Back to quilting - have been playing with my new gadget.
It claims to make miles of bias tape in minutes...I did a trial run using the standard 1" tip which comes with the machine...and it made very nice single fold tape...perfect for using on the scalloped edges of quilts and something I will be happy to use.
Because Joann's does not offer the 1/8" or 1/4" bias tips, I ordered those through Nancy's Notions. The 1/4" tip is particularly important to me because of all the border vines needing to be made for the Cherry Tree Quilt project. Unfortunately, that tip is the one giving me grief at the moment. You can see in the photo what is happening. The strips refuse to emerge from the ironing platform in a folded state. All I can get is nicely pressed FLAT strips.
 | |||
| NOT GOOD - COMING OUT FLAT, SHOULD HAVE BOTH EDGES FOLDED INWARD |
I then went on to the 1/8" tip fearing poor results again, but incredibly, it worked very well...just think of the possibilities when appliqueing tiny stems...this is a photo of both the 1" and 1/8" strips...
I would love to hear about any experiences you have had with this gadget - positive or negative.
In the meantime, my tiny 3" houses are growing and I have just completed Cherry Tree Block #23 and am on to #24. Only one more after that. Will be posting images soon.
All for now...wishing each of you Happy Stitching.
Interesting review. I hope you get the 1/4" one working since that is the one you have immediate use for.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on cleaning out your basement. I did a little of that early in January, but need to do more.
Good luck with your bias tape maker!
Well, Pat, if that 1/4" bias maker gets to working perfectly, you may be getting lots of requests from BTCT makers for the border vines! LOL Sure hope it works out for you. Looks pretty neat!
ReplyDeleteSorry I will just be cheering you on from the background. Math was never my strong suit! I think that's why I could only cross stitch and not quilt.;0)
ReplyDeleteIf the tiny 1/8" works but not the 1/4" it sounds like somethign defective. I hope you get one that works right. It looks like it could be a big timesaver.
ReplyDeleteI saw this demo'ed at a show one time and it was all I could do to stand there and watch the person get everything together and get it working to show how it worked. I looked at my friend and said, "i could have made miles in that time" so i thought it was an expensive gadget for what it does.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a demo of this in person - do you have to pull the bias through or does it feed by itself? As fast as I make folded bias with the individual tips and my iron, I'm with Sharon on this one. I spend the most time cutting and sewing the strips together, not pressing them. But I am interested to hear if you get a response from Simplicity.
ReplyDeleteAhh, it is good to have you back and well done for the spring cleaning extraordinaire! I'm so glad you are feeling ready for almost anything... except perhaps a bias tape maker which doesn't deliver. I can feel your frustration. I am afraid that I have no experience of this machine having made my bias by hand so far as I usually need much less than a wonerful quiltmaker like yourself.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get the answers you are looking for.
Stephanie
Happy February!
I've popped over from Pondside. She was writing such nice things about you! Aside from the quilting, I'm impressed by the basement clear-out. That's a task I have managed to avoid for....never mind how long. You've inspired me!
ReplyDeleteI am visiting you after Pondside's mention of you.
ReplyDeleteMy oh my, what a talent, artist you are. Amazing! I wish I could say this too was my talent . . . My mom would have enjoyed you. She loved to quilt.
I have a family crazy quilt, with the date 1896 and family name embroidered in one corner. A treasure indeed . . .
Just dropping by from Pondside. I love your quilts and all the handiwork!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Pondside's place... you have such lovely quilts and blog. I can tell I will enjoy your writing! blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteI am very interested in quilting. Can sew any everything but just cannot stay with a quilt. You do a great job and love Pondside's gift you sent her. Great job. Blessings
ReplyDeleteQMM
These never seem simple to me. My sister tried to show me how to use hers and finally gave up!
ReplyDeleteoh well.
Happy Monday anyway!
I have seen those machines and wondered how well they work - I will be interested to see how you get on with fixing the 1/4 in one.
ReplyDeletePomona x
Good Morning. I wanted you to know that I love your blog and have awarded you the
ReplyDeleteVersatile Blogger award! You can go over to my site, Moving On To The Past, to receive your award. Thank you again. http://movingontothepast.blogspot.com/2012/02/versatile-blogger-award-and-awardees.html
I bought one of these last summer, and it has already died. I've only used it to make bias strips for some outfits I've made my granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteI bought it at WM (where it was cheaper), and I guess I should have bought the warranty insurance, but figured it would last longer than that. Of course, that would mean having to mail it in, etc.
I did love it, and I will most likely buy another one because it makes binding so much easier. I found one on Amazon at a good price also with free shipping. Some places charge way too much for these. If you pay over $60, that's too much.
I would also like to know if you hear from Simplicity.
I have used mine a couple times. Not sure what sizes I made though. Hope you get your 1/4 to work..I gave mine a B too :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this yet. Looks pretty good, the skinny bias looks great!