Thankful for the tools

I’m mailing off used rotary cutter blades for replacement today and I’m sewing the binding on to “Shore Rocks.” Because the binding is hand painted it is a bit stiffer than commercial fabric so I pulled out the quilt binding clips I bought ages ago. I haven’t used them much but for this piece they will be a great help – my hands aren’t as nimble as they used to be, I’m sure some of you can relate. I’m reminded of how glad I am to have the fantastic tools we have now. They make creating art so much more fun and certainly easier. It is awesome when the tools and gadgets are designed by the people who actually use them and they seem to continue to improve them. Sometimes I can’t imagine how people come up with the ideas for some of the products or how our grandmas did without them! Then I think – The “mothers of invention” were our grandmothers (and grandfathers too)! What is the best or most curious quilt gadget you have bought or seen?

Shore Rocks
Shore Rocks

By Ann Scott

I started sewing and designing using fabric, thread, and paper when I was a child. I taught myself to make quilts, at first not following the "rules," then watched some experts, learned the rules, and made many hand quilted and appliqued quilts. I spent years focusing on miniature landscape quilts. Now I am a fiber and mixed media artist and that encompasses everything I have a passion for. I have taught, lectured, and my work have show nationally and internationally, some pieces have been published.