SO MANY projects happening on my Sewing Table right now. And it’s all great stuff. Currently on my table: I’ve got Quilt Block Challenge Updates, projects with Portsmouth, plus a review of TrueCut system cutting tools featuring an ergonomic rotary cutter and rulers with a track system for accurate cutting. AND a Giveaway! Here’s ALL the details:
February Free Quilt Blocks
First of all, I’ve been having fun catching up with my 2023 Riley Blake Quilt Block Challenge blocks. Here are the two from the past two weeks:
Last week’s block is called Jack in the Box, designed by Sandy Jervais. You can find the free pattern for that block here.
This week’s block is Blossom by Lori Holt. You can find the free pattern for Blossom here.
And here’s a look at all of my blocks so far. I love the way they’re looking all together! I’m using my new Portsmouth fabric collection for these blocks. You can find all of the information on the 2023 Quilt Block Challenge here + links to all quilt blocks so far.
TrueCut notions and tools – Review + Giveaway
The Grace Company reached out to me to see if I’d like to try some of their latest TrueCut quilting supplies and notions, including a mat, rulers, and Comfort Grip ergonomic rotary cutter. All TrueCut products were provided by but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve been trying everything this week while working on quilt blocks and have genuinely loved it all – especially as I’ve been working on cutting lots of narrow strips.
The rulers have a raised edge for added accuracy and safety and the rotary cutter has an attachment option with a cutter guide that stays on the track at the edge of the ruler to give perfect cuts with no slipping. Excellent for lots of strip-cutting.
The TrueGrips non-slip adhesive rings can be applied to the back of ANY ruler and they’re fabulous. Helps so much preventing rulers sliding and decreases the amount of pressure you need to hold the ruler in place. Anyone else tried them? I can’t say enough good about them!
I was extra curious to try the TrueCut ergonomic rotary cutter. This cutter is designed to help prevent shoulder and wrist strain. By moving the round head of the cutter right below the point of the most cutting power, the wrist will be naturally aligned with the arm, which means more power using less effort. Using the track option also takes pressure off when cutting because the blade is automatically lined up with the ruler.
This rotary cutter is also designed to easily switch from a right-handed to a left handed cutter. You can read more about the TrueCut Comfort rotary cutter here.
Check your local quilt shop for TrueCut tools and notions. You can also find them at JoAnn Fabrics, Amazon, and Sewing Parts Online.
I’ll be sharing more about these new products as I continue to use them. Feel free to ask any questions as well.
In the mean time, TrueCut is hosting a giveaway of this exact bundle for one of you. Rulers, rotary cutter + extra blades, blade sharpener, TrueGrips AND an a double-sided 18″ x 24″ cutting mat!
GIVEAWAY CLOSED.
Using all of the TrueCut tools above, I genuinely think they made a difference in the accuracy of my strip-cutting. Since cutting all of these strips, I’m now working on some mega-strip piecing.
Strip-piecing is still one of my favorite time-saving techniques. Accurate cutting and piecing are essential.
Also on my table – a finished Sugarhouse Star quilt top that just needs a backing pieced so it can go off to the quilter!
I’ve been on the go a lot over the past few weeks and out of town twice since the end of January. As nice as it was to get away for a bit, I’m also kind of excited to be home and catching up on projects here. SOOOoooo much more to share over the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Karen B
I’ve used the TrueGrips. Someone sent me a package and I LOVED them so I bought more and shared with my QuiltyBFF.
Amy
That’s so great to hear. I was thinking of doing the same – they make the perfect gift for a quilty friend.
Jan
I have used truck grips also. I like them a lot. Very interested in that ruler as I also cut lots of strips. Thanks Amy.
Jan
That was supposed to be tru grips! Darn phone!
Amy
haha! Thanks for the clarification!
Karen Smith
Silly autocorrect!!
Guro
Hi Amy, I haven`t even heard of this tool before. You cannot buy it here in Norway but it seems very nice.
Susan MacLeod
I’ve been using the True Grips for a number of years. They are very helpful. The ruler/cutter interests me. Especially the track. Sometimes my cutter wants to head off to the right.
Vicki in MN
The cutter looks like something that might help my wrists! Curious but why the holes in the ruler?
Arlene Helms
I see a lot of square holes in the rulers. What is their use/purpose?
Carol C Thomas
Is the rotary cutter just switch left to right? or do you have to manually manipulate the cutter to change to left hand? Did your hand, arm, and wrist see a difference???
nancymaria1953
These rules look like they would work very well.
joeyjj
Very interested in your rulers. I can see where the cut outs would be handy.
Kristen Glockner
I’m looking for suggestions on how to set up a new quilting room, thanks to my mom. She was gracious enough to give me all her quilting stuff. First I need storage and a desk / table to work on. I would like the room to be neat looking when not in use. Any recommendations.
Vickie Buettner
Love the True Grip rings…Every ruler I have has them on! I even use the tiny little “dots” in the center of the rings on my smaller rulers and templates. (a half hexi for jelly rolls template)…those little “dots” from inside the True Grip rings work just as well as the big outer rings!!
vsb
Amy
Yes! It wasn’t until after I threw away some of the dots (duh) that I realized they would work just as well. They’re awesome!
JEANNIE BOURG
I have a metal plate in my neck since neck/spine surgery, so I’m always looking for something to help with bending. I’ll check into the tools you recommend. I have the rotary blade sharpener, and shared it with my sewing group. Everyone was happy with the results. Thank you for sharing.
Eileen M Wohlenhaus
The tru grips sound terrific! I just ordered the set. (And also signed up for the free one, which I will give to a friend if I win.) I’m new to quilting, only done 2 so far, and I read this blog to see if there was some way to improve my cutting skills since I tend to veer off a bit at the end of a strip or my ruler slips. I hope this helps!