Tag: Product Review

Product Review: HuRTy Ruler

HurTy Ruler information
HurTy Ruler information

This is more of a product review than a tutorial. I’ll talk about the ruler and give you some resources and tips.

I started this post when the HuRTy 1** was a new-ish tool. The designer, Latifah Saafir has now released two more HuRTys: 2 and 3. All three HuRTys help quiltmakers cut and sew Half Rectangle Triangles (HRTs). I received HuRTy 1 as a gift from Friend Julie! On a whim, I bought HuRTY 2 and 3 myself. 

You may know that Latifah is the creator of the Clammy series of rulers** that help make curved designs. You might remember the class I took from her and the quilt I made using the Clammies, as well as the relatively recent Orange Peel Circle tutorial. Latifah is talented and her rulers work really well!

Remember, I did a series of posts on tools for making HRTs? Take a look at those to get an idea of the various tools available for making this great shape. I use the Split Rects** ruler, mostly. I am always open to new tools and I had high hopes for the HuRTy 1 ruler** when I received it. I have to admit I struggled using it at first.  The only way I got more comfortable was to cut a million HRT pieces for the Triumphant quilt. I admit that I cut a lot wrong as I got used to the ruler. Make sure you have plenty of fabric. You can plan to use the mis-cuts for a donation quilt.

Latifah, the designer of the ruler, has a YouTube channel. On it she has some good video tutorials, which SueS talked about when she wrote for this space recently. I tried using the ruler without watching the video and it didn’t work for me. This has nothing to do with the ruler or the instructions. As I have said before, it has everything to do with the way I learn. Also, specialty rulers can be challenging, so videos are great learning tools.

One of the things about HRTs is that you have to be able to make both HRT A & B blocks, if you want to make a piece like my Spiky 16 Patch. This means a lot of flipping and turning of the ruler. Different HRT ruler designers accomplish this in different ways.

Spiky 16 patch #5 top in progress
Spiky 16 patch #5 top in progress

The first HuRTy video shows viewers how to use The HuRTy™ to cut both A & B HRT pieces. Amazingly, Latifah includes left handed cutting! These HRTs are the normal ones that I was able to cut using the SplitRects rulers.You can see the A and B pieces in this Spiky 16 Patch quilt. They face each other in the top center with the fat part of the triangle pointing in different directions. In this design the middle HRTs are touching.

My first efforts with HuRTy ruler, before using the Triumphant instructions, didn’t seem right. The pieces just seemed too small, then I realized I would have to trim them anyway, so I think most of them would work on my test project. I think trimming is a good thing with HRTs. There is so much bias that, in my opinion, it is the best method for making sure the patches are the right size.

Triumphant block #2
Triumphant block #2

Part of the issue is knowing what size to cut the strips or pieces at the beginning. The Split Rects ruler** by Studio 180 Designs has that information printed on the ruler, which is super helpful. The Triumphant pattern had a whole section about cutting strips, which are later subcut into HRTs. The strip info does not seem to be printed on the HuRTy rulers.

Using both sides
Using both sides

You use both sides of this ruler. For the HRT A, the side called ‘A Start’ is up. For the HRT B pieces, the ‘B Start’ side is up. In the photo you can see that the ‘A Start’ is upside down. In the photo, I am trimming an already made HRT.

This is a little challenging, because you would have to put True Grips**, or similar, on both sides. I often put True Grips on specialty rulers so they stay in place. With the HuRTys, I have to pay careful attention.

I am curious about how to design a quilt using the HuRTy(s). Though I love specialty rulers, one thing I don’t like is if you have follow a pattern in order to use them. 

In general, I will try new rulers. Often I buy specialty rulers with the intention of trying them and never do or get derailed. I was glad I signed up for the Triumphant quilt as it really is helping me to learn about using the HuRTy(s). It would be great to have a ‘ruler library’ where people can check out rulers in order to try them out.

Other Resources and Previous Posts

 

 

 

 

**N.B: Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

Product Review: Get a Grip

Get a Grip + foot pedal
Get a Grip + foot pedal

Welcome to the underside of my sewing table.

