Tuesday, July 22, 2014

celebrating with Olfa

You may or may not have heard, but Olfa is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the rotary cutter. That's a HUGE deal and I was super excited that they asked me to be a part of their celebration.

The second quilt I ever made was done without a rotary cutter. I used a square cardboard template and a pair of not-so-sharp scissors for the cutting. Having that experience, I am very thankful to have a rotary cutter to use daily! And I do...well, almost daily, anyway.
My favorite rotary cutter is the Splash, which I've been using it since they released it last year and I love everything about it....the contoured handle, the quick change blade and the fact that I can use it with either my left or right hand. I am pretty smitten with the color as well! It's wonderful to have functional and pretty tools.
I made a 6.5" block to contribute to Olfa's commemorative quilt that will be made and shown at Quilt Festival in Houston this fall. The only requirements were that the block finishes at 6.5" and it contains yellow. I considered a lot of ideas before landing on this one. I settled on a churn dash block because it is an iconic quilt block and kind of indispensable--a lot like the rotary cutter! I free pieced a tiny 35 in the center block. I like this little block a lot and I am looking forward to seeing the entire quilt.
As a part of the celebration, I'm happy to be hosting a giveaway as well. Olfa is giving away a 28mm rotary cutter and a small cutting mat. These are great tools for piecing small scraps together right at your work station or they would work well for paper piecing, if you are prone to such a thing. :) I've found the small rotary cutter indispensable for cutting curves with a template. If you'd like to be entered into the drawing, please leave me a comment. In your comment I'd love to hear how long you've been quilting/sewing. This contest is open to US residents only this time. (Sorry to my international readers!) I'll pick a winner in a few days!

486 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 400 of 486   Newer›   Newest»
Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts said...

Sewing since I was 10 or so (4-H). Made my first quilts at 19 (double irish chain, and I still have it!). Took a short break, then got back into it with a vengeance in 2003. Haven't looked back. And where would we be without our rotary cutters!

LizA. said...

I've been sewing since I was very young and made my first quilt when I was in high school--38 years ago.....

Kristine said...

I've been quilting about 12 years now. Sewing since I was a kid.

Unknown said...

My daughter got me quilting about 2 years ago but I have been sewing for at least 50+ years. My mother was a seamstress/tailor.

jennybec said...

I've only been quilting about a year but I've been sewing and stitching my entire life. Three finished quilts under my belt and this year I'm entering my state fair for the first time with a counted cross stitch.

Patti said...

I took my first quilt class 30 years ago!

Unknown said...

I have been quilting off and on for about 50...yes fifty years. I don't think I would be quilting today if I had not found rotary cutting. Scissors, a cardboard template an a pencil is just too slow and not as accurate.

Lady K said...

I have been quilting for only a year but my first purchase was the 45 Olfa Rotary cutter as my dear friend (and teacher) told me this was what I needed most. And I certainly agree. I would love to win the 28 mm one. Thanks.

I love your quilt block and think it is great that you placed the 35 inside it to commemorate the anniversary.

Debbie said...

I have been quilting about 20 years. I to recal the scissor and card board days.

ozone3 said...

I've been seriously quilting for the last 2 years. I started probably about 15 years ago, but put everything away for a VERY long time.

Thanks for the chance to win!!

quiltingbonnie said...

Very pretty and nifty block. I think I made my first quilt about 34 yrs ago for my eldest son. It had a blanket in the middle that I had when I was a little girl. I have been using a rotary cutter for about 30 yrs. Have a great day. Bonita from FL

Leslie K. said...

I first learned to sew when I earned the Sewing badge in Girl Scouts when I was in 5th or 6th grade (a very long time ago!). I have been sewing on and off for years...just usually things for our home, as well as Halloween costumes and baby doll clothes for our two girls as they were growing up. In the past year, I have been learning how to quilt. My best tips that I learn are from quilting blogs such as yours! I would love to add a small cutting mat and rotary cutter to my quilting supplies!

kt said...

I've been quilting for about 3 years now. Great block--love that you used the colors of the splash cutter!

Barb said...

I made my first quilt while in college...made some over the years but have really ramped it up these past few years, so maybe 35 years or so...sweet give away, thanks.

Dominique said...

I am from Canada so I am not entering the giveaway... just wanted to say "sweet block".

margot said...

Although I already have a couple rotary cutters I regularly haunt the Olfa area in the LQS. I've never seen the Splash in our area - so pretty!
I was pretty intimidated by templates and accurate cutting with scissors when I first became interested in quilting. The arrival of the Olfa rotary cutter gave me my first big push to try it - and I liked it ("Hey Mikey! You like it!" From the same era). :)

Unknown said...

