Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Here is the packaging and the Handi Versa Tool
I decided I wanted to try ruler work but with so many rulers of various costs I decided on a multifunctional tool. The ruler arrived and I immediately read the instructions. I know the picture of the accompanied documentation is crappy but that is ok there is little about the tool a few pics of what it can perform and then basically that the ruler foot is 1/4 from the line that is drawn on the ruler.
I was not too impressed I guess I expected more description of how to use the tool. Then it dawned on me that there is a video by the Inventor and it has a number of techniques, but I did not want to invest in more.
Below I have enclosed my hints as well as Handiquilter video and some instructions that I found in a PDF file hidden deep in cyberspace. I thought that the written file I found was more interest to me than the short 3 minute video that didn't address the ruler in any depth
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1MaRuASFkvdaFd3T2l4eW90SW8/view?usp=sharing
BUT I have some tips - in reference to using the handiquilter pictured in the post below
1) The ruler scoots with pressure of the ruler foot against the ruler so I applied the shelf liner that stops dishes from rolling around. It is a type of vinyl mesh and it works well, I secured it with 2 way tape that can be removed later by using goop gone
2) Practice and know where you want to go before you start
3) Registration lines can come in handy so if you are going to do a line of clamshells or full circles you are not off of the quilt edge or on a downhill angle
4) Learn where to grip, I used my middle finger in the center of the tool outstretch and about 1/4 from the top . Then I used my thumb and baby finger to anchor the edges. It takes a little getting used to and I find just the right spot to stop the ruler from walking away from me as I put the pressure of the ruler foot against the ruler. This is not hard to do except on the scallop or circle I noticed I was a little off
5) I had not trouble with the stitching around the Versa Tool, I just remembered to pull my finger off the trigger about 2 stitches before I really wanted to end and make sure my needle was down so I did not run off track.
6) I used the U shapes to guide my ruler foot when I wanted to move around a corner or up a few stitches and looking at the lines on the ruler it kept me straight and I had an idea of where I wanted to be, not sure how this would work with White fabric, I guess I will soon know!
7) When using the straight line stitch in the ditch, as you move down the seam or want to create a straight line don't keep the ruler stagnant glide the ruler a little so that it is moving down the quilt, this will create a smooth line and you don't have to stop and start every 6 ".
8) Bottom scalp on the ruler. This makes nice leaves or even 4 leaves projected from a centerpoint. Mark an X Y axis or registration mark or have a visual indicator. Try out your ruler and make sure you can place it where you want and that you are not too close to the rail so that you can't lay down the ruler- ask me how i know that!! Then start at one end of the scallop and work to the other end, Stop at the end , don't go over, or you may have to get creative. Having needle down swing the template in place lining up the point with the one you have just stitched. Remember when you do this that you need to observe the 1/4 that is between your placement of the ruler and the stitching. It is not hard and after the second one you should be good to go, it looks really nice and not hard to line up
9) Clam shells are self explanatory I made sure that I just had a registration line so that I was not lopsided and I stitched from one end to the other, left the needle in the fabric when I got to the end of the n I did not move the needle out from the template along the little tabs at the side, then I just swung the scallop/clam shell template to the other side of the needle and kept it snug- no problem. I suppose if you want some area between the shells you can then go out another 1/4 from the template on the little tabs, sink your needle and then line up, but when you do that make sure that you know that you are lining up where the last tab ended.You can make a mark so you know or just pray
10) Circles are fun, need a little practice on the B part Here we go, mark your registration line you will see a line just below the scallop that goes across the ruler, if you draw a straight line across the quilt or the area you want the circles then you are in business.Trace the scallop as above, then with needle down swing the template so that you are on the registration line and match up to where the previous stitching is (the top of the circle is now matching the bottom of the circle) This is not hard the hard part is to not put too much pressure against the ruler with your ruler foot so that it swings and you get a lopsided curve at the top of your circle.
11) v SHAPE- I must admit I do not know what I am going to use this for. Chevrons? Parallelogram? perhaps even tracing an applique or a corner? There can be a lot up to your imagination !
