I had such a miserable holiday, in bed with flu for most of it. So I decided to treat myself to a late Christmas gift. After Mary showed us her Accuquilt Studio model at bee meeting on Monday, I got a bug and started researching them online. Mary's demonstration made it apparent that cutting fabric with one of these would be much easier on the back than standing at a table (even a proper-height table) for hours, using a rotary cutter.
Another bee buddy, Mary U., has the smaller Accuquilt Go! model, and she praised it as well. After an afternoon of research, I decided that the smaller cutter was what I needed too.
I looked at various sites that offer the Go! and decided on Amazon. They had the best price (1/2 retail), offered free shipping, and I had enough points on my Amazon Visa card to totally pay for it. So I ordered. Wednesday night, UPS delivered.
I spent a good deal of time yesterday getting to know my new baby. I even created a quilt block made completely from pieces cut with my Go! I'll show you that later on in this post. First let me introduce you to Ms. Go!
Here she is in her folded portable state.
Unfold her and place your fabric (up to six layers) on the appropriate die.
Place your cutting matt on top of the die, and roll it through.
Voila! Perfectly cut squares.
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Great Grannies
I love granny squares. They are easy to crochet and fun too. I made a couple of granny square afghans years ago. The one in the picture above is like the one I made in about 1977. I still have it, but don't care to pull it out and photograph it right now.
For quite a while now, I've wanted to make a quilt version of the granny square. But the task of standing and cutting all those many, many 2 1/2" squares didn't appeal to me. I knew my back would balk. I have to take all cutting tasks in very small increments these days.
So anyway, when I was at bee meeting, I discovered that Mary S., is working on a Granny Square quilt. Above are some of her blocks. I do believe that Monday's meeting was the most profitable meeting for me ever. I found that instead of standing and cutting all those zillions of 2 1/2-inch squares for a granny square quilt, I could sit and roll them out like magic with an Accuquilt fabric cutter--another reason I was prompted to order mine.
In no time I could produce enough squares, even sitting if I like, to make a granny square block.
Squares all cut...
...and made into a granny square.
So as soon as I've finished the Vann Shirt Quilt, I plan to make a Granny Square quilt. I might call it "Dovie." That was the name of my maternal grandmother, whom we always called Granny. She hated being called Granny. I don't know why we didn't just call her Dovie.
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On 02/08/2013, Linda Volz said ...
Hi Susan -
I have an Accu Quilt cutter to and I love it! I'm a second-time-around mom and I have 2 girls ages 9 and 13 and they both can use it to cut squares, strips and alot of other fun shapes to do fusible applique, we have kitty's, puppy's, stars, hearts, birds, flowers and cute little houses. I actually prefer they use the accu-quilt rather than the rotary cutter.
I just wish I had even more time to use it, but my darn day-job keeps getting in the way!!!
I know you will have lots and lots of fun with your new cutter. Keep posting pics of the things you make, love to see them.
Blessings to you,
Linda
On 02/08/2013, Joanne said ...
SDS and her sisters had beautiful names, but silly nicknames--Mary Caledonia was "Donie." Charlotte Anne was "Charlsie." Melinda Louida was "Ider." Sarah Dova was "Dovie." Amanda Marilla was "Rilla."
I love the granny square. And the cutter--I want one.
On 02/08/2013, Barbara Anne said ...
Now how cool is that cutter? It would make cutting the bazillion squares needed for the Tokyo quilt a breeze!
Love your new and perfectly cut Granny Square! Will have to look into this stellar gizmo!
Hugs!
On 02/08/2013, Lynn said ...
My LQS has the Studio cutter. I love it! I can cut 5 jelly rolls in about 10 minutes. Most of the time is spent arranging the fabric properly on the die and then separating them and packaging them. Cutting time is about 1 minute for 200 2 1/2" strips! I have not yet broken done and gotten a Go! for myself since I can use the one at the store for a small fee, but I'm tempted. I know you will love yours!
On 02/08/2013, Jocelyn said ...
I have been wondering about the smaller GO. I broke my right wrist in December and am still going through Physical therapy. I cannot push down on the rotary cutter, and I wondered if the GO would be a good tool to have. What was the reason you decided on the smaller one. Do you think it cuts easily, as my wrist does not move (yet) I'd really appreciate your feedback.
On 02/08/2013, sarah schraw said ...
I have one too and my favorite uses are 2 1/2 inch strips and hexagons! Hope you keep loving it as much as I do!
On 02/08/2013, Deb said ...
Susan, I got a small GO for my birthday back in July...would you believe I've not even taken it out of the box yet!!! Why!!! I need some FREE time to check it out!! I hope you like yours...sure sounds like something I could use....if I only would!
On 02/09/2013, Linda said ...
Awesome post. I'm so glad you got it and that it helps! I have trouble holding the rotary cutter because I suspect a bit of arthritis in my hands (that's my excuse), so now you have me thinking I should check into purchasing one. Thanks for the report!
On 02/09/2013, Mama Pea said ...
Congrats. I have a go baby. I wish I had the studio model like you do! :-) I have long thought this is the best thing for those who have difficulty with their hand and cutting...
On 02/12/2013, Laura said ...
I am so happy you found a way despite physical limits to follow your heart's desire!
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