Frugal or Extravagant?
#81
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 601
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There are some things I'm willing to spend the money to have the 'best' that I know about -
Gingher scissors, for example.
There are some things that I'm more interested in getting 'adequate' for less money -
Those rotary cutter blades from ?? for $1.98 for two. (Got some a while ago - but don't remember name now)
How about you?
ETA: But it seems like something newer and better is always becoming available. WAAAAAH!
Gingher scissors, for example.
There are some things that I'm more interested in getting 'adequate' for less money -
Those rotary cutter blades from ?? for $1.98 for two. (Got some a while ago - but don't remember name now)
How about you?
ETA: But it seems like something newer and better is always becoming available. WAAAAAH!
#83
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,581
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I find that even Olfa blades - actually quite a few of them - brand new - straight out of the package - have a 'no cut' spot about three threads wide -and it's always at the same interval - so I'm reasonably sure that the blade has a 'no cut' spot on it
#84
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
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This has been my experience also.
#85
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,688
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I go for quality at a good price. I use Olfa blades from Joanne's on sale -- I have several Olfa cutters (all more than 7 years old) and working wonderfully (love the 60mm ergonomic for most jobs and the 18mm for ripping) -- the F&P that I won last year, I use for cutting paper because it does not feel good in my hands. I have a couple pairs of Ginghers, 2 of the microserrated blade scissors and the rest Fiskars because they fit my very sore hands the best.
I try to do quality on a budget -- I find that buying cheap costs too much in the long run because I keep having to replace it.
I try to do quality on a budget -- I find that buying cheap costs too much in the long run because I keep having to replace it.
#86
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I was raised with 2 DBs and 2 DSs, my family had a modest income. Dad worked Mom was at home. We got hand me downs and my DGM made our "special occasion clothes". I learned to sew as a teen and started to make my own clothes and babysat my butt off for other things I wanted. We never had a lot of extras. I guess that has carried on to adulthood for me. Still I believe in buying a quality that will last within my means. I shop sales and use coupons. I will compare prices and figure in shipping vs sales tax and gas to go buy things locally. I watch which shops adjust shipping and which charge their full shipping. If it's something I simply must have there is always an extra shift I can work.
So I guess color me fugal. I buy quality especially for my quilting tools but I do shop around. It's a little extra time to do so but in the end I am generally happy with my purchase. I find what works best for some people don't always work best for me so I go with what I like. I have a pair of Gingher scissors because my first quilting instructor said they were a must. I bought the lightweight version, cheaper with a coupon and easier on my hand. I have used them rarely. LOL If I get something I hate I won't buy that brand again.
If I have trouble with skipping when rotary cutting (I also use Olfa rotary cutter and mats) and the blade is new or almost new I soak my mat. Someone at a quilting class I took told me about self healing mats needing to be soaked. I found this discussion of care and fixing mats to be really helpful. http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...tting-mat.html I am still using my original mat which is now 12 years old!
So I guess color me fugal. I buy quality especially for my quilting tools but I do shop around. It's a little extra time to do so but in the end I am generally happy with my purchase. I find what works best for some people don't always work best for me so I go with what I like. I have a pair of Gingher scissors because my first quilting instructor said they were a must. I bought the lightweight version, cheaper with a coupon and easier on my hand. I have used them rarely. LOL If I get something I hate I won't buy that brand again.
If I have trouble with skipping when rotary cutting (I also use Olfa rotary cutter and mats) and the blade is new or almost new I soak my mat. Someone at a quilting class I took told me about self healing mats needing to be soaked. I found this discussion of care and fixing mats to be really helpful. http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...tting-mat.html I am still using my original mat which is now 12 years old!
#87
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holmen, WI
Posts: 6,459
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And I'm sure as she waited to save enough, that she had many pleasant dreams of that coat ... and then oh, the pride in wearing it long after!!
What a different world today ... the disposable society, seldom thinks about longevity and wear and tear! More so, something that can be worn for a year or two (and for some, just a season) and then toss it!
Or hard goods that will do the job for a short time and then onwards to something else.
What a different world today ... the disposable society, seldom thinks about longevity and wear and tear! More so, something that can be worn for a year or two (and for some, just a season) and then toss it!
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#88
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holmen, WI
Posts: 6,459
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And is it just me or do the rest of you notice how that thread or two is as strong as steel? I'll feel my cutter skip, think "No biggie" & then when I go to pull the rest of the fabric away, it won't budge!
#89
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
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Those uncut threads are very tenacious - and just won't snap - they will either pull the material along with it - or if they are willing to break, they create a long pulled thread - on the cut piece, of course.
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