Product Review: Phillips Fiber Art Spot On Ruler

So last weekend we did our first in-store demo of a product, and for those that missed it, here's a little peek at what we demoed, and my review of it. 

The Phillips Fiber Art Spot On Ruler

Specs

• Small, angular, acrylic ruler
• Designed for hexies and triangles
• Cost: $11.00

Pros

• Oh the shapes you can (accurately) make! I did not have to pin my project except at the required intersections where I needed to match points.  It all just FIT

Pardon my mess.  Look at the quilt.  Ooh. Ahh. 

• Very clear markings and easy to use
• Comes with a free pattern with the ruler, but there are several different patterns to choose from
• Patterns are very well done, and great for visual learners.  The graphics are clear, and I used those more than the written words

Cons

• I don't have the hugest hands in the world, but this is small enough that it was tricky to hold effectively and not have fingers in harm's way. 
• The ruler is VERY slippy.  You definitely will want some kind of ruler grips on this thing to help with that.  A slip while cutting WILL matter here.  
• ...Pretty much only super useful for the patterns designed for it.  I don't know that I would use it for anything else. 

Conclusion

★★★☆☆

This was a fun little tool to use and the projects are quick.  At $11 for a ruler, the price point isn't bad at all.  My only gripe is that unless you're using the patterns its designed for, it's not good for much else.  It really is a unitasker.  But if you need a quick gift to whip up, or want to give a gift, these rulers are great.  

Product Review: Bohin Two-Sided Chalk Pencil

Another week, another marking utensil review.  So this one happened in the spur of the moment.  Dad left the other day from work having shortness of breath and discomfort (he is fine now, don't worry), bt it just so happened that I found out on my way to the shop for one of our group meetings.  Cancelling wasn't an option at that point, and Mom and John were already on their way to the ER to meet him, so I hung out for updates.  My plan was to go to the ER after the group left, and of course this was the ONE TIME I didn't have a phone charger with me or my sewing kit.  So I made an embroidery pattern on the fly, and we had one of the Bohin Two-Sided Chalk Pencils out as a tester.  So I used it. 

Specs

• Wooden, two-sided pencil
• White and red chalks
• Cost: $1.25

Pros

• Awesome visibility for both colors

• Thick chalk is difficult to break even with significant pressure
• This stuff stays where you want it. You can rub on it with your finger, and it stays pretty well, little to no smudging. 

Cons

• It is thicker than a regular pencil, so a standard sharpener doesn't work very well. 
• Chalk is thick, not ideal for detail work
• It's a little more work to remove than your standard chalk.  On my test piece, the white came of with cold water and a little dabbing, but the red was more challenging - I had to use a little white vinegar mixed with the water.  

Conclusion
★★★★☆
This might be my new go-to.  I have been working on that embroidery regularly since I made it last Monday, and the lines are still clear and bright.  I wish the red was easier to remove, but for how well it stays I think I can tolerate the minor inconvenience. 

Product Review: Hemline Water Erasable Marking Pencil

I like to embroider, so I am always on the lookout for good marking pens.  When I am marking sewing lines when I am piecing, air soluble is just fine, but for the time it takes for me to get embroideries done, water soluble is the way to go. 

So I gave these babies a try: The Water Soluble Marking Pencil by Hemline

Specs

• Twist style marking pencils
• 3mm
• Blue and White options
• Cost: $1.25 apiece, when sold in the bin and not individually packaged

Pros

• They twist up so the "lead" is always protected
• Blue: Highly visible
• White: See cons
• Inexpensive
• Wash away cleanly

Cons

• They are wide enough that they are not good for detail, and they are blunt
• They deplete quickly, and the "lead" is fragile
• White: It doesn't show up very well, and wipes off very easily.  I used it on a very deep gray background and it was only barely visible _ even pressed hard enough to snap the "lead"
• Blue: Rubs off on your hands very easily, and takes a little persuasion to wash away (though it does ultimately wash away cleanly)

Conclusion
Blue: ★★★☆☆
White: ★☆☆☆☆
Overall: ★★☆☆☆

The white is terrible, to be honest.  I got rid of mine.  But the blue is pretty decent, though, I wish it didn't smudge so easily!  For $1.25 though, it is still a good buy.  Save this marking pencil for your less detailed embroideries, lettering, and sewing lines. 

