Page 9 - quarterly 11-18FF_Neat

My Favorite Tools

If you ask me what my favorite tool is I would have to say the pressure
foot for the sewing machine. When the engineering of a tool makes a ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
technique or task easier or the end result better, it is almost magical. If

you love to cook it may be that perfect knife or pan. If you golf maybe it is your favorite club. In this case,
I have 100’s of favorites.That being said, I love it when a new tool becomes available for my particular
passion.

So when a great new stitching tool comes out you can understand my excitement. When I heard about

Ruler Work I became intrigued with the idea of creating free motion quilting designs with a guide. Free
motion stitching allows you to move your project under the needle in all directions, eliminating the bur-
den of having to turn sometimes large or bulky items. These rulers are more like rigid templates than
measuring device.

About 2 years ago, Bernina created the #72 ruler foot for my machine and they created a set of rulers to

go with it. I loved the scallops, perfect ditch stitching without turning my quilt; and with a little practice I
had the hang of it. Since then our ruler options have expanded. We added rulers by Angela Walters; they ①②③④❺
were put out by Creative Grids and had cute names like Squiggy and Slim, which actually describe the
rulers. Then we added Westalee and recently Amanda Murphy. We also carry Amanda Murphy panels,

fabric and quilt kits. Now we have an entire corner devoted to Ruler Work.

As a recommendation from a friend, we found Westalee Rulers. I soon learned that these rulers were a
cut above. There are probably many great rulers out there as I have seen firsthand how excited everyone
is about this tool and its techniques and I am sure I have not seen them all.

We also had the honor of hosting Paula Reid. Not only was Paula an incredible teacher but she showed

us rulers that did things we could never imagine. They had special features like a garage where your foot
rested before the next step, which made the ruler so much easier to use. She made making feathers re-
ally easy; I have always struggled with feathers. Then these spinning rulers that were unbelievable! We
are really hoping she can come back this spring.

Visit her website to check out classes she teaches: http://www.battsintheattic.com/

Turns out not only does Ruler Work help us with difficult and more intricate designs, but it is fun! Watch-

ing everyone who experiences success with free motion stitching with rulers is great but watching them
have so much fun doing it is the best. I give this TOOL a “10” ❤

We have added a Café for Free Motion Stitching and Ruler Work. A class for you to learn techniques for
free motion stitching, with and without rulers, and get quilting design advice too. Bring a dish to share
and have a great time.

8 8 9