Showing posts with label die cut machines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label die cut machines. Show all posts

Monday, September 24, 2012

Good News, Bad News

Cryptic post title, no?

I will dive in.....

GOOD NEWS

I have 100 hexagons all set to go for a future project.



 More Good News?

The Accuquilt die cut pad works in my Sizzix Big Shot Pro (Westminster) Die Cut Machine!!!


The Accuquilt die cut pads are a smidgen thinner than my Sizzix pads.  



The solution?




Just a few cardboard shims under the bottom cutting pad.  Worked like a charm!

And for those who debate between the two die cut machines? The reasoning I went with Sizzix is that I already had the original diecut machine and a significant investment in smaller diecuts.  I also did some research and had discovered that the Accuquilt die cuts can be used in the Sizzix machines, but the Sizzix cannot be used in the Accuquilt.  However, I DO NOT think you could go wrong with either the Accuquilt Go! or Accuquilt Studio Fabric cutters.  I just have never used them!


And for what it is worth?
 I do have a Sizzix die cut for hexagons, but the 2 inch one that I already had is actually 2 inches DIAMETER, not 2 inches on the sides like I wanted.  I actually do look forward to using the Sizzix pad because I can cut four hexis in one swoop!

I cannot express how much easier the die cuts make this process go!

After I had pre-cut this fabric bundle with my die cut machine?


I just simply cut my fat quarters into 3 inch strips and then rectangles measuring 3 x 3.5 inches.





Pressed out the creases, sometimes before I cut them into strips/rectangles.  Sometimes after, because I was a bit over-excited about this project.




 I promise I pressed those rectangles...I was just taking a picture while I remembered!

The amazing thing is the small amount of waste.



I bought this cute little omnigrid travel case (pre-die cut purchase) for rotary cutters thinking I might need it when I wanted more hexagons cut when we were on our trip.


 
But I had 200+ hexagons pre-cut in less than 20 minutes!!

 I only had 100 hexagon templates cut, so I left the rotary cutters behind and the little case was perfect to hold my scissors, thread, needle, paperclips, templates, and I could tuck the finished hexis as I went along.



It is the perfect size for a lap, I promise!!

THE BAD NEWS?

I had finished the last 50 hexagons on our 3 hour trip back to make the total of 100.


I had packed everything carefully back in my bag.  I was excited to make such progress!  Not to mention the fact that we sat and stared at pictures of the boys on Mr. Boss's iPad on the flight home...we missed our boys so much!  I was distracted and didn't double check my seat to see if anything had been left behind (we ALWAYS double check).  Then, we were practically RUNNING to the baggage claim area in hopes we could get home faster!

 As I climbed in the car, I had one of those moments.  You know what I am talking about, right?
Panic.
  I realized I had left the baggie of all the remaining pre-cut hexagons (about 100) on the plane!!!!  I lamented, not so much that they were lost...but more in the fact that an airline worker probably threw them away when they were doing their sweep of the plane.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Photo from when Teen boy broke the post of the basketball hoop this summer, slam dunking...they are fake crying for my scrapbook!

However, I must say...Mr. Boss is truly the sweetest man.  His first reaction when I shouted "OH NO!  I left my hexi's on the plane!!!"  was this:

"I hope they weren't the baggie with all of your finished hexis?  That would be tragic".  

He gets it!  He REALLY gets it!

And then, better yet, he said,

 "Maybe another quilter found it and knew what a treasure they were and will take them home with them to make a project".

Be still my heart.

But really and truly?  I know that some cleaning guy tossed them in the trash.....

Have you ever left anything behind on a vacation or trip?  

 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Straight to Business

There is so much to do and so little time...right to the punchline today!
 
Finishes:
Disney Princess Shirt and Skirt


Another Princess Applique for a special little girl!



And a patchwork princess skirt to match.




I hope her mom doesn't mind that I tweaked the shirt from the sample I had on my Facebook page.



A little "bling" goes a long way!  
Her little brother's Mickey Shirt is on the hoop getting it's final touches.  I will try to sneak a picture in later...maybe.....
 