Product Review: Judy Gauthier's Maker Tape

Gonna keep this short and sweet...here's the second of the ruler grippers I tested.

Specs

• Two rolls of rough, plastic tape
• Cost: $4.99

Pros

• Multipurpose - good for more than just being a frictional surface on a ruler or template
• Very repositionable, without residue
• Isn't tacky or sticky in the way silicone is - won't collect dust
• Lots in a pack
• Ruler stays PUT.  

Cons

• It is translucent bordering on opaque, so if you are using it on a ruler where you need to see the fabric underneath to line up a measurement, your view may be obstructed. 
• You need to use more than just an inch or two for the roughness to do its thing.

Conclusion

★★★★★

This stuff rocks, and for under $5, it is a GEM.  I just wish it were more transparent like the dots are!  But...no lint.  But this was a really effective solution for curing the slidy ruler problem, and can be used for other tasks too. I do love a good multi-tasker, so 5 stars!  Get you some!

Product Review: The Grace Company TrueGrips

Slidey rulers piss me off.  As I think they probably do most people trying to cut fancy shapes and curves.  Nothing sucks worse than having a rules slip mid-cut.  It's why I vastly prefer Creative Grids to Omnigrid.

There are a lot of different solutions to this problem, and I will review one this week, and another next week.  This week?

Specs

• 30 adhesive grippers
• Clear, silicone-esque material
• Cost: $5.95

Pros

• THE STICK IS REAL.  When you put these on you ruler, they stay stuck.  I mean sure, you can re-position them, but they have a hell of a stick
• I tested this on a straight ruler and on a curve ruler.  RULER DID NOT BUDGE.
• They are clear, so do not obstruct your view of the fabric position in relation to measurement lines (if used on a ruler where that might be important; less important for some templates)  

Cons

• The pack I had did not have the small and large grippers fully cut through, and I damaged a couple trying to separate them
• These are slightly tacky on account of the silicone-ish texture.  Do collect dust and thread bits.  

Conclusion

★★★★☆

They work exactly as advertised, and much better than I had expected.  They work very well, but boy, the lint is REAL.  

Product Review: Clover No-Hassle Triangles Gauge

I think I might be one of the few out there that doesn't vocally hate making half square triangles.  Actually, when I am sewing for fun or want something that is instant gratification, I tend to lean towards half square triangles.  And I do them both ways; the "cut square in half diagonally and sew it' way, and the "take two squares right sides together, draw a line corner to corner and sew on either side of the line" way.  Both methods have their purpose and place.  But damn it if I can ever remember what size to cut the original square to to yield the HST that I need.

So there's this.

Specs

• Plastic with movable gauge piece
• Cost: About $15

Pros

• Clear labels make knowing which pieces you need to yield what size HST easy
• The gauge make it it very easy to differentiate square sizes - it clicks in place so there is no confusing what you need
• The gauge itself is a really good double check to make sure your squares are indeed cut accurately

Cons

• This is a one-trick pony.  It isn't a ruler, so can't double for cutting.  All you can really use it for is stenciling in the center line down the block
• Block sizes are limited to 2.5"-7.5"
• There is no no-slip on the back, so it is prone to slipping if you're in a groove and not being mindful

Conclusion

★★☆☆☆

So.  The block measurements are cool!  But...the tracing is all this tool is good for.  To be honest, I use my 1.5" x 12.5" ruler, and I have the block thinger taped to the wall by my cutting table already (thank you Pinterest!).  So, I probably wouldn't get much mileage out of this personally, hence 2 stars, but someone else might find it extra handy!

Product Review: Elisa's Back Porch Designs Crazy Curves Path 7" Ruler

Occasionally I like to try new shit.  And occasionally I fail at it, and try again, and fail, and try again, and fail, and have someone sit with me and show me, and fail, until I get frustrated and give up because I am #rad.