I have been quilting for 15 years. I started by taking a class at a local quilt shop. My first project was a large quilt for my queen size bed. I always have a good reference point to when I started quilting because I was also planning a 40th birthday party for my husband that year. Thanks for the chance to win these great prizes and your block to celebrate Olfa is great!

Unknown said...

Sweet block and purty rotary cutter!
My first quilting class was pre-rotary cutter...cardboard templates backed with sandpaper. :) I made my first strip pieced Irish Chain quilt by cutting the strips with a SCISSORS *gasp*(we were stationed in Italy alas...no rotary cutter to be found at the Exchange and I read all about this new technique in a magazine). We've come a long way baby! Happiest of Birthdays Olfa!

house on hill road said...

I learned to sew in 7th grade - so 12, I think. :)

Josie McRazie said...

Ive been sewing for four maybe five years now! Branching out and getting better all the time! (When I can find time!!)

Unknown said...

I've been sewing for about 63 years (!) and quilting for about 15 years. I'm left-handed, and like many lefties, am ambidextrous about a lot of things, including cutting with a rotary cutter. It's a very convenient "talent."

Mama Spark said...

I have been quilting for about 10 years and sewing for as long as I can remember. I too cut squares by hand and am so thankful for the rotary cutter!!

MIss Sherry said...

I have been quilting 16 years and am a HUGE fan of Olfa products. Nothing like a brand new blade on my 60mm rotary cutter.... sweet bliss!

ValerieH said...

I've beensewing since 7th grade so that would be 27 years. Yikes! I've been quilting for 7 years and have loved every minute of it.

Beth said...

I have been sewing since I was in 7th grade, but only quilting in earnest for the last six or so years. Still have a lot to learn!

Cindy P. said...

I ve been sewing a little over 55 years, but only quilting for the last 2 years. I can't imagine quilting without the rotary cutter! Thanks for the giveaway!

Carol C said...

I've been quilting for over 20 years and have sewn since I was about 10 I think. This is a great giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win!

Purse-sonality Plus said...

I've been sewing since 1980, when I graduated high school. My brother received a new car when he graduated, my sister a year later received a used car for graduation. I graduated 5 years later and received a sewing machine and that is how it all started. LOL. I've been quilting since the 90's. No good reason other than I wanted to try it and got hooked. Thanks for the great giveaway.

Ramona said...

I'm loving all those tiny squares you have cut. Looks like a fun project I've been sewing since I was about nine and quilting for the last 3-4 years. Love my rotary cutter and mat! Indispensable! Thanks for the chance to win.

everestcat said...

I've been quilting for 50 years! Used to teach crazy quilting at a local quilt shop, I love seeing how products have changed the process - used to cut templates from shoe boxes!

Carol W said...

50 years or more

lalaluu said...

I started quilting about 7 years ago, but I had NO idea what I was doing at the time. I was going off what I remembered my grandmother doing - which was cardboard templates and scissors! So, my first few block were wonky - in a bad way! Thankfully, joining a quilt guild and a bee introduced me to some wonderfully talented and knowledgeable ladies who taught me about rotary cutters, quarter-inch seams, and how to use rulers!

barbaradougherty126 said...

I have been quilting about 4 years now. I don't get to sew a whole lot, but I love making quilts the best. :)

Clothed in Scarlet said...

Gosh lol let me see...Jun five and half to six years. Wow sometimes it seems longer and then others not so much :o) thanks, Sarah

Kris said...

I started out sewing clothes in 4 -H and then hand embroidery and piecing. My first quilt top was in h.s. so like 35 years! yikes!!! I made a few quilts off and on and now have gotten more serious about it in the last 3 years. I still have so much to learn. ;)

Mary Huey said...

I've been quilting for 42 years and remember how puzzled I was when the first rotary cutter arrived in my shop 35 years ago - no mat, no plexiglass ruler!?! I marked it down to half price and sold it to some unsuspecting customer. A year later, it was an indispensible tool!!!

debbie said...

I have been sewing since I was 10. I just began quilting about two years ago and love it.

Sandra said...

I have been sewing for more than 50 years. My first foray into quilting about 25 years ago was not fun with having to use templates and scissors!

Stepfordmom75 said...

I started quilting years ago but then dropped it for a while. When my grandson was born 2 years ago, I dug everything out and have been quilting ever since! I love your blog because it's where I get most of my best ideas!!

gingersnap said...

Can't imagine any type of sewing without a rotary cutter. I use mine for cutting garment patterns as well as for piecing. Thanks for the chance.

Liz said...

