me again needing tips, all things sewing

[OnlyWantsOne]

ive made bags, clothes etc - happy sewer but i think im set in my ways, for example ive never used a rotary cutter, now im desperate too!!

hats the best to start with? do i need a board?

what else? best place to buy clasps for bag making and zips etc

oh, and I want to make one of these bags but I'd like a pattern to follow. Any ideas where to get patterns from?

i have only used a rotary cutter to cut straight lines using a quilting ruler. You will definately need a self-healing mat. I got my mat from JL but think cotton patch is one of the cheapest online if yoy buy as a package.

and uhandbag sells all the bits & bobs, but i have no idea if she is the cheapest. I got her fab book for christmas but havent got round to making anything yet!

Hobbycraft is actually fairing competitive on cutting mats and rotary cutters by the time you have factored in postage.

I love my cutter, also love my 6inch thick rular (the almost see-through green one with gridmarks)

I have cut fabric into squares, leather, curves freehand or round a pattern...you do have to go careful as its darn sharp!

Zips, well any haberdasery will be best.
Handles.....ditto uhandbag, but I do happen to know a lady thats going to be making leather ones soon....pm if interested and I'll tell you her deets.

well i went to a local shop and bought an OLFA 45mm one, but they didnt sell the cutting matts!!

:( boohoo!!! please do not try cutting directly on you carpet or kitchen table...unless you need an excuse for a new one!!

OK - if you are desperate to use a rotary cutter there are some very basic and important things to do before you start.

You will need a cutting mat - buy the largest you can afford, it will pay you back in spades

Next - a rotary cutting ruler - you cannot use your cutter without a ruler - no don't even think about it. I mean it. The edge of your ruler is your guide... stand up when you use it and let the cutter do the work, do not force it.

Finally you can buy your cutter and spare blades.

Now this is the part I will drum into you - NEVER, EVER, leave the blade on your cutter open - it will take your fingers off. Think about it, if if can cut through 10 layers of fabric, you digits are a doddle.

Next, remember the saying, "measure twice cut once". I have been known to measure four or five times... but I still cock it up.

If you have any size of smalls in your house or indeed a man, make sure that your cutter is stored away safely... they do not understand quite how dangerous a rotary cutter can be.

I will second everything lattelady said. You have to have a ruler and mat if you're using a rotary cutter.

I use mine all the time, for every straight line I cut, but start slow, go easy, get to know your rotary cutter and how it works - use old scraps of fabric to start with.

Clasps, zips and other bag making supplies can be bought very cheaply on ebay, as there are loads of very good haberdashery shops on ebay as well as onine.

Bag tutorials are aplenty online, jjust do a google search or look through craftster.

ive bought a matt, now whats the best ruler??

and where do you ladies buy fabric?

The comments on the sharpness of rotary cutters is making me wince and my fingers twitch but I started using one on a patchwork and quilting course and it was really drummed into us that they were really dangerous. Never put it down without retracting/re-covering the blade, just incase you pick up the wrong end.

The other thing that I don't think anybody has mentioned is always cut away from you, i.e roll the rotary cutter outwards from your body. That way if you slip you don't do yourself any damage.

I also second using a ruler. Rotary cutters are really hard to control without having the edge of the ruler to guide you. Creative Grids are very good and have a huge selection. You usually see them at needlework shows and can get a deal from them but I haven't ever bought off line so I can't vouch for their competitiveness online.

" ... I haven't every bought on line." obviously.