Tools of the Trade
A short post today to discuss the supplies we use in quilting. Buying fabric and tools can be, well, pretty expensive! How do you handle these purchases? I usually wait for sales, especially on consumables like thread and stabilizer.
However, my new interest in EPP has led me down a REALLY expensive path-- thread, needles, glue, templates, and the papers. Oh, the papers! Already I have purchased a lot of them. And I also cut out a lot for the project on my wall:
It seemed to me that cutting the paper triangles would be no problem, and yet this is what I ended up with---
I was not at all accurate, which is very plain in this picture.
All this to say, sometimes, we need to know exactly where to place our efforts. The work in a quilt, whether hand or machine pieced, is pretty intense. I would rather spend my time designing the quilt, cutting the fabric (always a joy) than I would cutting paper pieces.
I do feel this way about everything I create--I love the best tools that I can afford to purchase. Anything to keep me on track with what I really love to do--sit at my machine!
And now, if I could just find a simple tool for basting, sigh!
Have a safe and creative week! What do you think about the tools of the trade?
Sew fun,
Debbie
However, my new interest in EPP has led me down a REALLY expensive path-- thread, needles, glue, templates, and the papers. Oh, the papers! Already I have purchased a lot of them. And I also cut out a lot for the project on my wall:
It seemed to me that cutting the paper triangles would be no problem, and yet this is what I ended up with---
I was not at all accurate, which is very plain in this picture.
All this to say, sometimes, we need to know exactly where to place our efforts. The work in a quilt, whether hand or machine pieced, is pretty intense. I would rather spend my time designing the quilt, cutting the fabric (always a joy) than I would cutting paper pieces.
I do feel this way about everything I create--I love the best tools that I can afford to purchase. Anything to keep me on track with what I really love to do--sit at my machine!
And now, if I could just find a simple tool for basting, sigh!
Have a safe and creative week! What do you think about the tools of the trade?
Sew fun,
Debbie
I had a similar problem when I tried cutting my own paper shapes for EPP--they didn't fit together well. Now I buy all of my EPP pieces.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel as bad since they are reusable for a few times. I'm glad someone feels like I do!
DeleteI've been cutting my hexie papers and I know I'll have an issue when I start to stitch the pieces together. You're right - It's good to know exactly where to put our efforts. Buying papers would save me a TON of time....
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth--you know how precious your time is, right!
DeleteI just bought some fabric to try my first EPP project. Thanks for the warning about being accurate with the papers. I really like all of those hexies though.
ReplyDeleteYou will love love love doing EPP. So many beautiful patterns out there. Honestly, sometimes it is just better to break down and purchase what you need!
DeleteEPP is so exact, it seems a shame to waste all that effort and not be happy with the results.
ReplyDeleteIt really is exact isn't it! While I am very displeased with my template cutting, I am finding that I can ease some of the pieces in. After pressing and joining I may be all right! We keep learning!
DeleteI get my EPP papers from my friend, Cathy at http://eagleswingsquilts.ca. Reasonable prices and great quality! I love all your hexies!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment and I really appreciate the link. I love to have new resources!
DeleteYour hexies look wonderful! I have tried cutting my own, but I have found I'm not accurate enough, and I end up very annoyed with myself - so to spare me the grief I buy my epp papers. I glue baste all my epp using the Sewline glue pen. The glue refills are quite expensive, but I have found it to be the easiest way for me. Enjoy your epp :-)
ReplyDeleteDo you think glue basting is faster than thread? I have thread basted all of mine so far. I really agree with you on the papers though. Even a little bit off and you have to deal with the inaccuracies.
DeleteHey Debbie, While tools of the trade may be pricey your EPP sure does turn out looking nice!!!
ReplyDeleteI handle fabric and other "tools" purchases by doing a bit at a time and spending time searching for the best deal... I want quality fabrics but for discounted prices if I can find them! lol
So I search and that takes time and gives me time to budget just what I will spend each month on tools.
Thanks for sharing hte struggle I feel we all must have!
Kathi
I love your comment! I really try to buy everything on sale (I do try) but since fabulous fabrics are so very worth the money, I concentrate my savings on things I have more control over. How do you feel about buying things like rulers? They can cost a lot but having the right one is so important to me.
Delete