My mom was a very gifted seamstress and made lots of nice clothing over the years. I tried to follow but found it so frustrating so sewing never really got off the ground with me. However, 15 years ago when mom started to dabble in quilting and showed me rotary cutters and rulers I was hooked. I ran with it, took several classes, and was able to share and teach some things back with my mom. I can honestly say that I don't believe I'd be a quilter today if we didn't have rotary cutters and rulers to use.

sewok said...

I've been quilting for about 35 years and sewing in general for more than 50! Love your little commemorative block. Thanks for a fantastic give away. Phyllis

Born4Travel said...

I have only been sewing for 2 years. I just finished my 4th lap quilt. Such a fun, fun hobby! Thanks for the great giveaway!!

Nancy L said...

I have been sewing since I began 4-H , almost 56 years ago. I still have the first apron that I ever made. I started quilting about 2 years ago, and love creating quilts.

Jeanne said...

I started quilting 9 years ago but actually started sewing at 10 years old. Couldn't imagine life without it.

Stephanie said...

sewing and quilting on and off for 12 years, and remember my grandmother hand cutting and piecing quilts. I still have her scissors. So glad for rotary cutters,your blog,and the chance!

SuzyMcQ said...

I've been sewing, mostly craft items for many years, but have been seriously quilting for about a year. I'd love a new rotary cutter, especially this size. Olfa cutters, of course, are my favorites!

Peggy said...

Love your blog. I have learned a lot from you! I have been quilting for 10 years. I think the 35 in the middle was a great idea.

liz said...

I have been quilting since 1991. I started after the kids were out of college and on their own. All of a sudden I had time and space. I haven't looked back! :0)

Joy said...

I have been quilting about 4 years and truly appreciate all i am learning from you!

Ellie said...

I've been sewing since I was I junior hi, almost 60 years ago, but I've been quilting about 30 years. I started before I had a rotary cutter but quickly bought one when I saw one! As revolutionary as the sewing machine!

Lisa said...

I have been quilting for about 15 years. I love your block, very cute!

Anonymous said...

My first quilt is one I made with my grandmother. It was for a Betsy McCall doll. (That really dates me.and I still have it.) I worked on a quilt for several years but finally trashed it. That was before Olfa and was too much like work! Then I was introduced to my first rotary cutter and I started quilting in earnest 3 years ago.

Shellie said...

Would love to own this pretty Olfa. I've been quilting for 20 years!

bvcope said...

I have been quilting for 10 years. I have made many quilts but have only kept 1 quilt , 1 lap quilt and 1 wall hanging. I am still slowly working on hand quilting the first quilt I made. I love your 35 block!

Aliceart said...

I've been fiddling with quilting for about 35 years. Just wish I had more time to indulge in it!

Elizabeth said...

I have been quilting for 20 years. My first quilt was for my son who is now 20.

Amy said...

I've been quilting for 6 years and loving every minute of it! Thank you!

Unknown said...

I have been quilting for about 5 years, started with Olfa for cutters and mats, and will stay with Olfa! robinsheloratearthlinkdotnet

Unknown said...

I've been sewing for about 18 years on and off. In the last year and a half I've started making quilts. Now I'm addicted to fabric, blogs and patterns! I've been making quilts as gifts and would love to be able to sell some one day! Thanks for the chance to win, shopgirl7232(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mom C said...

Well, there's sewing and then there's QUILTING! I learned to sew about 60 years ago. And I've sewn my whole life. I got into piecing quilts 4 years ago. Whole new dimension to my life. Thanks.

Diane Beavers said...

Amandajean
THe complimentary colors in your block are cool (Very Olfa). Sewing since age 9 which is about 45 years ago. Quilting for 5 years. Mixing the two is my creative outlet. Thank you for your continuous inspiration. The sunglass sleeve is great, I needed one.
Thank you for the chance at the 28mm cutter and mat.

Anonymous said...

Cute block! I've been quilting for about seven years. I enjoy the quilting and value the friends I've made.

jenmsmitty said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I've been quilting for 2 & 1/2 years and love my olfa! Your block is so cute Amanda Jean!!

Linda said...

I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME KIND OF STITCHING SINCE THE AGE OF 5 OR 6, PIECING STARTED IN 197?, AND STARTED MACHINE QUILTING IN 1989. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN,

Sadie said...

I've been quilting for just under a year now. I L.O.V.E. it.

Thimbleanna said...

OhMyGosh CrazyMom -- that little block is pure Genius -- How ADORABLE!!! (And, I've been sewing since I was 9 years old, so we'll just keep the total number of years a little secret, ok? ;-D )

margaret said...

love your block! i have been quilting for 24 years. started with my grandmother fussy cutting for a 9 patch. i do love my rotery cutter.

Unknown said...

I've been sewing for a little less than a year, my first project being a t-shirt quilt for my mom for Christmas last year; made from her old concert t-shirts.

gatofish said...