I wanted to show you the Martelli No Slip Pad for Foot Pedal** in situ. This foot pedal pad really works! The location in which you see it is where it has been since I received it on Christmas. No joke. It has not moved at all as I sew.

The foot pad is made from the same materials as the machine pad. There is something hard and stiff in the middle. There is, then, a layer of some kind of non-slip rubber on the top and bottom, covering the hard surface. Product Dimensions: 9.0 inches L x 0.3 inch H x 9.0 inches W. The size on the Amazon description varies, FYI, so these are my measurements.

This is the first foot pedal pad that has stayed in place for me. Usually the foot pedal creeps towards the wall until I can’t operate the foot pedal. When the foot pedal ends up under those boxes (on the upper left), I can’t wedge my foot on the foot pedal any more. Then I have to haul it out, reposition it and start over. It is a small thing, but it makes me crazy.

Note: I have hardwood floors in my workroom and have not tried it on carpet.

I have the two previous pedal pads under my table ‘just in case’, but will be getting rid of them soon.

This is a Martelli product. I always thought Martelli only sold their rotary cutters at quilt shows. I went to their website and found they have an amazing number of products. Not only do they have their signature rotary cutters, but they have workstations, a subscription box, the Get a Grip mats and many other items. I wonder if COVID forced them to diversify?

Get one of these the Martelli No Slip Pad for Foot Pedal**. They are the best. They really work.

 

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

Review: Sew Tites EPP Palette

Sew Tites Palette
Sew Tites Palette

I received a Sew Tites EPP Palette** for Christmas from Julie. I wasn’t able to try it out until I was able to get back to the La Passacaglia border.

The package comes with 3 different palettes of varying sizes. They are a kind of kidney shaped and made from thin plastic.

Working on pieces using the palette
Working on pieces using the palette

There is a lot to hold when stitching EPP pieces together and it is very easy for the pieces to get out of alignment. I found that using one of these to start stitching is super useful. I have started to use it to anchor a few pieces in place while I get started stitching them together. Once I am about halfway through the seam, I take the piece off the palette and continue stitching. By that time, I need a little bit of play in the pieces.

Another benefit is the Sew Tite magnets have something on which to hold besides the EPP pieces themselves. You can see in the photo above that only about 2/3s of the magnet is on the EPP pieces. Without the palette, the magnets move around more.

This is a good tool and I am really glad I have one.

 

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

New Turning Tool

The other day I talked about Modern American Vintage, a wooden tool small business. They describe their business as making heirloom quality quilting tools.

The Bernard
The Bernard

I am constantly on the lookout for the perfect turning tool. I looked at their website and bought a ‘Bernard‘. This is the best turning tool I have ever used.

It doesn’t show in the photo since I took the photo before I used it, but the small end of the tool got all of my corners poked out without going through the fabric. It also feels good in my hand. I highly recommend this tool, especially if you make a lot of bags and need to poke out corners.

Product Review: 28mm Rotary Cutter

Use 28mm rotary cutter
Use 28mm rotary cutter

One of the things that Latifah wanted us to use in class was a 28mm rotary cutter. This is used for the inset Clammy cuts, especially on the 8 inch Clammy, which are used to cut the arcs.

Of course, I have the Olfa version of the 28mm cutter**, but it has never been a favorite tool. since I took the Jen Carlson Bailly class, I have wanted to try the Clover 28mm rotary cutter. The handle is much more shaped than the Olfa version I have**. I see that Olfa has newer 28mm model with a much more shaped handle**.

I thought the class was a good opportunity to try a new cutter since I would be cutting a lot with the 28mm. The handle of the one I have isn’t comfortable so I shy away from it as much as possible. The new cutter came midway through class so I was able to try it out a little during class and a lot after class. I love the Clover 28mm cutter!**

Current rotary cutters of choice
Current rotary cutters of choice

The handle fits really well into my hand. It doesn’t have an automatic closing mechanism like my favorite 45mm rotary cutter**, but the closing mechanism is very easy and convenient to use. I am sure having a new, sharp blade didn’t hurt the experience either.

Clover has a 45mm rotary cutter** and I am tempted, but I like the curved shape of the Olfa 45mm. I’ll stick to what I have for now.

