Monday- New Tool Review

So I skipped a couple of weeks on the new tool review, but I'm back with a few basics that have been hanging around the OTS studio for a while. I figured even if they're not new to us, they might be new to some of you.

A Plethora of Small Scissors

One of the most important tools we use here are scissors. Of course, you need to remember that there is a huge variety of cutting implements to enhance your scissoring abilities.
The scissors we tend to use most are the little ones. From trimming thread to clipping corners, there is something for every job. The most important thing about choosing a pair of scissors is not how much or what material they are made of. It is actually how they feel in your hand. Favorites include the little black and green pairs shown on the left side of the photo. Made in Japan by Elan, they are lightweight and great for right and left-handed folks.



Omnigrid Rulers

Omnigrid Rulers

Another common tool of most quilters are the Omnigrid Rulers. These also come in a wide variety of sizes. Besides being used to measure and cut strips and squares, they are terrific for squaring up finished blocks as well as completed quilts. If you are starting up and trying to figure out just what you might need in the Omnigrid department, Jeanette recommends the 6"x 24" and 12 1/2"x 12 1/2". As your collection grows, you can add the various sizes such as the 6 1/2" square and 6"x 12" ruler. You'll need to be sure to have an

Omnigrid Mat to use with the rulers.



Olfa Rotary Cutters

The last item I wanted to mention, especially since I just talked about the Omnigrids rulers and mat, would be rotary cutters. Olfa Rotary Cutters are the brand of choice for OTS. Once again, there is an almost unlimited variety of these to choose from. We tend to use the 45 mm size the most although we have found a number of uses for the different sizes available. Another thing about the 45 mm size is that they now come in purple as well as aqua. Even though they do the same work as the original yellow, these new colors are fun to use!

Next week, I plan on digging through the tool drawers to discover what other things we can share with you. Until then, keep your rulers straight and your cutters sharp!