I really like rotary cutting. I used to do it just for straight lines but am trying to practice more with regular garment sewing as well!

Wendi said...

Thanks for the giveaway for the smaller cutter and mat. I have been quilting for about 10 years now. For the past few months I have been teaching my granddaughters to quilt also. They love it!

Amy Veldman said...

Beautiful block! I've been quilting for about twelve years.

cjmont said...

i've been sewing since i was 9 years old and quilting since 1995. love your blog and sunday morning quilts

A Typical Woman said...

I have been sewing for 20 years but only started quilting a few years ago. I actually learned how to quilt from your blog!

lesleyana said...

this is awesome - thanks!

i am new to sewing and am still trying to teach myself. i would love to be able to learn quilting. my mom lives 1800 miles away from me but we keep in contact on our crafting via text and phone and she is teaching herself how to quilt at 70!!! if she can do it, i can too.

Ray and Jeanne said...

I've been sewing over 60 years and started serious quilting about 27 years ago. The rotary cutter is by far the best 'gadget' in my sewing room. ~Jeanne

Stacey said...

I've only been quilting for about seven years and am still soooo new at it.

Nancy said...

I have been quilting for 26 years. I started with Olfa and they last a long time. I had one break last year but I'm sure that was the one I started with. Thanks for the giveaway. Nancy P.

MomMom said...

I have only been quilting for 5 years & have never cut a piece with scissors! LOL LOVE rotary cutters!!!

Quilting Tangent said...

I have been quilting for a few years. Cutting pieces with a scissor is no fun, did 2 queen size quilts that way. 24Tangent@gmail.com

emmy said...

Although I've been sewing for decades, I've only been quilting since I retired five (5) years ago. Will have to look for the larger splash. Thank you for the giveaway.

u keep sewing said...

Great blog. I've been quilting for 15 years after I lost my
youngest son in a car accident. My grandmother in law made many quilts with out a rotary cutter-- can't imagine.
Thanks for the chance.

Unknown said...

I have been sewing for 50 years, and quilting since the 70's. I remember the days before rotary cutters -- and am very grateful for their invention! I also love the Olfa Splash cutter -- very comfortable!

NorahS said...

I have been sewing ever since I took home ec in the seventh grade. I still have the first thing I ever made, a red apron. What really set me on my way though, was a set of Stretch and Sew classes that I took the next summer. I made my first quilt when I was in high school.

Karen said...

I have been quilting for about 30 years. I'm so glad to have the olfa cutter because it is so much easier to use than scissors and cardboard.

LittleHouseontheDairy said...

More than 10 years now!

Unknown said...

Love the block! I've been sewing for about 23 years but just started quilting this year. Using a rotary cutter vs. scissors takes some getting used too. Let's just say I've got a lot of big scraps from my cutting mistakes. :0)

jblissenbach said...

I use the Splash too and love it! I have only been quilting for about 4 years, started my first quilt when my daughter was a baby.

Anonymous said...


I've been quilting for a long time about 40 plus years - sewing clothes and crafty things before that.
Love the new rotary cutter - looks as though it would be so easy to cut in the intricate places. Great color too.
Enjoy your blog whick is always full of interesting projects or ideas.. Thanks for all.
MaryLou
Fun4Me1249@aol.com

Carolyn J. said...

I've been sewing since I was 9, so nearly 45 years. We learned by sewing patches together to make knotted comforters. Mother made all our clothes so we used scraps. Didn't matter what weight or kind of fabric these were utility quilts that got used a lot, wish I had some of them now. Waste not, want not :)

This may be the way I do my next quilt, no design just stitch up a storm!

Unknown said...

I started quilting in the 80's. My first quilt was made with templates. I still have alot of old quilt books where the patterns are all templates. I remember learning how to use my rotary cutter and ruler from a book because there were no classes to teach that back then. Quilters have come a long way!



Ann D said...

I took my first quilting class in January 2010 and made my first quilt that summer. I think if I had to cut pieces of fabric by hand, I think I would have stuck with crocheting. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

Unknown said...

I started sewing in early 2009 and quilting a year later.
Love your churn dash. :)

Dianne

juliehallfeldhaus said...

Since I was a girl in 4H 50 years ago! Oh my it looks bad in print:)
Thanks for a chance at a great prize:)

Judy said...

I started quilting in the Bicentennial, so 38 years ago. My first quilt used templates of cardboard. I love my rotary cutters!

Janie said...

I have been quilting/sewing for 30+ years. Thanks for the giveaway.

KT said...

I am having jealously over you awesome rotary cutter! I would love one. I started quilting during Spring Break of my last year of college, on a productivity momentum streak post midterms. My first quilt was cut with scissors, but I quickly got the memo and sprung for a rotary cutter.