Big thumbs up to the Clover 28mm cutter**. Try it if you are in the market for a new 28mm cutter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**I use affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

Simple Folded Corners Ruler

I bought Doug Leko’s Folded Corners Ruler** awhile ago but didn’t have a reason to use it until Saturday. I started working on the X Quilt last week. I was really struggling with the way the pattern was written. After reading a Bonnie Hunter post about Valentine’s Day where she mentioned this ruler**, I dug it out. I watched a video, started using it which resulted in the X quilt process moving along. I also felt happier.

Folded corners are often referred to as “flippy corners”. This ruler makes them easy. I was amazed to find that they sew up perfectly. I watched the Fat Quarter Shop video demo to get me started.

Two squares to join
Two squares to join

First you need the two squares indicated in your pattern. I used a 6.5 inch square and a 3.5 inch square. These sizes came straight from the pattern. These sizes were one of three pairs of sizes I needed to make the quilt. I used the same process on all the sizes and it worked perfectly regardless of size.

My smallest sizes were 3.5 inch square and 1.5 inch square (for the corner). I was concerned that the 1.5 incher would be too small, but it worked just as well as the others. N.B. I did have to make sure that the small pieces did not get caught in my machine, but it was made easier because there were no dog ears. Doug Leko does have a mini version of the ruler** I mentioned, but I don’t have it and didn’t’ investigate the differences. I also noticed that Creative Grids has a ruler that purports to do the same thing**.

Line up two squares
Line up two squares

Make sure right sides are together. Line up your squares so the corners are straight. You do not want to see the bottom square on the top or right when the pieces are lined up.

The above step requires fairly accurate cutting. By that I mean your square should be square.

Line up ruler
Line up ruler

Place the ruler** on the two squares. Line up the solid line on the left and the XX line on the bottom with your top square.

Lines to use
Lines to use

When you line up the ruler, there is a solid line on the left. It is the first solid line on the left and connects with the diagonal line. This is the line you place on the left side of the smaller square. The diagonal line should be corner to corner.

 

Cut on the diagonal
Cut on the diagonal

Cut on the diagonal. The ruler includes the diagonal seam allowance. This is a great feature of the ruler so you don’t have to guess where to sew like you do when drawing a diagonal line. Also! No drawing of diagonal lines. I have a lot of corners to add for the X quilt so this is a bonus. It saves me a little time.

 

 

Pin then sew
Pin then sew

I like to pin, then I sewed along the diagonal.

Press.

 

 

 

 

Perfect corner!
Perfect corner!

Perfect! You might think that I picked the most perfect one, but I didn’t. First, I didn’t know what was going to happen when I started taking photos for the tutorial. With very few exceptions all the corners came out lined up perfectly. Where they didn’t (1 or 2 only), I think it was because I didn’t press the fabric properly or didn’t cut accurately.

 

Whole Lozenge Block
Whole Lozenge Block

The whole block came out really well, too.

I love the idea of specialty rulers. I often buy them with hope and don’t take the time to learn to use them. Or they turn out to be not as promised- not as helpful, hard to use, etc. This ruler works really well. I am super pleased not to have to draw 2 zillion diagonal lines!

 

 

 

 

**I use affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item
when you click on an item link in my post. There is no additional cost
to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your
clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

Rotary Even Foot :(

Janome Rotary Even Foot
Janome Rotary Even Foot

I had high hopes for the foot when I started to work on the covers for our dining room table leaves. I bought this foot when it came out new for my MC 9000.

Based on my reading, I thought this foot would help me put the binding on the covers evenly. I have never been adept at machine binding, but this tool seemed like it would solve my problems.

I started to worry, however, when I watched a few of the videos available on using the foot.  The videos I watched (4-5) did not show how miter or go around corners. The videos on attaching binding did not show how to start the foot and the binding nor did they say whether you needed extra at the end.  None of the videos showed a real project, only samples. None of the videos or the written directions talked about adjusting the pressure of the foot. I felt like the tractor foot wasn’t all the way down the whole time I was using it. I checked repeatedly and decided to leave it rather than getting out the machine manual.