Not So Raggedy Ann
I really can't get enough of her....

If you'd like to get to know her, she had her debut yesterday.
I am so sad that she is all boxed up ready to be shipped out today.
I now have to add her to my "list" for myself.
One little funny!  Mr. Boss called me from out of town to tease me about her.  He asked where I got the doll from?  I told him that I made her.  He said "yes, I know you made the clothes, but didn't someone send the doll to you?"
Now that he knows that I am capable of making dolls, guess what I will be making as gifts for anyone who has little girls that we know?

Yup.

In Progress: 
Retro Flowers QAL

I am UTTERLY excited.  Progress. 


Not just cut, but partway pieced?



Which happened quickly and beautifully thanks to my Sizzix Big Shot ProWestminster!

I was able to cut 12 of each shape at one time.

 
I even had time to sew some curves!


I adore chain pieced pictures so I had to take one. 
Not really pretty, but it makes me happy!
EEEEKKKK!! 
 I just might be back on track soon with everyone else!
No Progress: 
Zoo Animal Quilts for Twins
Twin quilt for nursery
Christmas quilt 
Baby girl quilt kit 
Thank you quilt
Merry, Merry Snowman BOM
Do. Good Stitches Blocks
New Projects:
NONE.  NONE.  NONE.
Thank goodness!
Now I hope that my new project status stays the same after visiting everyone over at Lee's.

Sometimes my fellow quilters are bad influences!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Scrapbook retreat....here I come!!!!!

See that empty spot?  Just enough room for my clothes, toiletries, and snacks!
re·treat
n.
1.
a. The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant.
b. The process of going backward or receding from a position or condition gained.
2. A place affording peace, quiet, privacy, or security. See Synonyms at shelter.
3.
a. A period of seclusion, retirement, or solitude.


I am off to spend the weekend scrapbooking!! 
 I have been doing this regularly for at least 5 years now.  It is something I look forward to, even though people don't understand. 


How could I leave my amazing studio? 
I can because the no matter how long I try to lock myself in my room....they will find me!!  That includes the dogs!!!
So, here is concrete evidence that I might actually accomplish some of my hopes!!!!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Impatiently Waiting

I am waiting....

  • Waiting for my friend to show me a possible logo idea.

  • Waiting for my ultrasound that is tomorrow to make sure Baby Button is truly okay in there.

  • Waiting for my christmas present (I bought this with all of my birthday and Christmas gift money...and hubby pitched in some of his "take" too!)



It is the Westminster Big Shot Pro Shape Cutting Machine.  It is by Sizzix.  I chose this over the Accuquilt GO! and Studio for a few reasons. 

1.  I already have a substantial investiment in my sizzix dies already!
2. There is a 5 yr warranty vs 1 year warranty on the Accuquilts.
3.  It is wide.....13 inches wide!
4.  With a bit of shimming you can use Accuquilt die cuts on it (according to other bloggers)
5. According to research, the Sizzix dies are cheaper
6. You can order a custom die........HOW COOL IS THAT!!!

  • I am also waiting for these three dies that I ordered with my new machine:

 This is the Daisy die cut....Love how I can use it!










This is the sunflower/poinsettia die cut.  LOVE IT!




And last, but not least...........

Yup!  A Butterfly.  Hubby talked me into this one with a lot of arm twisting (note the sarcasm!)


And if anyone knows me.......while I wait.........I shop for instant gratification.  DOWNLOADS!

I bought some new fonts from Five Star Fonts.  I love their unique applique fonts...like this:



Do you like?  Good...because I bought it!  HOW FUN IS THIS!!

And Embroidery Fonts like this:


Do you see the embroidered dots inside the large fonts?  The dots, fill, and outline can all be different colors.
Boggles the mind!  Or at least mine....
And, yes, I had to have it!!

And while I was perusing...I was found a bunch of FREE downloads like these:


 
VERY FUN!!

I also picked up a few free fonts and actually paid for some cute new fonts!

So I guess waiting isn't always a bad thing???

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