SO glad I took it out of the package and started to work with it
1) The ruler scoots with pressure of the ruler foot against the ruler so I applied the shelf liner that stops dishes from rolling around. It is a type of vinyl mesh and it works well, I secured it with 2 way tape that can be removed later by using goop gone
2) Practice and know where you want to go before you start
3) Registration lines can come in handy so if you are going to do a line of clamshells or full circles you are not off of the quilt edge or on a downhill angle
4) Learn where to grip, I used my middle finger in the center of the tool outstretch and about 1/4 from the top . Then I used my thumb and baby finger to anchor the edges. It takes a little getting used to and I find just the right spot to stop the ruler from walking away from me as I put the pressure of the ruler foot against the ruler. This is not hard to do except on the scallop or circle I noticed I was a little off
5) I had not trouble with the stitching around the Versa Tool, I just remembered to pull my finger off the trigger about 2 stitches before I really wanted to end and make sure my needle was down so I did not run off track.
6) I used the U shapes to guide my ruler foot when I wanted to move around a corner or up a few stitches and looking at the lines on the ruler it kept me straight and I had an idea of where I wanted to be, not sure how this would work with White fabric, I guess I will soon know!
7) When using the straight line stitch in the ditch, as you move down the seam or want to create a straight line don't keep the ruler stagnant glide the ruler a little so that it is moving down the quilt, this will create a smooth line and you don't have to stop and start every 6 ".
8) Bottom scalp on the ruler. This makes nice leaves or even 4 leaves projected from a centerpoint. Mark an X Y axis or registration mark or have a visual indicator. Try out your ruler and make sure you can place it where you want and that you are not too close to the rail so that you can't lay down the ruler- ask me how i know that!! Then start at one end of the scallop and work to the other end, Stop at the end , don't go over, or you may have to get creative. Having needle down swing the template in place lining up the point with the one you have just stitched. Remember when you do this that you need to observe the 1/4 that is between your placement of the ruler and the stitching. It is not hard and after the second one you should be good to go, it looks really nice and not hard to line up
9) Clam shells are self explanatory I made sure that I just had a registration line so that I was not lopsided and I stitched from one end to the other, left the needle in the fabric when I got to the end of the n I did not move the needle out from the template along the little tabs at the side, then I just swung the scallop/clam shell template to the other side of the needle and kept it snug- no problem. I suppose if you want some area between the shells you can then go out another 1/4 from the template on the little tabs, sink your needle and then line up, but when you do that make sure that you know that you are lining up where the last tab ended.You can make a mark so you know or just pray
10) Circles are fun, need a little practice on the B part Here we go, mark your registration line you will see a line just below the scallop that goes across the ruler, if you draw a straight line across the quilt or the area you want the circles then you are in business.Trace the scallop as above, then with needle down swing the template so that you are on the registration line and match up to where the previous stitching is (the top of the circle is now matching the bottom of the circle) This is not hard the hard part is to not put too much pressure against the ruler with your ruler foot so that it swings and you get a lopsided curve at the top of your circle.
11) v SHAPE- I must admit I do not know what I am going to use this for. Chevrons? Parallelogram? perhaps even tracing an applique or a corner? There can be a lot up to your imagination !
SO glad I took it out of the package and started to work with it
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Handi Versa Tool published Instruction
I purchased the handi versa tool It came with limited instruction on the packaging I found the you tube video I did not feel as if I was much further ahead until I found these written instructions on line in a pdf file. I am getting a little closer! handi versa tool
If you have trouble viewing these instructions you can also view them below https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1MaRuASFkvdaFd3T2l4eW90SW8/view?usp=sharing
If you have trouble viewing these instructions you can also view them below https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1MaRuASFkvdaFd3T2l4eW90SW8/view?usp=sharing
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Stitch in the ditch
Warning- this is not a professional operator by any means. Just a little old lady with a wobbly hand! I wanted to show you what this particular ruler could do. You may wonder what the piece of fabric is adhered to the ruler? It is a piece of shelving matt that helps stops the ruler from running away from you! Hopefully with more practice my results will be much better.
With this tool there are a number of lines 1/4" apart.You can make a line and then have a number of lines beside it.You can stitch in the ditch down a long piece of fabric, just move the ruler as you go using the lines to keep yourself straight
With this tool there are a number of lines 1/4" apart.You can make a line and then have a number of lines beside it.You can stitch in the ditch down a long piece of fabric, just move the ruler as you go using the lines to keep yourself straight
Bottom scalp edge of Handi Versa Tool
Fat leaves, skinny leaves and thin leaves, You can make them all!
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