Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Ruler Review

Something different to write about today. 

I thought I'd do a product review of a new ruler that I've bought. I have absolutely no affiliation with the product, I just wanted to give it a try and pass along my findings to fellow quilters.


This review is of the Simple Folder Corners Ruler by Doug Leko.

You know when you do the stitch and flip method for snowballing corners?...that is what this ruler is for. There are other applications, such as flying geese and square in a square blocks.

Here is the ruler...





The first advantage is that there is no problem trying to figure out what size of fabric to cut. My pattern called for 2" unfinished squares, so that is what I use for use with the ruler.




There is no drawing of any lines, you just place the square on the base fabric...



Place the ruler in position...



(Looking at the above picture. I can see a tiny mistake. Doug Leko does state that we should keep things squared-up by making sure the lines on the ruler fall along the side of the block....in mine, the line coming down from the #2 on the ruler should lay right on the edge of the fabric. Pretty close, though!)

Something to note in the above picture....there is a diagonal line that will soon be your sewing line....what used to be a drawn line using the old method, but no drawing using this ruler.

Now, make the cut...




Now, sew using a scant 1/4" seam...



Be careful to be gentle sewing the seam...it's a bias cut and could stretch.

And, see that little piece that was cut away? I know some people will sew that together to get an extra HST from it. Well, using this ruler, it automatically comes out to be a perfect size, no trimming.



The only trimming is the dog-ears on the HST.....meaning, no dog-ears at all on the main block!

In the above picture, you can see that I prepared all of my snowballed corners and just pinned them 'til they get to the sewing machine. 

Here is my block completed, as well as the little HST's.





There is another option with this ruler, and that is to use an over-sized piece and trim down afterwards. I wondered why would one bother?....but I do think it would make for an even more exact piece, especially if you are not quite confident in your sewing skills.

Here is a link to a video on YouTube with the creator of the ruler giving instruction on the use of it...

https://www.facebook.com/FatQuarterShop/videos/10154684101773358/

I bought my ruler at my LQS, Quilt Junction

In the end, I can think of only one thing I would change, and it's not even a true problem. I like to hang my rulers on a peg board, so it would be nice if there were a hole in the ruler like many other rulers have.

It is a bit pricey, but not at all out-of-line with what rulers are costing these days. 

So, I definitely give this ruler two thumbs-up and I'm sure I will use it often!!!

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Here is a picture of my latest running adventure...



This was this past weekend at the Dundas Conservation Area, the race called the Sulphur Springs Trail Race. I did the 10k....others did 25K, 50K and 100 miles! 

I was a bit nervous, but in the end it was a truly beautiful experience. When I got to where I took the picture, I was actually a bit choked up at the beauty around me.

And the ultra-marathoners!....so many of them took the time to give me encouraging words. I met some great people on my trail run and realize that this will be a race I will register for year after year. My favourite.....so far!!

I am linking up with Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts for Let's Bee Social ( I can't wait to try my new ruler on my BlackBirds quilt, one of Lorna's patterns, should be perfect for it! ), and with Susan at Quilt Fabrication for Midweek Makers.

Have a wonderful Spring day!


5 comments:

  1. Thank you for the review of this new ruler! I think I will have to add it to my collection.

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  2. Hi Sandra,
    I appreciate the review of this ruler! Oddly enough, I have just been looking at a snowball pattern and haven't decided if I will make it or not. If I do, I know which ruler will be helpful. Happy Wednesday! ~smile~ Roseanne

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  3. Thank you for the review - it looks like a great ruler to use, cutting out that marking step. Can't wait to see what else you make with it!

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  4. Thank you for this review Sandra; always great to hear from people about gadgets, especially when it's an unsolicited review. Wow that conservation area is gorgeous; we live in a truly beautiful province, in a stunning country. I also love that rhodos grow so well here; my later-blooming, older, as tall as me girl is just coming on, which means I need to head to Amherstburg to check out the rhododendron gardens there!

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  5. Great review. I wasn't sure I wanted to buy another ruler so I made all my snowballs using my usual method.I love your rhodies. I might just try them again.
    Katie

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