craftgrrl | ... tools of the trade ...

Okay.

I have no idea how I survived before getting a rotary cutter (and small self-healing cutting mat). And I've only had the thing two days!

I highly recommend having one around (with accompanying mat) if you do ANY fabric cutting. I was at *insert large discount store here* the other day and picked up a cutter and 17"x5" mat in a little kit for $14 (err... $13.97). You can't afford NOT to have one! I've found it especially helpful for making identical straps for my bags, but I'm about to use it to cut strips of fabric for weaving.

I'll probably pick up an additional one for paper cutting - the lines are a LOT cleaner than when I use Xacto knives!

The best part about the rotary cutter is that I'm no longer slipping the scissors under the fabric which lifts it up and no matter how careful I am the line's never completely straight. Now that it stays flat, I don't have this problem! YAY!!!

I also recommend a metal ruler for guiding the cutter, but any straight piece of something that lies flat would do. :)

What tool(s) do you use that you find indispensable, and why?

Mine: the aforementioned rotary cutter, my iron (it's not just for fabrics!), and...the internet and great people like y'all. Heh.

And you? Hmmmm? ;)

~Kissy