Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com
Here are a few tools I can't seem to live without when I create fabric postcards (FPC).
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| Olfa Limited Edition |
#1 ROTARY CUTTER AND MAT
I especially love to use the scallop or pinking blade on my rotary cutter. Who says a postcard edge must always remain "straight"?Standard blades come in 18mm, 38mm, 45mm and 60mm sizes.
I use 45mm due to multiple layers.
There are many good brands and styles on the sewing market. I believe I own about four different brands!
A gridded mat will help speed up your measuring and squaring off process.
Rotary Cutting Safety Tips by Janet Wickell
OLFA: Top 5 Ways to use a Rotary Cutter
Visit Fiskars
Visit Clover
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| Kai pinking blade |
Visit Havels
Visit Kai Video
Visit EdgePerfect
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| http://www.edgeperfectblade.com |
It fits most 45mm rotary cutter handles. I have not personally tried this but it sure looks interesting! I'm sure I'll be purchasing one soon.
#2 CARDBOARD "VIEWING" FRAME
I made this purple frame from heavy card stock. The opening is an exact 4"x6" window. This comes in handy when previewing fabric prints and design placements. Make yourself a few of them because they are easy to misplace and tear. I've been planning on making a sturdier window frame template from flexible plastic, similar to the plastic used in loose leaf binders. This is used as a pre-viewing aid, NOT a cutting aid.
#3 NON-STICK CRAFTING OR COOKING SHEETS
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| RANGER INKS SHEET |
Crafting sheets are often made from fiberglass then coated in Teflon PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) to prevent sticking from fusible adhesives, dyes, paints etc., Do not use these for baking foods.
Cooking sheets are also fiberglass but often coated in a food grade silicons or food grade Teflon.If you buy them from a sewing shop you will pay significantly more. If you purchase from a cooking utensil shop, they are much more affordable! I even found one
extra-large sheet in a clearance bin for
$5. It was listed as a non-stick grill sheet.
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| BEAR THREAD DESIGNS |
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| MADE BY MeSEW |
#4 EASY GRIP POSTCARD TEMPLATE
I discovered and ordered this clever 4x6 template made by "Me Sew". It is growing on me everyday! The handle is comfort-able and adds stability when trimming outer edges. It is made from durable poly-carbonate.My only disappointment is it measures 3 7/8" x 5 7/8" in size. I prefer it to actually cut a real 4"x6" postcard size.
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| VISIT SCHMETZ NEEDLE CHART HERE |
#5 TOP-STITCHING NEEDLES
The larger needle eye is durable enough to penetrate all the layers of a fabric postcard.I dislike changing needles for different threads and this top stitch style needle is adaptable to many different thread types and weights. It has a larger groove along the scarf to assist with normal or heavier threads. My favorite needle size is 90/14.
Thanks for stopping by! I'd like to see your comments below!
ShereeSews in M!ch!gan
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