SarahZ said...

What a cute block! The whole quilt will be so fun to see! I have been quilting since 1987 or so! I remember cutting my first quilts without a rotary cutter....850+ diamonds for a broken star? if there is a next one, it will certainly be cut with an Olfa!!!!! :)

Lisa C said...

I love my Splash! I always take my own rotary cutter to sew-cials and I left mine there the last time. I immediately got another Splash because the color is just so fabulous. I've never tried using it with my left hand so I will give that a shot. I use both hands for almost everything so I'm not sure why I've never thought of it. It sure would be easier sometimes.

Bloomer's Buzzings said...

I've been sewing forever (55 yrs) and just recently (10 years) started patch working. Can't call it quilting 'cause I haven't mastered that yet... I do very well with rag quilts and enjoy making them~even kept one for myself.

Dawn said...

I have been quilting for about 25 years. It truly keeps me sane!

Elaine said...

I have been sewing for about 38 years and quilting for 2 1/2. I think that makes me wound old! I love to create every day. Rotary cutters are the best!
satterfieldfamily@sbcglobal.net

Samantha said...

I've been quilting probably 17ish years. I picked up a book on watercolor quilts on day at Joanns and just went from there.

Tracybug Creative said...

I just got the new Splash and LOVE it!! I think it is able to cut through more layers than my other Olfa but maybe it's just a new blade, haha! I've been sewing for 27 years. I learned in Home Ec. class in school..and started quilting by hand a few years later. I didn't machine quilt until I was expecting my daughter and taught myself with your ragged squares tutorial and watched your old FMQ video about a thousand times to get that down!

Carol E. said...

I have been quilting voraciously since August, 1999.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

I love your sweet little 35 block. Don't have a small rotary cutter but would love to win one.

Unknown said...

I have been sewing for 63 years and quilting for about 35 years. Am very thankful for the rotary cutter and thanks for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

Love your blog. I made my first quilt - a baby quilt - in 1974, but only made baby quilts and small wall quilts periodically over the intervening years. Over the past 15 years I slowly built a stash of Oriental themed fabrics.
When I retired a few years ago I dug into it and have been quilting steadily ever since. I have made a twin bed quilt, a couple of throw sized quilts, several quilted duvet covers, three double bed quilts, and several small art quilts. I have recently fallen in love with the modern style of quilting and have several more quilts planned.

quiltzyx said...

I've been quilting for over 20 years - I've actually lost track of the exact time! Olfa is my favorite for cutters & mats & I'm sticking with them!!

lindaroo said...

I did a lot of sewing as a girl and a young mom; clothes and home dec. I was introduced to quilting 5 years ago, and I especially loved these gadgets, the rotary cutter and mat, that made cutting so easy and accurate! I'd love to have the small one to use next to my sewing machine!

Soverland said...

So far i've only made 3 baby quilts for my own kids over the past 6 years. I'm slowly trying to find the time to do more. I figure if i can do small parts here and there eventually i can come back and finish my many projects. I've gotten some wonderful ideas from your blog and even more projects on my to do list. Thanks

DH said...

I've been quilting for about 9 years, off and on. I am trying to make it more time on than off now!

Mama O. said...

I am very new to quilting, not so new to sewing. And fabric hoarding.

Mama O. said...

I am very new to quilting, not so new to sewing. And fabric hoarding.

Jules said...

I've only been quilting about 4 months! Thanks for the chance!

Katie said...

I've been quilting for 3 years, but I only fell hard or it this January.

momiji said...

I started quilting nearly 24 years ago--it has been a while! Happy birthday to the rotary cutter, and thanks for your thoughts on the uses of the 28 mm blade! It sounds like it would be nice to have one on hand (hint, hint). (Btw, although I live in Canada, I also have a US mailing address.)

Donna W said...

I have been quilting for almost 20 years. I was hooked immediately when I took a class to make my first quilt.

Unknown said...

My very first quilt was made in 1988 when I was pregnant with our first baby, and the quilt shop was thrilled to introduce all of us quilt "newbies" to the amazing "Rotary Cutter"! (We were still using invisible thread at that time, however!)

Libby said...

About 3 years.....and learning every day !!!!! I love it!!!!! Still consider myself a beginner, although I've graduated to intermediate when it comes to collecting "a stash". :-)

mom2three said...

I've been sewing for over 30 years, and quilting for about 7. I'm super busy and don't have a lot of time for crafting, but when I do - watch out! I could sew for hours…. I love cutting and piecing. I love to watch how it all comes together. I also really love to make bags and clothes… any kind of sewing really :)

Love your block - it's absolutely adorable!

