Greetings fellow quilters! As I write this post it is super blustery here on the East Coast. We are experiencing, as the weather channel puts it, a bomb cyclone. The poor trees are taking a beating from the high winds and the power company is running on overtime trying to keep power going or restore power as needed. Luckily, I have already prepared a YouTube video for you about my favorite fantastic foundation piecing tools. So don’t forget to watch the video below while I finish typing the rest of this blog using the free wifi at the local Starbucks and sip my Mocha Latte.
Years ago my lovely husband purchased a hand crank Singer sewing machine for me and my friend encouraged me to try it for foundation piecing. Between that machine and all the EPP sewing, I am required to do I will be able to finish my latest projects despite the lack of electricity at the Cabin. I think this is one of the best advertisements for English Paper Piecing and hand sewing that I can think of… but that’s not what we are talking about today.
Fantastic Foundation Piecing Tools for the Quilter’s Toolbox
Today’s conversation is about foundation piecing tools. I am have been working diligently on some new designs and have been using some of my favorite tools. So, of course, I had to tell you all about the tools that I love the most when “sewing by numbers”. So below you will find the first episode of the Quilter’s Toolbox. What’s the Quilter’s Toolbox? Well… in my quilting career, I have amassed quite a “Toolbox” of stitching tools, techniques, and tips that serve me in my career. You never know when you will need one of the “tools” in your toolbox. In coming weeks, I will show you many more of the items I keep in my toolbox. This week’s Quilter’s Toolbox contains actual tools.
Add-A-Quarter
I wouldn’t even think about trying to foundation piece without an Add-A-Quarter Ruler. I love the little lip on the ruler that creates the perfect quarter inch seam. Of course, the ruler counts on the perfect fold right on the sewing line. I just can’t make the perfect fold without the Folding Friend.
Folding Friend
My little Folding Friend is just that… a little friend to make the perfect fold. Folding Friends are 11″ x 2.5″ and made from polypropylene. It is long enough to fold large designs, thick enough to catch the lip of the Add-A-Quarter ruler and sturdy enough that it won’t tear, bend, or break. Also, did I mention that it’s waterproof? It’s one of the tools that I keep in my actual toolbox on the cutting table. It’s the best little tool under $2 and it’s manufactured right here at the Cabin.
Cutterpillar Glow
One of my absolute favorite tools is my Cutterpillar Glow Premium. I use my lighted mat all the time and its perfect for foundation piecing. I am able to see the pattern through the paper and fabric and I am able to trim directly on the cutting mat on the top. It’s one of the many uses for my Cutterpillar Glow. Of course, my friends at Cutterpillar have offered all of you 20% off if you want to purchase your own Cutterpillar Mat by using the coupon code PENNI20 at checkout.
Watch for more YouTube videos using the Cutterpillar Glow coming up on future blogs.
In the meantime, check out this little YouTube video on the Fantastic Foundation Piecing Tools in my Quilter’s Toolbox
Thanks for stopping by the blog this week. If you have any tips or tricks to share or have a tool that you love let me know in the comments below. Until next time gang.
Happy Quilting