Sunday, December 9, 2012

Thank You Gene!

A while back (ahem....2 years ago), all of blog land was buzzing about a particular item.  Bloggers were using them and holding giveaways.  I faithfully entered all that I could find - I really wanted one.  Well, I didn't win one.  That year, my sweet husband bought me one.  By that point, I had seen some of those same bloggers post videos on how to use the machine.  I got intimated.  And needed time to research how to use it - after all there were all those videos to watch! So there it sat.  What was it?  It's an Accuquilt GO cutter.  About 10 days ago, Gene Black (from Gene Black-Alabama Artist blog) sent me an email based on a comment I left on his blog and he walked me through using the GO cutter thru a series of emails.  It was exactly what I needed! 
He explained to me about lengthwise grain and how to line it up.  Today, I took what Gene shared with me and started working through some scraps.
DSC_0610
It wasn't long before I had a pile of 2" squares stacking up.  I certainly got more cut out than I would have with a rotary cutter.  And more accurately cut out.  I really dislike cutting fabric and this wasn't so torturous!  Gene, thank you SO much for your patience and encouragement.  
DSC_0611
The only other sewing related thing accomplished this week was getting my We Bee Learning Bee block for December pieced.  My bee mate selected this block and specified a white background with bright solids.  It was a fun block.  I'm sad to send this one off!
We Bee Learning block for Liz who requested bright solids.
I've been on Instagram for a year or so but have become active in the last couple of weeks.  If you happen to have an Instagram account and you'd like to follow me, I'm JackiesStitches there.  I'd love to follow you too.  My photos posted there won't be typically found here.   

Greg and I are taking having a relaxing holiday season to an extreme - in that we've done NOTHING!  To add to that, there is a big release at work and I'm going to be a busy exhausted girl.  Yikes!  We'd better get busy.  I hope you have a great week and may all your stitches be happy ones!

36 comments:

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

C'est splendide ! bravo bravo


bisous bisous

Carol said...

Jackie that is so fun! I would have been scared to death to try that out...how nice of Gene to help walk you through it...you'll be cutting like crazy now. Have fun! Love that cute block!

Chris said...

Wonderful!
Sounds like a perfect plan for the holiday too.

Annie said...

Cool! Those machines always look complicated to me too. Glad you mastered it. Should be a big help in your quilting from now on.

I like your latest block. That design would make a nice quilt.

Enjoy your relaxation time!

Gene Black said...

You are most welcome Jackie. See, it wasn't that difficult at all was it?
Enjoy using your GO!

Siobhán said...

I'm glad you figured out how to use you GO! I'm glad you're on IG, too. I love it!

Karen said...

Wonderful block, I love the colors. I never really thought much about using a machine to cut, but I don't really like cutting either. Maybe I will rethink it.

FlourishingPalms said...

Glad to hear you got that gizmo up and running and that it's doing what you hoped it would do. Sounds like it was the perfect gift. As for that block, it's wonderful! I can understand why you don't want to part with it! Now put on those running shoes...

Margaret said...

Love that bee block -- so colorful and pretty! As for the accuquilt thing -- glad you got the confidence and help to use it. I want to get one someday since I hate cutting too. If I ever do, I'll ask you for help. lol!

Mariela Alethia said...

The Accuquilt GO cutter is on my wish list. It was great of Gene to walked you through using the Go cutter.

Carol said...

So happy you got some help with your new "toy," Jackie--machines like that intimidate me, too!! Your block looks great :)

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

I'm glad you are enjoying your Go! cutter.

Your block is darling! Love the colors. I can see why you would want to keep it. =)

Littlebit said...

Oh wow! Look at those beautifully cut blocks! I don't mind the cutting at all, but one of these would be so nice to have. See ya on Instie! ☺

Anonymous said...

Congrats on learning your cutting machine. I don't have a smart phone, so I hope you still share photos here. I love your blog posts.

Nicola said...

I have wanted one of those for ages. There are some good youtube tutorials for using them.

Tammy said...

That is fantastic that someone helped you through the Go Cutter. I think they're pretty cool, but I have no room to store one and I always wondered if I'd truly get that much use out of one. Looks like you have a lot of great squares to create something fun with!!

Brenda said...

Glad you figured out your quilting "gadget". Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Aunt 'Reen said...

Happy to hear you are comfortable using your Go cutter now! What a sweety Gene was to walk you thru the process. Wishing you continued success with your cutting machine!

VERY nice block - I understand why you'd like to keep it. ;)

Anonymous said...

You have a GO!? Oh. My. Soul. I am jealous, jealous, jealous! lol

Karoline said...

Your bee block is lovely, congratulations

Glad to hear you've got to grips with your Go cutter

Candace said...

I've been sorely tempted by this machine, Jackie! You're tempting me even more now! I'll check you out on Instagram. I follow, but don't post (well, not yet, anyway). Isn't doing nothing the best??
Cheers!

Melanie said...

Well isn't that a nifty little gizmo. I can see why you lusted after it - it's got Hubba Hubba written all over it.

Heidi Kuijer said...

You do see these all over quilt blogs. I have never seen them here before but I know a Dutch blogger got one. I am glad you are having fun with yours.

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Brigitte said...

Look at these stacks of squares. They are all so neat. Some machine which saves you cutting with your rotary cutter is always a useful thing, lol.

Barb said...

Oh...I am so excited for you and your go cutter....looks like you will become quite aquainted.

Dani - tkdchick said...

That is such a cool machine!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Joyeux Noël mon amie !

Bisous de FRANCE

Marie said...

Merry Christmas toyou and your family. Many blessings to all.Hugs, Marie

Kathy Ellen said...

Congratulations upon getting some wonderful instructions for using your Accuquilt Go cutter. It looks like you are already having fun with it. Will be looking forward to seeing some of your beautiful quilt creations!

Blessings for enjoying yourself during your work release time, and having some special 'stitchy' time too!

Blessings!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

TRES BONNE ANNEE 2013 !

BISOUS FROM FRANCE? Marylin

Lily said...

Thanks for the reminder that I should break mine out again! I used it for a rag quilt for Christmas 2011 and not since : ( Have fun with yours!

Solstitches said...

I remember those same giveaways for the Go Baby. I entered every one I could find and I didn't win either.
I never did get one but seeing your beautifully cut squares has started the yearning all over again LOL.
I'm glad someone was able to help you start using it.
Margaret

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

bisous en passant !

Isabelle said...

Hi, Jackie, glad to hearr you masterd your new machine.....that sounds like you can make very easyly and quickly many blocs : that is just nice :))
I wish you a lovely Sunday,
Isa

Patty C. said...

Love your Go & your quilting progress- lovely bright colors ;)

woolwoman said...

Jackie I missed this post - excited to hear you have one of those Accu-cut thingys - I was even tempted by one and I don't even quilt LOL - enjoy it Mel