Emily said...

I made my first quilt the old fashioned way with cardboard templates and scissors beginning when I was 8 years old. Then I took a long break and just picked it up again in the past 4 years and I'm so glad I did! Thanks for the giveaway.

Elsa said...

I've been sewing longer than I can remember (that means a long time!), mostly made all my clothing for years and years. Now I make quilts, bags and accessories, with a few clothes mixed in.
Thanks for the giveaway and I just love your block ~ so clever!

donna said...

I was fascinated with quilts when sleeping under quilts made by my great grandmother in a really cold house. My friend's mother made a bathmat from old wash cloths... amazing. Then in geometry I did a project on quilt diagrams (1969.) I was hooked.

Nancycim said...

I have been sewing for over fifty years but just discovered the joy of quilting two years ago. I can't imagine quilting without a rotary cutter.

Anonymous said...

I've been sewing since JR High and quilting for about 11 years……LOVE my rotary cutter!!

dorothy said...

I started sewing doll clothes at about 5, so that means I've been sewing for about 50 years, thankfully none of those first exampled still exist. My first quilt was with cardboard templates when I was expecting my daughter 36 years ago.
Dorothy in Sterling, CO

Unknown said...

I've quilted since before rotary cutters, 1975, and no other tool has changed quilting... or the quilt shop business... as much as Olfa cutters and mats.

nanajsews said...

I've been sewing over 56 years, but didn't make my first quilt until about 1978 or so. I only made two quilts when my four children were young and I worked full time, but started up again shortly before I retired in 2008 and have made 4 large quilts since. I didn't own a rotary cutter until I got back into quilting. Now I have three cutters and have thought about getting a fourth so I can keep a pinking blade attached on one at all times.

Unknown said...

I've been quilting only 6 years but sewing for 45 years. I love the creative block.

Weatherbee ;) said...

I love your tiny squares. I've been quilting/ sewing for about 5 years now. I was in a terrible fire, and after spending time at the burn unit of the hospital, I wanted to do something for the kids I saw there. My first quilt was for charity, and I actually won Joann's Craft for a Cause. It was amazing, and I haven't looked back since. :)

Cindy Maki said...

I have been sewing for 36 years or more. I made each of my 3 babies tied quilts way back when (of course with scissors). Now I definitely use a rotary cutter for a lot of the pieces and parts. Some I still use scissors on. Personal preference. I can always use new supplies. Good luck everyone.

Jess Burns said...

I've been quilting / sewing for as far back as I can remember, so 20-something years.

I don't think I'm a no reply, but just in case: jhunsberger (at) gmail (d0t) c0m

sue said...

Olfa cutters are the only ones I use and I love the new Splash. It tickles me when Olfa comes out with cutters in new colors and I always buy one!

The Seven Acre Wood said...

I am a new quilter and have been taking lessons from my mom, this summer. I am slowly building up some quilting supplies and am conquering my first quilt, which is a herringbone pattern. Thanks for sharing this quilt block!

Courtneysews said...

I've been sewing since I was a little girl. Just started quilting small projects a few years ago. Started my first real quilt this year. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I certainly could use the small cutter. We had a curves demo at guild recently and it was mentioned that the small cutters are perfect for doing the cutting. Curves are on my list for this year so....keeping my fingers crossed!

Hmmmmm how long have I been sewing??? A longgggggggggggg time! Quilting is a shorter length of time. I've been quilting since 1998. My first quilt was cut with scissors. Flying geese and they actually came out ok but I do appreciate my rotary cutter! Thanks for the opportunity to win! Enjoy the summer sun!

MaryAnn said...

I've been quilting 25 years or so, with a long lay off in the middle. Once I found olfa rotary cutters, it was fun again.

Caroline said...

I've been sewing for 5 years and quilting for 2 years!

Dora, the Quilter said...

I've been quilting for 40 years (sewing since I was a tiny child), and have used Olfa cutters and rulers for 30+ years. Wonderful tools!

Cathy L said...

I love your block. The "35" is very cute. It is a good idea for a birthday gift or other anniversary too.

SuperMomNoCape said...

I've been sewing since I was about 8 or 9 years old when I was giving a sewing needle, thread and some fabric scraps to make clothes for my Barbies. I started using a sewing machine when I was 11. I remember hand piecing scraps of cotton for a quilt when I was in my early teens but I never finished it. My first completed quilt was an 50th wedding anniversary gift for my grandparents back in the late 80s. But that was it until just a few years ago. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.

Michele said...

I have been quilting since 1990 and sewing since 1970, starting in 7th grade Home Ec. I love Olfa products. Thanks for the chance to win.

Jennifer said...

thanks for the chance to win! I've been quilting for 5 years and hope to be for many more years to come.