Rotary Even Foot applying binding
Rotary Even Foot applying binding

I tried it anyway and determined that the foot might work well for machine quilting, but that my suspicions were true. The foot did not work well for applying the binding. It was hard to get the beginning of the quilted piece into the foot (not well documented in the videos or written directions). Once I was able to get the piece in, I found that the stitching line was nowhere near the edge of the binding, leaving a flap of fabric.  Once I fixed that, I found that the binding was not being applied evenly. Something was happening on the bottom of the piece (shifting due to operator error or machine error or foot error), so there were sections of the binding that were not sewed down.

One of the things I figured out was that I can probably use the tractor foot without the binding or hemming attachment for machine quilting.  One of my issues with machine quilting is seeing the stitch line while I am stitching. I think with this foot I would be able to see the stitching.

Sigh. I ended up doing a normal machine binding and decided not to care as long as it looked relatively decent.

Useful Notion: Purple Thang

Not long ago I received another (yes, I had one!) That Purple Thang** in my Modern Handmade subscription box. I can always add extra tools to my Go Bag, but this was a tool that I never used – or didn’t remember using. I put it in my notions tub, right next to my sewing machine. Since I received it, I have found several uses for it, most specifically threading elastic through channels on face masks.

Purple Thang with Elastic
Purple Thang with Elastic

The video pattern I used last for face masks has a channel on the sides. The designer easily threads elastic through this channel, but I couldn’t keep it from bunching up. The Purple Thang has a large eye and is generally skinny, so I was able to use it. I threaded the elastic through the eye and then inserted The Purple Thang into the channel. It worked really well.

I also used it to poke corners carefully out in a gift bag I made.

So, I have found that, despite the stupid name, this is a useful tool.

 

 

 

 

 

**I use affiliate links. I may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.

EQ Product Review

Am I in Judy Martin mode? Yes. I read her newsletter recently and found some great information, some of which I passed on in Various & Sundry #21. That post was getting too long, so here I am again.

I love her and would go to Iowa (not a bad state; been there at least 3 times, which is another story for another day) for a class with her in a hot minute. Her stars CD for Electric Quilt was awesome, but is now out of print. Lucky you, if you didn’t buy it the first time around, because EQ is bringing it back in a repurposed format by making many of her out-of-print star blocks available for download in their newly launched EQ Boutique site. They are taking the material from the Stars & Sets CD and putting it into what Judy calls families of blocks: Ohio Stars, Ornate Ohio Stars, Variable Stars, Compass Point Stars, and Spikey Stars (first five groups to launch). Others will follow.

According to Judy, the first five groups of blocks range in price from $8.99 to $11.99 and contain anywhere from 15 blocks to 22. Your first purchase comes with a free download of the software you need to play with the blocks.

If you already own the Stars & Sets CD, you do NOT need any of these collections.

Marsha McCloskey has also partnered with EQ in their My EQ Boutique. I have been wanting to make a Feathered Star block since I saw one made from dots in a magazine a few years ago. Now that I know the Triangle Technique and how to make different sizes of half square triangles, I feel more comfortable tackling that project.  I did actually buy her EQ Boutique Feathered Star collection, so I was able to evaluate the process.

After purchase, there is an additional piece of software that you download before you download the collections purchased. The software came with a collection of Rose of Sharon applique’ blocks. Too bad I didn’t know about that collection last week before I prepared Frances’ applique’ lesson! After installing and running the EQ Boutique software, I downloaded the collection I bought and it was difficult *for me* to figure out how to get the collection to show up in the EQ Boutique software. Finally, in tiny print on the download page, I read that you have to close the EQ Boutique software before you download the new collection. I did that, re-downloaded and the Feathered Stars showed up very well. Also, I really don’t want to learn new software when I am pretty well versed in EQ7. The EQ Boutique software has a great ‘Link to EQ’ function that shows up on your Start menu (windows) which actually links your EQ Boutique collections to EQ. I would rather just call it up in EQ7 and skip the EQ Boutique software step, but it doesn’t seem like that is an option. I also understand that not everyone owns EQ7 software.

Read more about the collections, the software, and the system requirements.

I do have to say that EQ is bombarding me with emails about new stuff every day and I am glad they were all at Quilt Market so I could get a bit of relief. I have just been deleting the emails. There is definitely a fine line between just right and too much!