Got this new cutting mat about two months ago with my 50% off coupon at Michaels. Was too lazy to move all the “stuff” I have sitting on the corners to set up the new one.
Until last night…
Tired of having to reswipe at all the worn out spots on the old mat, I switched it out. I got my money’s worth, for sure, and then some. I had used it for SIX MONTHS!!
Don’t have any experience to know whether this is good or bad. Being a new quilter and all. Being new to rotary cutting. Let me ask the experienced quilters. Is that normal? Going through a couple of cutting mats a year.
While I was at it, I changed to a new rotary cutting blade. Same. Ditto. Got it months ago with a JoAnn’s 50% off coupon. It needed to be changed weeks ago. But was too lazy. After my fabric ends started to fray, I knew it was time.
So…. new mat, new blade. Makes cutting so much easier.
Especially easier for the blocks I am making I was telling you about.
Finally, I think I know where I am going with this. Design getting clearer and clearer.
BTW, sewing on Itty Bitty has really improved. Maybe it just needed to be sewn on and loosen up a bit. I have one less complaint. I can now advance the thread out with just one pull. No more tugging and pulling and twisting the side knob. Yippee!!
I wish I could sew a straighter line though. It seems to “hop” when I sew over a seam. But I am feeling better about it. Better than a few days ago. (3 working days and counting. 7 to go before I get my real sewing machine back.) I am thinking I will leave Itty Bitty set up. I can use it for a quick seam if I using a quilting foot on Big Jan.
I am all caught up on hand sewing. Bindings on a few placemats, mug rugs. Will have to take photos to show you.