Podunk Pretties said...

I made my first quilt block in high school over 25 yrs ago. After making a couple of small quilts in my 20's someone gave me a rotary cutter and mat. Of course I've replaced the mat a few times since, but I still use the same old 45 mm rotary cutter. Maybe its time for an upgrade...thanks for the chance to win!

Heidi O said...

I've been sewing since I was about 10 - 20 years ago! Now I'm teaching my 6-year-old.

Kristen said...

I have only been quilting for about 6 months. It is quite addicting! I had a similar experience to you. Several years ago I wanted to make patchwork pillows for my daughters. I didn't have a rotary cutter or mat at the time. I remember using a think paper template to try and cut uniform squares. It is funny to look back on now!

Penny from S.C. said...

Love your block. I also have this rotary cutter and love it. Thanks for the chance to win!

MamaLovesFabric said...

I'd love to win! Love rotary cutters!

craftingismylife said...

I have been quilting for 4 years now. The first quilt I made was a baby quilt in Sock Monkey fabric! I remember my Mother cutting out squares for her hand sewn quilts with a metal template someone made for her. She would trace the template and we would cut out the squares with scissors! Thank God for rotary cutters!

cse84663 said...

I made a quilt in high school, very simple big squares and then didn't make another one until 5 years ago. It was so fun I have been hooked since. And I don't think it would be quite as fun without my rotary cutter! :)

Jb1 said...

Sewing.....since I was a little girl on my Grandmother' s front porch...55 years ago. Wow. Quilting - first quilt, without any knowledge or instruction was maybe 40 years ago. Took a class in beginning quilting, in part to learn to use a rotary cutter, in 1998, and was hooked, big time! Thanks for the giveaway, great 35th anniversary block!

Jennie said...

I've been quilting for 10 years now. I still feel like there's so much to learn! Thanks for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

I was 8 when I made my first apron as a gift for my mother. That was 64 years ago. I made my first quilt in 1970-1971. Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

Pamela said...

What a wonderful block! It would be adaptable to so many occasions. I've been sewing since the days before rotary cutters, so I really appreciate them! Thanks for the chance to win!

Unknown said...

I started my first quilt at the beginning of summer. I'm cutting 2" squares with a cardboard template and sewing 9 patch blocks by hand. I enjoy the process of hand sewing. I hate cutting all those squares out. Thanks for the chance. Your blog is an inspiration!

Katie said...

I've been sewing for about 15 years, but only quilting for 18 months. I'm hooked, though. :)

Chancy said...

I've been quilting for about 8 years now and have used rotary cutters for every quilt. But I don't have the 28mm one yet, so I would love to win this! Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

I attempted my first quilt 20 years ago! And boy, have I come a long way! (though I still have that miserable tumbling blocks quilt...)

suzanprincess said...

Love your 35 block! I've been sewing most of my life, but finally began quilting only 3 or 4 years ago, though I'd wanted to try it since way back in high school Now I'm totally hooked, and again addicted to buying fabric after years in remission!

Unknown said...

I've been sewing for many, many years and quilting for the last 5. I've always loved looking at my finished projects and being amazed that it all started with some pretty yardage! Love your block and my rotary cutter.

Brianna S said...

I have been quilting for 9.5 years... which sounds a lot longer than it feels! I spent more time piecing quilt tops from blocks my great grandma had made than actually quilting my own creations in that time, but I was happy to be part of her process!

The Spiritual Existential Nihilist said...

I've been working with textiles for maybe 10 years now -- never get enough time, though!

Natalie F said...

I've only REALLY been sewing for the last few months. I did it as a child and recently started again.

Jen Barlev said...

I've been quilting for 11 years - but I'm 29, so it's a pretty significant chunk of my life! ;)

Love your block, thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

Tinliz said...

Your churn dash block is adorable. I started sewing when I was six. Made very crude doll cloths. I used a scissors to cut my first corduroy log cabin block. I made it into a pillow. I did not do any serious quilting until after the advent of the rotary cutter. I still use my first Olfa to cut paper.

Jill R. said...

I sewed some as a kid, but for the last four years or so I've really gotten back into it. Thanks for the chance to win!

Karen said...

I started sewing when my mom taught me while I was still in elementary school. She, of course, learned from HER mother. About 30 years ago I tried a quilting class, but couldn't get "into" traditional quilts. Now, at 66, I've just discovered modern quilts and I'm on my way!

Linda said...

I took a quilting class in 1982, in which we cut pieces with scissors (gasp) and learned how to hand quilt. I quilted one block and nothing else. Then I took another class in 2010 and have been quilting ever since - now I'm hooked!
I just realized that I took the first quilting class right after my Daddy died, and the second one right after my Mom died. How weird.

