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A little TLC for self-healing cutting mats

Self-healing cutting mat….a hero in your sewing studio.

 

The self-healing rotary cutting mats are a tool no quilter can do without. The surface of self-healing mats will “heal” or close after cutting with a sharp rotary cutter blade, leaving no visible slice in the mat. Following are some tips that will make your cutting experience even better.

·       Lay mats perfectly FLAT when traveling to retreat or for storage, mats warp easily especially in a hot car and distortion is sometimes permanent.

·       Keep mats out of direct sunlight if possible.

·       Do not roll cutting mats.

·       Replace when there are obvious signs of wear and tear or blades dull quickly even after cleaning your mat.

·       Directions to clean your mat: (recommended 2X per year)

·       Fill you bathtub with room temperature water (not hot, not warm, and not cold) add 1/4 cup of white vinegar and a squirt of dove dish soap for a good lather. Use a mushroom brush (soft bristle brush) and scrub the mat gently getting a good lather with the soap. Then rinse your mat with cool water getting all residues off the mat. Dry it with a soft cotton towel, or air dry with a towel underneath making sure it lays flat.

The materials used to make the self-healing properties do dry out after a period of time; this method allows the mat to absorb water making it supple again. This TLC “bath” makes your mat last longer along with an added benefit, it keeps your blades from dulling so quickly because you are cutting into a softer, cleaner surface.

There is a practical limit to the amount of slicing and dicing a cutting mat can take, like everything, eventually you will need to replace your mat.  When you begin to see visible marks and/or grooves on the surface it is probably time for a replacement.  Even if you aren’t seeing surface damage, you may notice that your blades are dulling quickly or you have to push harder on the rotary cutter, it is likely time for a new mat.

 

Self-healing cutting mat care – now you know. J

San Fransisco - a great place to visit...

Last week my daughter Suzie and I traveled to San Fransisco - it was very beautiful to visit, but there is no place like home...

The weather was wonderful while we were there and we did get to do a bit of sight seeing, including a ride on the San Fransisco Belle to see the Golden Gate Bridge up close and a view of Alcatraz from the boat, a short trip down Fisherman's Wharf.  We were focused on our classes and seminars...



 

 

Above is Suzie with CEO of Bernina and the NEW Bernina 880 - it has so many new and wonderful features, internal color wheel, stitch designer, shaping tools plus a new touchscreen with over 1700 stitches built in! Add jumbo bobbin, faster speed, size. Bernina dual feed and stitch regulator - plus SEW MUCH MORE!  Arriving in our shop this fall!  Stay tuned!

 

Fourth generation owner of Bernina - Bernina remains the ONLY family owned sewing machine company that still manufactures their own machines.  Fine Swiss craftsmanship, made to last with pride, performance and passion.  Superior quality goes into each and every one!

 

 

Mr. Paul Ashworth, president of Bernina of America, presenting new products and vision....

 

 

 

Below, another taste of the city, the huge event San Fransisco Pride Parade.  Definitely a new experience for us...  We watched for about and hour, this parade was over 4 hours long and truly a rainbow mix of culture, sights and sounds...





 

Waiting at the airport for the flight home...

There's no place like home

There's no place like home

       There's no place like home.......

 



In the quilting queue...

Busy times - we just got back from a wonderful family vacation!

Yes, I do take a sewing machine on vacation with me!  I tend to get a bit stir crazy, especially if it is a rainy day.  I LOVE to go in the boat for leisurely ride but I do not like to fish  - so while some of the gang go fishing, I stay behind with some of the others that feel the same, mostly the little ones.  They explore and play and I sewed from the screened in porch.  It was great!

Below are a couple of quilts I made for the upcoming QUILT MN.  They are wrinkled from coming home in our much too full suitcase, I will press today and get them off to Lucy at O2B.  One is made with 2.5 inch strips and the other is a new variation of Turning 20.  Watch for a later post of the finished creations.

 

 

This is a great quilt with Stonhenge Aphrodite.  Wouldn't you know it I am SHORT for the last piece of mitered border.  Went into the shop and the entire bolt is already GONE!  Connie to the rescue ordering another bolt for me and YOU!

 

 
 
 

















Here is August Patchability - available for pickup July 1.  Have to complete with applique and quilting.  The applique will make it look much better as all of the details of the lemons will be highlighted.

Snapsacks were so popular a couple of our years ago at both of our shops - you have been asking for these and our friend Joan Ford at Hummingbird Highway has some really cute ones.  This summer watermelon is going to be so cute! small quick to finish quilts kits with everything included except batting - once this is finished you can pick up in the shop or online!

 After a VERY LONG WINTER here in Minnesota - summer is finally off and running.  Enjoy, it always goes too, too quickly by!

Semiannual Bernina Floor Model Sale/Fast Track Fabrics

Read all about it by clicking here!

Summer Fun at PNQS!

Learn about some of our summer events and classes here!

Make this your Creative Quilting Summer!

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