Curved seams was one of those things.  Swear to God I tried and tried and could not make my brain get it. Even sitting down with someone who was good at it, seeing it, and understanding it did not work because when I tried with them sitting right there, it went so wrong they couldn't even explain what on Earth I did wrong. 

Fast forward like five years later when my rage subsided (it's a slow burn over here), I finally got smart and watched some Youtube videos about how to do them.  This template here did the trick.

Specs

• Clear acrylic template
• 7', but does come in a variety of other sizes
• Cost: $17.95 for the 7"

Pros

• I CAN DO CURVES NOW.  
• NO SERIOUSLY, IT WORKS
• Very easy to see where your straight of grain should be.  
• Durable.  I have dropped this a lot, and stepped on it a couple times.  No cracks. 

Cons

• There is no non-slip stuff on these...so you have to be very attentive and very careful when cutting so you don't slide and warp your cut.  
• You have to buy additional templates for other sizes.  It's a one trick pony. 

Conclusion

★★★★☆

One ding because it's a one trick pony, and lacks anything to prevent slippage.  The latter is an easy fix, though.  I LOVE using this ruler.  I never thought I could do curves, and I can now.  So...get one! 

Product Review: Pat LaPierre's Supreme Free Motion Slider

I love to free motion.  Sure, I'm not the best free motion-er that has ever stepped up to a machine, but I do all right and it's fun.  One of the issues I have is space (no room for a long arm!) so I use my domestic machine.  I generally hire a professional long-armer for my bigger quilts, but every now and then I find I have to do one myself.  I don't have a huge amount of space in the throat of my machine though it's pretty decent, so in between battling a small table not supporting a large quilt very well and a smallish machine throat, I am always down to try whatever tricks and products that allegedly make to process easier. 

So awhile back a customer of ours told me about Pat LaPierre's Supreme Free Motion Slider, which is supposed to make free motion quilting soooo much easier.  So I bought one and tried it. 

Specs

• 8.5" x 11" (ish)
• Silicone sheet with hole in the center and a repositionable, self-adhesive backing
• "Regular," Queen, and King sizes
• Cost: I think I got mine for $30ish, but prices vary between $23 and $30 depending on the vendor.  

Pros

• The slick surface truly does make a difference...the quilt moves SO nicely and with less resistance
• The sheet covers your feed dogs, but not your needle hole so there is also less snagging if there is bare batting on the edges beyond the backing
• The backing keeps its stick after cleaning
• If you keep the packaging, it is a great place to store it when not in use to keep it clean
• Adhesive leaves no residue.  

Cons

• The back does get linty and requires cleaning after a couple uses.
• Even with the stick, it isn't fail safe - if you aren't attentive, it can and does shift especially with larger quilts which may accidentally snag a corner and lift it while you're heaving it around into the different positions you need it in.  
• If you don't get it stuck down properly - either there are air bubbles preventing a complete seal, or if it is too linty - it will move on you (which isn't always noticeable) and get stitched onto your backing. QUICK, ASK ME HOW I KNOW.  
• If you stitch through it, and try to remove it, it is VERY easily torn and ruined.  AGAIN, ASK ME HOW I KNOW.  

Conclusion

★★★✩✩

That it loses its stick so quickly and requires cleaning just about every time you use it is a turn off due to the consequences of losing that stick.  I have ruined two of these because I didn't feel it slip out of place on large quilts, and I do try to be very attentive of what the quilt is doing and check the sheet frequently for seal.  This seems to be less an issue with smaller quilts and wall hangings, but it is enough have made me stop using it on large quilts...which is where the benefit really is.  If something happens to my current one, I probably will not bother to replace it. 

Product Review: Clover Trace n'Mark Air-Erasable Marker

I don't find myself needing marking pens very often.  I tend to be an old school girl in the sense that I don't need no stinking fancy pen when I have a mechanical pencil in my sewing drawer.  But uh, somethings call for more oomph than what a pencil can provide AND the line needs to go away.  regular pencil is a pain in the ass to get out if you screw up.  I'm not a fan of the water soluble pens, because I so often forget to complete the erasure step, and a lot of the air soluble pens vanish too fast. So I wanted to try something different.  