Regina said...

I learned to quilt in 1995, so I have been quilting for 19 years. WOW, time has flown!

Diane said...

I have been quilting off and on for about 12 years. I love everything about it. We just moved so I need to get things organized and get back into it.

maureen said...

I made my first quilt to take with me to college back in 1977! Of course I traced around a cardboard square and hand cut each piece. I can't imagine doing that again! Thanks Olfa for making life so much easier!!

Francesca Celeste said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I've been sewing about 6 years

Jennifer said...

I've been quilting for about 25 years or so- and I started with a cardboard square cut out of the cereal box!

Ellomee said...

Great job with the block - the love the "35" in the middle!

I have been quilting about 8 years. I started with a lesson from a mom on a Saturday. She encouraged me to take a formal class if I liked it as she didn't want to teach me bad habits since she was self-taught.

Kelly Grace said...

I started quilting in 2004 - so I guess for 10 years now!

Marianne said...

Made my first quilt in 1976 (!!!) , hated the whole process,then made a pillow in 1987, still hated the process, and then started again in 1991. Been at it since then! Getting a decent sewing machine also helped!

Cindy B. said...

Amazing that rotary cutters have been here for 35 years! I started sewing clothing 40 years ago in self defense (nothing fit right) and kind of morphed into quilting somewhere around 15 years ago.
Your posts are always interesting/fun/inspiring :)
Thanks for keeping it going!

claudey said...

Love the block! I've been quilting for about 13 years now, pretty much self-taught. :o

ittehgaps said...

Makes me feel old to think that I was quilting before rotary cutters. Remember how revolutionary they were at the time. Cindy

Natalie said...

I've been quilting for about two years....I've made five quilts so far and I'm working on my sixth! I love your blog. It inspires me so much and your tutorials have all been wonderfully helpful. Your fabric choices are so fun!

Debbie Sharpe said...

I love using a rotary cutter but have not tried using a small one for curved templates. Thanks for the tip.

Allison said...

Beautiful block! I've been sewing since I was ten years old (a l-o-n-g time ago!) but started quilting about 20 years ago.

Patricia said...

Just think how much our ancestor quilters would have loved the Olfa! I have been quilting for 20 years and although I have the latest die cutter, I still love my Olfa!

sandyandcosmo said...

I've been sewing since junior high school. A long time ago! I made my first quilt when I was 18. Thanks for the giveaway!

simple :: dream :: quilts said...

I love my older Olfa rotary cutters and have to hide them from the family who thinks they are for cutting "anything". Mine are used almost daily to cut fabrics for my quilts and other sewing projects. A new rotary cutter/mat would be a welcome addition to my quilting projects. Thanks for all your inspirations......Lisa S.

Karen said...

I've been quilting since 1969, my senior year of high school.

Kacey said...

I've been quilting for maybe 5 years...a relative newbie!

nancy b. said...

I am amazed to realize I have been sewing for over half of a century...can't be that old, can I? ;-) I made my first quilt for my sisters first baby, so that would be almost 40 years ago. Now I can't imagine cutting out a quilt without a rotary cutter!

Janarama said...

I've been sewing for about 45 years and quilting for about 30 years.

LynneP said...

I've been quilting 25 years. I love the Splash but haven't bought it yet. Thanks for the chance to win Olfa products!

Sarah Craig said...

I started sewing when I was eight thanks to my grandmother, so I've been sewing for 48 years; I've only been quilting since 2009, so five years! Thanks for the chance at a great giveaway!

kathy-o said...

I LOVE your "35" block! I can't wait to see it in real life (I get to quilt the quilt - yay). Seriously - what would we do without the rotary cutter???? A lot less quilts in the world today - that's for sure!

lucyd315 said...

I have been quilting for over 30 years (how could it be that long??) And I look forward to checking your blog every day! You inspire me!

lucyd315

Melinda Kiefer said...

I've been quilting for about 2 1/2 years.

Emily C said...

I have been quilting for about 3 years.

Barbara said...

I started quilting in 2000.

Linda S Jones said...

I have been quilting for about 12 years. I have always used olfa rotary cutters. Have tried many sizes. A quilter friend of mine has one of the new splash olfa cutters. I would love to have the mat and small rotary cutter. I would definitely use both in my quilt making. Thanks so much for the offer.

ncquilter05@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Sassy little block in the Splash colors! I have been sewing since I was 12 years old so I'm at 36 years! No old jokes here, please! Quilting for 16 years and plan to continue for a long, long time!

Jenn said...

I have been quilting now for about 3 years. Love it and am still learning. As I think we are always learning something. Thanks for this opportunity to win.

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