December TSNEM – Using a Fabric Die Cutter

December TSNEM - Using a Fabric Die Cutter from Hugs are Fun

I did it. I made it through an entire year of trying something new every month and I’m quite pleased with it. There were some things I had hoped to get to but didn’t, but I still challenged myself a lot and did a lot of things I had been nervous to try.

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This month’s project falls into the “nervous to try” category. Last year for Christmas (yes, I’ve had this sitting around for almost a year…) my mother-in-law got me a Sizzix 659500 Fabi Cutting Machine*. It’s been sitting on a shelf because I was so intimidated to try it. I felt like I didn’t have a handle on the whole quilting thing yet, so it seemed crazy to add a machine to the mix.

December TSNEM - Using a Fabric Die Cutter from Hugs are Fun

Well, I feel like a fool because this thing is amazing! One of my favorite types of quilts has always been half square triangles. I love the simplicity of them. I’ve made a handful of blocks but haven’t done anything with them because of all the trimming required.

December TSNEM - Using a Fabric Die Cutter from Hugs are Fun

I used the 2″ Half-Square Triangles* die and they cut perfectly. You can use up to 8 pieces of fabric at a time, which is pretty spectacular.

December TSNEM - Using a Fabric Die Cutter from Hugs are Fun

I didn’t actually have a project in mind but I got to cutting. I quickly had a big stack of rainbow scraps and low volume whites. I started randomly pairing them together and they make absolutely perfect HST that don’t require trimming.

December TSNEM - Using a Fabric Die Cutter from Hugs are Fun

These ones are tiny, 2″ finished. So it’s doubtful that this will ever become a quilt, but I do want to make a bag or pouch with them. I want to get the Half-Square Triangles, 4.5 Inch Finished Square* and actually make a scrappy, rainbow quilt.

December TSNEM - Using a Fabric Die Cutter from Hugs are Fun

This was definitely a TSNEM where I felt really silly for having waited so long. It ended up being so easy and can make my life so much simpler. I’ve made three quilt tops this month (I can’t wait to show them off!) but the cutting was definitely my least favorite part!

Check out my past TSNEM posts –
JanuaryWoodburning
FebruarySashiko Embroidery
MarchMacarons
AprilFoundation Paper Piecing
MayBiscornu
JuneLog Cabin Pillows
JulyKnowing When To Give Up
AugustAugust TSNEM – Sewing with Knit Fabric
SeptemberQuilting with a Walking Foot
OctoberStumpwork Embroidery
NovemberBinding

Read more about TSNEM here.

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