This is Nancy Zieman's Trace n'Mark Air-Erasable Marker through Clover.  

Specs

• Two sided, thick and thin felt tip pens
• Bright pink ink
• Air soluble
• Cost: $7.99

Pros

• The ink is BRIGHT.  Very, very visible on most fabrics, even in the medium-dark range.  
• The dual tips are cool.  I never thought I'd need the fat end, but I use that more often than the thin one
• The ink stays put for quite a while - takes longer to disappear than other pens I've used.
• It does vanish completely
• Ink is long lasting.  I have had mine for a couple years now and use it with some frequency, and haven't had to replace it yet. 

Cons

• It is absurdly easy to to split the felt tips with the cap - There is a water soluble version of this same pen in blue and I split the tip right away on that one not realizing there is like a little cap inside the cap.  
• The fat tip doesn't fit in most stencils
• If you're looking for the ink to disappear quickly, it might freak you out when it takes longer than anticipated

Conclusion

★★★★✩

I wish this baby came in more colors!  I would buy them all. My only real criticism is how easy it is to damage the felt tip with the inner portion of the cap.  

Product Review: OLFA Quick Change 45mm Rotary Cutter

Since the advent of the rotary cutter back in "the day" there have been some uh, unique, variations on the original model.  I am not a gadget girl and I generally don't give a rip about ergonomics.  Arthritis is going to come for me someday I know, so I am unwilling to go to those models until I must.  Arthritis can suck it.

There are some real die-hards out there *cough*Mom*cough*.  Yellow basic OLFA or GTFO.  She uses the 60mm and I use the 45mm.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  But one time we had this weird, pressure activated rotary cutter at the shop behind the counter that became "mine."  Secret's out, I only used it because I knew no one else would use the weird one and that way my blade stayed good and sharp and un-nicked.

But uh...it changed my stodgy ways.

Specs

• 45mm blade
• Rubberized grip
• Pressure activated blade
• Cost: $21.99

Pros

• The blade is not engaged unless it has active, firm, downward pressure on it.  IF YOU JUMP YOUR RULER, YOU WILL NOT -I REPEAT- WILL NOT CUT YOUR FINGERS OFF.    This is important.  Quick, ask me how I know.  More appropriately, ask my still-there fingers. 
• Changing the blade is quicker than on a regular rotary cutter
• That no-slip grip is nice.  

Cons

• If you do a lot of cutting like I do, then the plastic cover that is pushed upward when you cut wears out and flattens due to the repeated friction of going across your board.  At a certain point (a few years), it no longer covers the blade and there will always be a tiny piece of blade exposed to give you surprise and surprisingly annoying tiny cuts.  Quick, ask me how I know.  Not a huge con though given how long it takes for this to happen.  

Conclusion

★★★★☆

I love this rotary cutter, and haven't gone back to the regular kind at home.  I would use the 60mm if they have it - they may, I just haven't been bothered to look it up.  The long term wear and need for replacement is why I am not giving this five stars; some folks have the basic ones that have lasted for 15+ years because there isn't the issue with friction wearing the plastic down.  But other than that...this is my preferred cutter.  Very literally saved my fingers on more than one occasion! 

Product Review: Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Scissors (Small Size)

Little scissors are a sewing bag need.  I have several grab and go sewing bags and all of them have little scissors. The small ones were a gift to me, and they were intriguing.  I had heard of Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Scissors from some other quilters, but never tried them until I had some gifted to me.  They're definitely unique!

Specs

• The small ones are 4", but there are several size options
• Rubberized handles
• Serrated blades
• $20.99

Pros

• The serrated blades are extremely fine and grip small pieces of fabric SO WELL.   These are amazing for cutting out appliques, especially small ones that get squirrelly when cut with smooth bladed scissors.
• Cuts cleanly with no pinking effect from the serration. 
• They keep their edge really well.  I have had mine for 4-5 years and they're still as sharp as day 1.
• Very lightweight

Cons

• Handles are not reinforced.  Those handles are AWFUL.  There is no support in the rubber whatsoever beyond where the metal scissor component is affixed at the bottom of the handles.  If you're cutting something a little but stiff (like a couple layers in a fused applique), they just give out and you can't get any force into the cut at all. Maybe the larger ones have more reinforcement, but these little guys don't. 
• The handles are formed in such a way that they slide up your fingers as you cut which is ergonomically weird.
• I think the price point is a little high for a 4" scissor. 

Conclusion

★★★★☆

I would love these in the larger sizes because that serration is incredible.  I still think the price point is a little high on the smaller sizes, but I suppose that's due to the serration; I probably wouldn't buy them on a whim without having tried them first.  But I love these little scissors.  You wouldn't think that little bit of grip while cutting appliques would make such a difference, but it really, really does.  

Product Review: Quilter's Touch Machingers Free Motion Quilting Gloves

Free motion quilters are always looking for ways to make to process easier, and for those working on a domestic machine, a good tactile grip is critical.  There are tons of products out on the market,  and this is one - Machingers by Quilter's Touch

Specs

• White gloves with grippy material starting at the fingertip and ending just past the top knuckle
• Synthetic material
• Sizes XS-XL
• $8.95

Pros

• The grippy material doesn't wear down quickly
• Good variety of sizes...many only go from Small to Large
• The material, despite being synthetic, is very breatheable

Cons

• There is no grippy material on the palms anywhere.  For me, the gloves tend to slide on my palms between my skin and the quilt which is irritating over long periods of quilting...not only because of the lack of grip, but the friction makes my skin mad. 
• The grippy areas show dirt big time being white.  We don't think of fabric as being dirty, but these gloves pick up whatever dirt there is plus skin oils plus lint and over a fairly short time the end get beige.  Gross.  
• For me, none of the sizes fit right.  I have broad palms and short wide fingers.  The L was too tight in the palm but just right for my fingers.  The XL was perfect for my palms, but the fingers were too long.  But then again I have weird little sausage hands and I cannot fault the product for that at all.  

Conclusion

★★☆☆☆

To be honest, I only go for these in a pinch when I can't find my preferred quilting gloves, which - SPOILER ALERT/QUILT HACK - are a $3 pair of gardening gloves from Fred Meyer's.  The grippy material is all over the surface of the palm and fingers and fits snugly enough that it doesn't slide on me.  $3 compared to $8.95?  No contest.  If you tend to use your fingertips when quilting versus a flat palm, then these will be great for you.  If not, then you're better off saving the $5. 

Product Review: Hamilton Beach Durathon Nonstick Iron

After blowing through TWO Rowenta irons in 2017, I decided to change it up and try a different brand.  Problem?  I am iron picky because of course I am.  Really, the issue is that most of the irons within the budget I am willing to allot for an iron are annoyingly light.  I like irons to have some heft to them.  It doesn't need to be cast iron or anything, but I like it to feel like it actually has the weight for a decent press.  Bought a Sunbeam. Decent iron, but light AF.  The the iron died at the shop and was replaced with a Hamilton Beach.  

Hamilton Beach.  I think my food processor is from them.  

But I liked it enough after using it at the shop that I bought one to replace my Rowenta.  

Specs

• Steam/no steam
• 10oz tank
• Electronic controls
• Retractable cord
• Non-stick plate
• Self-cleaning
• Anti-drip
• $39.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond

Pros

• Has a good weight to it.  
• Retractable cord is nice to prevent tripping hazards
• Heats quickly and uniformly

Cons

• On the steam on setting, it depletes the water supply quickly whether actively in use or not; if it's sitting on, then it is depleting water.  I have to refill this sucker a LOT because I use steam all the time.
• Despite the anti-drip...it drips some.  But it's not consistent, so it might just be MY iron and not a universal issue.  

Conclusion

★★★☆☆

Really, more like three and a half.  The only real detractor for me here is how fast the water tank depletes.  Some of my cheaper irons with smaller tanks had their supply last longer.  But this is a good, solid iron and the price point I think is appropriate for what you're getting.  If this iron lasts longer than the Rowentas did, I might bump it to four stars, but longevity remains to be seen.  

Product Review: Galaxy Notions Electric Seam Ripper

No one likes to rip out stitches.  I mean, not that any of us ever do *WINK*.  But yeah...ripping out stitches is like insult to injury.  Already annoying to mess up, double annoying to pick out stitches.  So Galaxy Notions thought it might be cool to expedite that process with an electric seam ripper.  Naturally, I scoffed because those damn kids just make everything electric nowadays (and won't get off my lawn).  BUT IT'S ELECTRIC AND SHINY AND PURPLE AND SPEEDY SO I HAD TO TRY IT.  Natch.

Specs

• Small, hand held trimmer about 5" long
• 1 AA battery
• Prices vary - $19.99-$24.99 

Pros

• Small, so would fit easily in most sewing kits for home or classes
• Strong battery life
• Does take out seams quickly

Cons

• It's basically a travel size hair trimmer.  Wahl, the hair trimmer company, makes the same thing, and for less
• Unless you have a seam with lots of threads (backstitching or serger seams) this isn't really THAT much of a timesaver if you know the tricks with a regular seam ripper. 

Conclusion

★★★☆☆

Not a bad little piece of equipment if you're into gizmos.  I'm not a gizmo girl so this isn't my cuppa, hence three stars.  But if you like gizmos, then this is a good one to look into

Product Review: Colonial Thimblepad Leather Adhesive Thimble

I whine a lot about hand work.  It's gorgeous to be sure but it is slow and damn it IT HURTS MY FINGERS.  Sure, I could wear a thimble.  Where's the fun in that?  Well...none either way.  I hate wearing thimbles.  For one, I have little sausage fingers that are often between sizes, so finding a fit is annoyingly difficult.  Also, the ones that encompass the fingertip makes my finger sweaty and yes, I will bitch about that too.  No one likes sweaty fingers.  Not to mention when I wear a thimble I lose the tactile ability to tell how my stitches are going when I sacrifice touch for protecting my sensitive sausage fingers.

Did I mention I am allergic to nickel too?  Like to a point where I break out in minutes?  No?  Well I am, and well, a lot of metal thimbles have NICKEL IN THEM.  Delicate flower indeed.  But then...then there were these sticky little leather thimble pads.  Now.  I HATE STICKY.  Sticky just about makes me hurl.  But I can cope with that neurosis if it means there is a thimble out there in the wide world that will work for me.

Behold:

Specs

• Adhesive dots about 1/4" diameter
• 12 per pack
• $5.99

Pros

• One thimble lasts for multiple uses
• Unobtrusive 
• Works for any finger size, on any finger
• You can still feel the pressure of the needle, which is helpful since so much of hand quilting/stitching is done by touch and knowing the feeling of a correct stitch
• Nothing pokes through that baby.  Nothing.  Not even those huge tufting needles.  Quick, ask me how I know.  (No, it didn't happen on purpose)

Cons

• The adhesive, especially after the first couple uses, leaves a sticky residue on your finger (which if you know me, you know stickiness makes me practically and sometimes literally dry heave)
• If it gets unstuck from the little wax paper thing it comes on after you use it a couple times, the thing is a loss because I AM NOT USING A STICKY THIMBLE THAT HAS BEEN NOW STUCK TO SOMETHING OTHER THAN THE WAX PAPER AND MY OWN CLEAN FINGERS.  Right in the garbage.  Wasteful?  Yes.
• Being disposable by nature, you have to replenish them...unlike a "regular" thimble which is a one-time purchase unless you lose it or it is damaged beyond usability

Conclusion

★★★★★

Yes, no need to blink and rub your eyes.  Those are FIVE stars right there.  Five.  Even with the cons. I used to hate hand work, and whine about it extra loudly in case outer Mongolia didn't hear me the first time.  But these little sticky thimbles are a complete game changer.  I slam through bindings without my finger getting raw and sore.  I EVEN DID AN EMBROIDERY QUILT AND STARTED A SECOND BECAUSE OF THESE.  You're not gonna get a 5/5 out of me that often.  These deserve it. 

Product Review: Sullivan's The Cutting Edge Frosted Ruler

Every now and then a product comes along that makes you think, "Shit!  That's a great idea!  Why didn't I think of that?!"  Sullivan's The Cutting Edge Frosted Ruler was one of those products.  This ruler promises to sharpen your rotary cutter blade while you do your normal cutting.

So, I gave it a whack, so to speak, back in 2011 and reviewed it in my old blog pretty quickly after starting to use it.  Mistakes.  Were.  Made.  I got sucked up into the gimmick!  Here is a more realistic review after more use for your reading pleasure.

Specs

• Frosted acrylic
• 6.5" x 24.5" but comes in other sizes too
• $34.49

Pros

• The measurements and angles are well marked
• The frosted texture prevents slippage while cutting
• The half inch marks are a different color than the whole inch marks, so it's good for a quick reference

Cons

• The promise to sharpen your blade while cutting falls very, very short.  I actually nicked more blades with this thing than anything!  The metal piece on the side is EXTREMELY easy to catch at the beginning of a cut, unless you're cutting in the middle of the ruler at all times.  
• THE NOISE MAKES ME WANT TO JUMP OFF A BRIDGE.
• The metal piece actually came off entirely after nicking it one too many times
• The sharpening action actually created a very fine, dark "dust" that was rather annoying
• The frosting is so thick it is very difficult to see your fabric underneath if it isn't a dark fabric....makes lining up cuts a real bitch especially if lighting isn't jusssssst right. 
• The half inch marks and whole inch marks are difficult to distinguish from the sides of the ruler (there isn't a clear half inch side and whole inch side like other rulers)

Conclusion

★☆☆☆☆

If this isn't a case of "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," then I don't know what is.  The premise is great, but there is a LOT of room for improvement.  If they could fix the frosting so it is easier to see fabric and improve the metal piece so it didn't nick and catch on blades, then I might give it another try.  But for the cost, it's not worth it.  I can get the same size ruler from Creative Grids (which I LOVE by the way) for nearly $10 less ad it doesn't f@ck up my blades.  Sullivan's had a great idea here, but I think they need to go back to the ol' drawing board. 

Product Review, Web Bond TA 101 Spray Adhesive

Just about everyone knows Mettler for their thread, which is wonderful, but they do some other notions too...like spray adhesive.  So I am a spray adhesive girl.  I like the convenience of a spray adhesive versus pin basting whenever possible.  What can I say, I am all about that instant gratification. And with the amount of samples I crank out, the less time I have to spend pinning, the happier I am. 

This stuff has been out awhile, but I did a review on it back in 2014 on my old blog which seemed to be helpful, so here it is again with a little more input after a few more years of use.  

Specs

• Aerosol
• 9.6oz
• $12.99 USD

Pros

• Even spray distrbution
• Spray is thick and webby, so it is visible on the fabric 
• No absorption into the fabric (no weird wet patches or discoloration on the "right" side of the fabric
• Strong adhesion - a little goes a long way and it stays stuck better than other sprays
• I found it to be low odor as compared to other aerosol spray adhesives.  

 Cons

• Strong adhesion.  Not every machine "likes" this stuff for free motion. My Bernina HATED it, and it would skip stitches.  I thought it was maybe a bad needle or bobbin.  After changing needles and rethreading, it still skipped.  But, when I pin basted or used a different spray...no issues.  After a little more troubleshooting and process of elimination, I found that the adhesive was catching the thread, and my Bernina (an old 150) didn't quite have the oomph to combat it.  Now, my Janome (Memorycraft 6500)?  No issues.  But then again, that machine is a beast. 

Conclusion
★★★★☆
So now that I have a beefier machine, this is my preferred spray adhesive now.  The pros outweigh the cons to me now, where a couple years ago the issue with skipped stitches was enough to turn me away.  Now not so much!