Die Cutting notes- follow-up

Yesterday a comment came in that stated she needed the book before she used her new cutter.  The book is a GREAT resource and yes she needs it.  But, well I had to say "at least try a little bit"
Here is what I wrote back to her: (I did some small edits and didn't put her name here.)
_name withheld_ don't be afraid to try it out.  The big thing to remember is to put the fabric with the LENGTHWISE grain (the direction the selvedge runs) going thru the cutter.  This eliminates the stretch that causes inaccurate cuts. 

If you are cutting pre-fused applique shapes:

A. leave the paper on the back (or the layers will stick together!) 

B. the paperbacking and fusible help to stabilize the grain so the grain direction is not as important. (but always try to keep it on lengthwise anyway) 

C.  a pin to score the back of the paper after cutting will make it easier to remove the paper. (lifting the edge and pulling can distort the shape.) 

Have FUN!

And a blog post with no pictures is not as fun so here are some  pictures to make it pretty.

Die cutter - Go! by AccuQuilt

Drunkards path die cut block and pieces (and yes, they are sewn not fused!)

Die cut borders.

Die cut star on an art quilt

The Big Little Book Blog Tour

Truthfully the actual title is The Big Little Book of Fabric Die Cutting Tips Blog Tour - that just wouldn't fit in the title area of the blog post.   Today is finally my day to tell you why you this book is important!

As many of you know, I have an AccuQuilt GO! die cutter that I love to use.  I have made videos about it.   But I was not successful with it as soon as I got it.  Why? For one thing this book wasn't available.

In fact it still isn't available, but it will be on November 1st.  Yaaay!
You see, when I got my Go! cutter, I didn't know the "tricks of the trade" to use it most successfully.  I didn't realize that fabric will stretch as it goes through the cutter. I cut some square shapes that weren't square.  Fortunately, I knew people who were able to help me sort out that problem.  In the process of learning I became acquainted with the author of this book, Ebony Love.
Ebony has lots of videos explaining various aspects of die cutting.  She has finally put her expertise into this book.
There are chapters on everything from choosing a die cutter. There are several brands and models of die cutters, so how do you decide which one to buy?  Ebony has done all the research and you can read the pros, cons and approximate prices in the book.
There are all types of dies.  How do you know which ones to buy?  When I first started using the GO!  I used it only for piecing shapes.  Now I use it more for applique shapes than for piecing as my style of quilting has changed.  Ebony outlines how to choose dies you will use.  There are also tips listed to help you utilize the dies you get for maximum efficiency.  (Did you know that strip dies can also cut diamonds?)  The book tells you how to care for the investments you have made in purchasing dies.

One thing most people who haven't used a die cutter are unaware of are the consumable supplies such as mats.  There is an entire chapter on consumables for the various systems. There are tips on getting the most out of your consumables to save money.

Another thing I loved is the section in the cutting chapter about minimizing fabric waste.  Most of my readers know that I hate to waste a square inch of fabric. So of course I found this section to be my favorite.

There is even a nice resource section in the book with lots of wonderful resources for die cutters.  I even found a listing of My YouTube channel.  (I am honored to be considered a "resource.")


If you are considering getting a fabric die cutter, or perhaps have one and have been frustrated trying to use it, this book is a great source of information.  You can order it direct from the author.  Or you can order it from Amazon.

Tomorrow is the last stop of the blog tour. That stop will be hosted by the First Lady of Fabric Die Cutting (as I call her)  Ebony Love at LoveBug Studios.

The Giving Quilt - Review

Have you ever read a book and thought the author had been peeking into your life?  With Jennifer Chiaverini's newest book, The Giving Quilt, I had several moments like that.  In this book the Elm Creek Manor hosts a QuiltsGiving week just after Thanksgiving.  This is a special winter Quilt Camp to make charity quilts.  In this case they are making them for Project Linus, a great choice!

Early in the story, the participants are asked, "Why do you give?" Those of you who are faithful readers have been asked that on my blog.  Some of you gave wonderful and wonderfully honest answers.  Several said that "It makes me feel good."  I confess that I have that reason too.  The question made me think. It also reminded me that I am truly blessed in many ways and thus I give in gratitude for what I have.  Both last year and this year I have worked on a project that I call "Quilt Angels."  The Quilt Angels is a project to get quilts for a home where teens in need can find safe shelter.  The project was suggested to me by a friend and I initially said "I can't do that, there just isn't enough time."   Then I decided to see if I could find help.  That is when I discovered what a wonderful group of people quilters are.  Quilters are often givers.

In this story there are chapters where you learn why each person is at QuiltsGiving. Some of the stories may bring tears to your eyes or maybe another strong emotion.  It is very likely that you will find a resonance with one or more of the characters.

I had a delightful moment when I was reading along on my lunch break.  One of the ladies in the book works at a quilt store named "String Theory."  I laughed out loud at that point. You see, I made a quilt that I entered into an online quilt show.  The title of the quilt is .....can you guess???  Yes! I called the quilt "String Theory." Originally, the rules were that I couldn't show the quilt until after the judging.  The show was cancelled due to lack of entries. So I showed my quilt as part of Quilty Embellishment day.  I am sure that Ms. Chiaverini didn't see my quilt name and use it. It was simply a delightful coincidence.

The characters in the book are nicely developed and I found that I bonded with each of them. A couple of them reminded me of some of my blogger buddies.  While we each have challenges, how we meet those challenges and rise above them makes up our patchwork life.  One particular thing that I loved in this book is the way a group of strangers took their love of quilting and used it to build friendships.  Is it any wonder that this book resonated with me?

I wholeheartedly recommend that you read this book.  I was given a review copy to read.  However,  if I had not loved the book, I would tell you so.  Ms. Chiaverini writes with excellent insight into the quilters' world. She designs fabric for Red Rooster Fabrics and has published quilt patterns. She was even a guest on the once very popular Simply Quilts with Alex Anderson where she said that she is a self-taught quilter.   If you have read her books before, then you know that she is a great storyteller. I was surprised to find that she once taught writing at Penn State.  I would love to have taken her classes.
The book is available on Amazon (also in Kindle edition), Barnes &Noble (also for Nook), and many other merchandisers.   The release date is set for October 30; so it will be placed on the shelves that day.
Why do you give?

Baby Quilt - Adding Embroidered Applique

Just a quick quilt update.  I am working on the baby quilt for my friend Darla who is having a baby boy soon.  Fortunately she doesn't read my blog so it is safe to post pictures.   Yesterday I added the machine embroidered applique to the quilt.   I just wanted some fun designs to add interest for the baby as he gets old enough to notice.  So I used the dog, cat, circle and star cutting dies with my AccuQuilt GO! cutter.  I also used embroidery files that I got from Marjorie at B-Quilts Shop.

The star at the bottom is done with variegated thread so the white that you see is not a mistake.  It just looks a bit odd in the photo.
Now I need to add the yellow sashing and put the back together so I can get this baby quilted!

Be sure to come back tomorrow.  I will be reviewing Jennifer Chiaverini's book, The Giving Quilt which has a release date of October 30th.
The following day is my turn on The Big Little Book of Fabric Die Cutting Tips blog tour so of course you will want to be here for that one too!
See you soon.