder to get use to when your first starting out. A little tip: If you hold your hand out completely and press firmly on the ruler, it won't move. You can also purchase a holder to put on the ruler (it has suction cups) so that the ruler doesn't move. There are also little circles that stick to the ruler (they are like sand paper) and the ruler doesn't move either. I purchased both for our dd and the sand paper circles worked the best!! They are relatively cheap and you can pick those up at a quilting store.

Always remember though it takes lots of practice to do anything, be it quilting or any type of hobby. Don't get discouraged.