The past few weeks, I have not done too much sewing. However, it hasn’t stopped me from participating on a few secret sewing forums that I’m a member with on Facebook.

It didn’t stop me from dreaming about the clothes that I’d sew when I did have time. Until then, I’ll satisfy myself with small projects like the bias tape that I created last weekend.

My next project will be “game bags” for our board games.

First up is Sorry. I ordered this last week, and my daughter and I have had a lot of fun playing this game. As a child, it was one of my favorite “no-brainer” games. The only thing lacking from the game is a proper cover. I think if the cardboard box, that houses the game is protected, it will wear better after constant use. It makes sense, right?

Second, I’ll make a cover for Jenga! Yesterday, my vintage Jenga arrived in the mail. It was a brand-new unopened game that was made in 1986 by Milton Bradley! After my daughter’s homework was done, we had a lot of fun playing the game. Of course, that needs a bag sewn for it also.

My daughter told me, “Mom, you should embroider the name of the game on the outside of the bag.” I smiled and told her I was thinking the exact same thing.

Googling, making bags for my board games, didn’t show me any cute bags that others had made for their games. Could I be alone in my desire to cover our board games? I should hope not. However, even though I didn’t find any others that want to cover their games I did stumble upon this wonderful site that featured a  lovely bean bag checker game that was sewn! I will definitely have to make these for someone soon.

Since the checkerboard is made out of neatly cut squares, it’ll give me the perfect opportunity to try out my Shape cut Rulers by June Taylor. I received an update from Amazon, they have them in stock so I’ll get mine tomorrow. Just in time for my three-day weekend! Hooray!

For appliqué or quilts (which I have not made in a few years) I absolutely adore neatly cut pieces of fabric. I normally accomplish this by placing the ruler on the fabric and marking with chalk, pencil or my Clover Chaco liner, and then cutting. However, I’d much prefer making my cuts directly onto the fabric and now I’ve found a few rulers that do this without the extra steps.

First up, is the ruler that I used to make my bias tape. It’s my Dritz See-Thru Dressmaker’s Ruler. The only drawback about that is that the lines, where the rotary cutter would be inserted, does not extend the entire length of the ruler. See how it’s in sections? I get around this by advancing the ruler forward once the end of my rotary cutting line is reached. Of course, I make sure my measurements are still accurate.

Because of this, I decided to order another one.

 

Say hello to the June Tailor 20-Inch-by-23-Inch Shape Cut Pro Ruler. This also has lines, where a rotary cutter blade can be inserted; however, it extends almost the entire length of the ruler!  How awesome is that? Unfortunately, it’s on back order, so I won’t be receiving this until January 23. Boo, hiss!

My research has shown me that her rulers have received overwhelming reviews and after viewing a few of the videos, I can see why. Take a look…

 

Don’t you think it makes fussy fabric cutting extremely easy? The majority of the reviews are favorable. In fact, with one of her rulers there were no negative comments. That’s fairly impressive since there were numerous reviews made about the ruler. The above, is what I ordered, and it seems to be her largest ruler.

 

Earlier this week, I received the Omnigrip 8.5 X 12 ruler, which makes cutting fabric on angles much easier. This ruler does not have any slits to insert a rotary cutter, but I can easily place the ruler on the angle needed and start cutting. In fact, I spotted this ruler on Curls & Q’s post titled, Home for my Double Pointed Needles. To be more specific, you can see it in the picture, with the caption, titled ‘Marking the Lines’. I must say, it’s a great post and perfect for someone looking to make their own knitting case.

Honestly, I have not had a chance to try it out yet, but I have three days off, so I’m planning to really test it out then. I can’t wait! Since I have an extra day off, it gives me plenty of time to play with the appliques and whatever I want to get into. Who knows? Perhaps I’ll make a patchwork pillow. Wouldn’t that be delightful?

Do you have any crafting projects for this weekend? I’m hoping to start on an outfit for myself and begin planning my daughter’s outfit for the upcoming Father/Daughter dance.

 

Items Needed:

1. Dritz See-Thru Dressmakers Ruler
2. Omnigrip Ruler
3. June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler