Slice Fabrique Product Review

Edited 3/3/11*

The Slice Fabrique arrived here at IHAN headquarters yesterday and those who have pre-ordered them, they are on the way!! 

I'm going to do a review and I'm warning you it is a long post with more photos than probably should be here...but if I do it by video camera...I have to wait for Mr. McSteamy to edit and post....well....it may be awhile....so go to the bathroom now, turn off the oven, get a drink and then you might be ready :)

Please don't make any conclusions until you read the entire post.  I will link it to the side bar on this blog under Product Reviews in case you want to read it another time.

Since I'm as good of an "anybody" as anyone else, I decided to give it a whirl.  This is the box....

and this is what is inside.  It comes with everything you see here: Slice Fabrique Cordless Fabric Cutter, 6 x 6 tempered glass cutting mat, power cord, reposition able adhesive, foam brush, 3 replacement blades, blade adjustment wrench, applique basics design card, user manual and 3 6 x 6 fusible web sheets.

You might notice there is a "Quick Start Guide" (upper right).  I figured that must be the way to go because who wants to drag out the process....giddy up go baby.

First thing, paint some adhesive on the glass cutting mat -CHECK (let it dry 2 min)
Run over and iron the Slice Fusible onto a piece of fabric - CHECK
Set the button to Applique  - CHECK
Press the Cut Button on the Side - CHECK

Cut out the letter I - CHECK

Press the button and select the letter H and press cut CHECK

Then repeat for the letter N - CHECK  (wonder what I'm spelling don't ya?  I didn't think so...easy one to guess.)

Here is a close up of the right side of the fabric.  You can barely see where the N is until I did a close up photo.

 

Here is the back side.



Neat isn't it?  Then you peal off the paper backing and press with a hot iron (no steam).

These are like stickers, you have to pull off the paper backing.  I had no trouble removing the paper backing,  but if you have a manual dexterity problem this may be very difficult.

I wanted to conserve space on my fabric and cut out more than one letter but I could not figure out how to place the cutter so I could maximize the fabric.  I only have the 3 pieces of Slice Fusible Web that was included with the cutter.  I read the Users Manual and there is no mention of  how to place the fabric on the cutting pad so you can get more than one cut out of the fabric.  Which makes me wonder, why the measuring lines on the glass cutting pad?  What difference does it make if you can't line it up to get another design cut. 

Now I'm thinking to myself, perhaps there are tips and additional information on the Making Memories Website.  On their website there is a Quick Start Guide posted  so I looked to see if it was the same one that just came in my brand new, just released, Slice Fabrique.  The information they have there is not the same as I have enclosed in my box.  This must be for the other Slice Cutters.  There was  no additional information to help me trouble shoot.  There is a phone number and yes I obviously can phone them....but for now, my job is to be the "average person" and do what everyone else does....open the box and start using your Slice Fabrique....isn't that what most people do?

At this point I have used  2 of the Slice Fusible Web sheets that came with my Slice Fabrique Starter Set, so I figured I would do a test of some other fusible that I had handy. 

The first one, Pellon Fusible Wonder Under Regular Wt. 

then Steam-A-Seam Lite

and lastly, Steam-A-Seam 2.   Keep in mind there are many paper backed fusible I did not have handy...you could also try Heat and Bond.  I did not have any handy.  

I decided to refer to the Slice Fabrique Fabric Cutter Users Manual because I had read in the Quick Start Guide under" Step 8 - Additional Tips: #2 For thicker materials, be sure to adjust your blade housing 3/4" of a a turn to the left (counter-clockwise).  This lowers the blade to allow Slice Fabrique to cut through thicker materials." 

Being somewhat normal, I could not figure out what they were talking about in the Quick Start Guide.  No where did they mention anything about the "blade housing" much less how one would turn anything.  I made an educated decision and referred to the Users Manual.  I do not understand why they would have a "Quick Start" booklet when really....you have to refer to the Users Manual to really understand what you are doing.  My opinion....waste of paper. 

This is when the whole operation stops.  Now I have to understand what they are saying in the Users Manual. 

Page 12 Basic Operations

Step 5 Turning On Slice Fabrique - CHECK

Step 6: Homing the Blade (for initial use) No CHECK 

"6.1 Press Menu button.  The menu screen appears with the Settings option highlighted. "  Not mine, mine started with the "Applique" highlighted....see photo below....if you are thinking the darkened in Applique means highlighting....then it would reason that if you pushed the Menu button the homing the blade would appear....it doesn't.  I turned off the machine and restarted the sequence to be sure I had not messed something up (operator error)...the same thing happened.  (no operator error...at least not that I can figure.)

Ok, onward...the Blade is now "homed" - CHECK

I selected a little car design.  As you can see it cut the paper but not the fabric. I remembered Step 8.2
Then I went back to Step 8.2 (copied from above) Step 8 - Additional Tips: #2 For thicker materials, be sure to adjust your blade housing 3/4" of a a turn to the left (counter-clockwise).   No photos of this in the Users Manual....and no photos of how to change the blade either.  I'm a visual person....what can I say

 

The fabric was scored but not cut through.

So, I used my trusty Dovo scissors (they have the sharpest and finest point).  No worries....I got the little car free.  But I thought the Slice Fabrique was going to cut it all the way through.....hmmmmm.  I remember reading about adjusting the blade....time to refer back to the manual.... 

Then I went back to Step 8.2 (copied from above) Step 8 - Additional Tips: #2 For thicker materials, be sure to adjust your blade housing 3/4" of a a turn to the left (counter-clockwise).

So I figured out how to turn the blade to raise it so it will make contact with the fabric...that took me a few minutes to figure this out.  I did exactly as they suggested and moved on to the fabric with Steam-A-Seam 2.

 

Same result....it cut the paper but not he fabric.  By now you can imagine my frustration.  Either I'm doing something wrong or the Slice Fabrique won't work with other fusible.  I keep moving on.....

This time the screen says "Shadow"....I don't want the shadow....I want the 4 inch Car I had cut the first time.  I could not change the setting so I did what I figured most folks would do....turned it off and back on.  Still the Shadow.  Next I pushed the menu button and the arrow buttons to see if perhaps I'm just "slow".....

I start to see these screens....go figure....no mention of this in the Users Manual....ok...none of my business I guess....keep moving.....

The Users Manual (Step 7 Setting the Cutting Speed) does say to adjust the speed of cutting to low or medium  or high.  The low and medium speed is for using embossing tips.  Oddly enough....mine only has two settings....low and high.

Ok, time to use my last remaining piece of Slice Fusible Web....I should have stocked up...LOL  At this point I was thinking it was the other fusible webs that just would not work....I was wrong. 

 

 

The cutter would not cut through the Slice Fusible Web on the fabric either.  So...I've adjusted the blade just as the instructions indicated....did it three times to be sure I was doing it correctly.  Ok...forget it....I'm installing a new blade and if it doesn't work....then I know it is the cutter and not me.....

PERFECTION!!! 

Not only with the Slice Fusible Web....but also with the Steam-A-Seam Lite and Steam-A-Seam 2. 

(After I wrote this entire review...I went to You Tube....and of course I might have noticed that I was supposed to have the fabric facing up....well my, my, my....guess I caused a great deal of my own frustration!  So you may ask....why didn't I just erase the above and skip to the chase?  Because I report what I find and what I've done.  Mistakes is how we learn sometimes and it may help the Making Memories folks see what us "regular untrained folks" do...not to mention what other people might do too!  :)

and the Wonder Under....HURRAY!!! 

Gotta love when you get it right :)

I think this is an excellent video and you should definitely watch it first, even before referring to the Owners Manual.

Even after my initial frustrations and some things not being clear....I still think the Slice Fabrique is a great way to cut appliques and alphabet (from 1 inch to 4 inches in 1/2 inch increments).  Talk about easy hexagons for Grandmas Flower Garden...you can even cut the paper templates and then the fabric...gotta love that!  English paper piecing just got a whole lot easier!!!  Embellishing children's clothing with their names....that will be very fun!! 

Cutting blades and design cards are interchangeable, that is great if you already have one or find a sale on them.  Some designs are more intricate and are meant for paper and not fabric so keep that in mind when you are looking at the design cards.

The Slice Fabrique is really light weight, the cutter alone weighs 1 lb 13 oz here on my postal scale.  The design cards are small like a camera card which I find convenient.  It would be a good idea to store them carefully so you don't loose them.

Just a reminder for those with manual dexterity issues....you might want to try a friends first to see if you have any problems.

I have no reservations about recommending the Slice Fabrique....definitely a good investment if you like applique.

 Edit:  Since I mentioned Grandmothers Flower Garden the question came up....do you have to use fusible because most of us don't fuse our Grandmothers Flower Garden....darn good question Jenn!!!
No, it will not cut just the fabric....however....I did spray some 505 Temp Adhesive on a piece of fabric and then put a piece of copy paper on the back...cut perfectly.  Thanks Jenn!!  Anyone else have any questions or recommendations...e-mail me at ihaveanotion@yahoo.com   Thanks !

Kelly

Happy 100th Birthday AND Save $25 on Aurifil Threads to Celebrate

Today is the official day, 100 years ago today, Shirley Jackson was born!

She is a beautiful woman and has been for 100 years. No newfangled fancy face cream that claims instant beauty....after all they didn't have that 100 years ago!!!  Natural Beauty that shines from the inside out through her sparkling eyes.

Family photos were fun to look at during the party on Saturday at the Towanda Gun Club....gotta love that...partying at a Gun Club :)  Nanny hunted until she was 85 and I bet if you handed her a gun today, she would still be able to shoot a Buck.

Zachary made a glass bead bracelet and he was so excited to be able to give it to her.

Handmade is a family tradition.  Among other wonderful things, Nanny is a quilter.

In the "old" days if people could not come to your party, they would send a telegram....not today....they can attend the party through Skype.  100 years is a long time to witness all the changes in our society....amazing when you think about it.

IHAN clan posing behind Nanny while she is visiting by Skype with two of her great grand sons.

IHAN is inviting you to celebrate with Shirley Jackson too.  From now until March 4th, 2010, you will get 25.00 off your order of Aurifil Threads by typing in 100 Birthdays in the coupon code box on the IHAN website check out. 

Smiles,

Kelly

IHAN Winners of Aurifil Blog Hop

Hi from PA....here for Nanny's (Rick's Grandmother) 100th Birthday Party....and she is a quilter too!!!

Winners of the Aurifil Thread Sampler on the IHAN blog:

1.  Quilter In The Gap

2.  Cornwoman

Congratulations Ladies!! Please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com with your full names and addresses and I'll get the Aurifil Thread Samplers in the mail to you on Monday :)

I hope everyone had fun....if you have not had the pleasure of trying some Aurifil Thread and would like to..Try it.....Check out the original post for some excellent places to purchase it.

Smiles,
Kelly

Aurifil Blog Hop

Aurifil Blog Hop and The letter T

 

Hello Aurifil Blog Hoppers and welcome to the IHAN (I Have A Notion) blog.  Have you had fun this past week?  I know I have enjoyed visiting all of the blogs and collecting some great block patterns.

I was given the letter T for this blog hop.....an easy letter when speaking about Thread...don't you think?  Other T words that come to mind immediately:

Thread Tension

Tips, Terms and Techniques

Tools

Truthfully the reason I think I got the letter T is because I'm a Thief.  It's True and I have photos to prove it.

 Taking The Thread.....can you blame me? 

I only wish I had worn pants with an elastic waist.  I could have gotten that entire container in my waistline and covered it with my shirt. 

Instead, I had to go for the smaller box....shoved it down the back side...better know as the Tush.

I could not stop at a few spools....I Took the fork lift and Trotted off with the entire crate.  You know what?  I have no shame and no regrets.

Are you wondering what could possible cause an otherwise honest woman to become a Thief?  Try Aurifil for yourself and then tell me you don't want it ALL....yes a spool or several in every color and weight.  Just try to tell me if given access you would not attempt the same heist?   No lint, no breakage, beautiful colors, 12 wt, 28 wt, 40 wt, and 50 wt Thread.   Yep, I'm Thinking you would be Tempted to be a Thief Too!  By now you have read all the other Testimonials from the other Blogs in this Hop so you know of what I speak. 

The quilt blocks the other Bloggers designed are wonderful.  I'm a notions girl so designing blocks is not my Temptation.....instead I made this Joseph's Coat block pattern.  Tickled that I made the block Then I was Tormented when I realized I had been calling it "Jacob's Coat."  

Click here to download the pattern :)

I invite / Tempt you to Try The Thread That Tempts The Thief To Take it, AURIFIL.

Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win an Aurifil Thread Sampler. There will be Two winners selected from this post AND.....

(Photo Thieved from Pat's Blog)

Everyone will have a chance to win the Grand Prize, Pat Sloan's 50wt Machine Quilting and Applique Thread.

Today you will want to stop by SewCalGal's Blog as well...don't miss it :)

I wish you all the best of luck in winning some Aurifil Thread....if you don't win and you would like to Touch The Thread That Tempts The Thief To Take it, you can check your local quilt shops as well as Pat Sloan's Quilt Shop, Pink Chalk Fabrics, Stitchin' Heaven and of course right here at I Have A Notion. 

Triumliterarum Smiles,

Kelly

Footnote: I didn't really Take The Thread That Tempted me....I just Tricked The Troupe To Think That I did :)

I -Top Your Flip Flop

This is the I-Top booth from Houston Quilt Market.  They actually had all their supplies set up and they let who ever wanted to make something....make it.  I thought that was a good idea because it is one thing for the demonstrator to make something with their tool....it is quite another when I make something with a tool.  Embellishments are my weakness....yes I have several....but who's counting?  Can you imagine how eye-catching a pair of flip flops would be with a fashionable flower like the ones below (properly sized of course...unless you are going for the Bozo look..lol)?

I made a button quite easily and I'm sure it is around here somewhere....think I can find it for today's post?  Nope.  Oh well, I'm honest and you know that....it was really cute too.  The I-Top would have come in very handy several years ago when I made children's items and supplied them to Boutiques.   Covering buttons is a great way to embellish a hair clip or headband.  We used to have to make them the old fashioned way....not any longer.  Some pretty smart whipper snapper came up with this tool and all the little "gizmo's" to go with it.

Here they are, all the "gizmo's"....headbands, brads, buttons, magnets, badge pins, rings, snaps and even bobby pins.  Someone was cooking on all four burners and I wish it had been me! 

Check out how sweet these children's items are with the help of a I-Top embellishment....now if I had had this tool....I could have retired on my profits.  Perhaps I'll invent something else one day....hmmmm.....we'll see...chuckles.

There were some embellished quilts as well.  My mind started jumping when I thought about how fun these would be on wall hangings...especially the seasonal ones.  Is it just me or do you get excited when you see all the possibilities as well?  Now you know why I have so many projects....I am enchanted with way too many things.  Guess that beats a life of doldrums and no fascination at all....right?  You better be saying right!  :)

You may notice on the IHAN website that if you want to order the "gizmo's" they come in 6 packages.  Ya'all know I can't stock 7 million dollars in "gizmo's" so if by chance you can't use them all (are you nuts?....oops...that bubble above my head started typing...yikes) you can e-mail me and I'll see if there isn't someone else who wants to split them with you or you could ask a friend.

Tanya's post yesterday made me think about copying her idea but using words on magnets instead of the alphabet because my boys are getting older.  How fun would that be?  Customized sayings for the boys on the fridge?  I'm liking this :)

I certainly hope you find some fascination in your day today.

Smiles,

Kelly
PS...don't forget about the Aurifil Blog Hop...get your block patterns and a chance to win some Aurifil thread...today's blog stops are: Stitchin' Heaven and Quilting Gallery.  SewCalGal and I are tomorrow....yikes....I'm getting stage fright already....

TrueCut - TrueSharp - Could it be....True?

The Grace Company in Houston for Fall Quilt Market

Inquiring minds want to know....right? RIGHT :)  I know I wanted to know when I visited The Grace Company's booth in Houston.  I previously had purchased their True Cut Rotary Cutting System because of the safety feature that keeps your fingers safe when using a rotary cutter.  We've all seen and heard about those folks who had an unfortunate confrontation with a rotary blade and it is really UGLY.  Oh yeah, and did I mention costly?  A trip to the ER or surgery....nope I'm not going there.  One elbow cost me over 800.00 in the ER when I dashed of my bike....I really, really, really don't want any unfortunate meetings with Mr. Rotary Blade...know what I mean?  Yikes

This is what I purchased in the Spring, TrueCut Cutting Mat 24"X36",  TrueCut Non-Skid Pad 24"X36",  TrueCut Ruler, and TrueCut Rotary Cutter 45mm, and the TrueCut Sharpener.  You have probably seen the mat in most of the photos I take because it is on my cutting table.

Then in the Fall in Houston I stopped by their booth and what did my eyes behold?  The TrueSharp,  power rotary blade sharpener. Another blade sharpener, but this time it is electric.  I liked the manual one but electric, oh they got my attention. Naturally I asked for a demo and asked all the difficult questions I could think of, thankfully Nathan didn't ask me to leave...LOL.  I do my very best to be respectful while at the same time asking every skeptical question I can think of to learn about the various attributes of a product. 

AND  My Comfort Cutter, a right and left handed rotary cutter that eliminates stress on your wrist.  It is customizable too.....which may seem silly until you loose yours at a retreat or class...have had it happen.  It also has been made to work with the TrueCut Ruler Track which keeps the cutter from slipping off the ruler and cutting something other than your fabric. My Comfort Cutter comes in 28mm, 45mm and 60mm.

Of course I had to give it a go....and honestly...it was easier on my wrist.  I was surprised that I really liked it as much as I did. 

I was also pleased to see new rulers being made.  I imagine those will be shown at Spring Quilt Market....so this is your sneak peak.

Now, the IHAN TRUE TEST....did it work?  Was I convinced to spend my hard earned money to prolong the life of my rotary blades? 

• it sharpens 28mm to 60mm rotary blades
• it is AC powered (this just means it's electric....for those of us who think of AC powered as an engineering term....I'm simple minded :)
• it comes with 2 sets of stone....one with fine grit and one with coarse grit for the extra dull blades
• it comes with a safety blade handler (very good planning indeed) and a cleaning cloth
• oh yeah...and instructions...but why?  Don't they know we don't read those? 

Yes, I did get both....after all how can I demo them if I don't have them right?  RIGHT!!! 

I was in good company too.....check out who else was inquiring at the next table....none other than "Lady Eleanor" herself.  I was not sure weather to curtsy or bow.....but she is so warm and welcoming I didn't think I needed to do either.  Gotta love our Quilting Royalty....they are not stiff and excessively proper like the English Monarchy....ours are warm, kind, friendly and always willing to teach you what they know.

Nathan and Sally were both very helpful and kind in answering my questions and those of "Lady Eleanor".  You might think everyone who has new products at Market are this warm and helpful....not the case....sadly.  Thank You Nathan for taking your time with me and being patient with all my questions :)

I'll leave you with their video so you can see how the cutter and track work.

By the way, have you noticed the Aurifil Blog Hop schedule on the right sidebar?  If not, better get to hoppin in you want to win Aurifil Thread. 

Smiles,
Kelly

Flip Flop Quilt Blocks by Kathie Alyce Winner Announced

This autographed pattern by Kathie Alyce along with the template goes to......

Number 39....Laura.  Congratulations Laura.  Please send me your full name and address and I'll get those out to you tomorrow....weather permitting :)

Did everyone see the Aurifil Blog Hop Schedule on my side bar to the right.....yeah that one.  Stop at each of the blogs during the week where you will find block patterns AND a chance to win a box of Pat Sloan's 50wt Aurifil Thread Kid.  

Get to hopping....and if you don't want the thread....I'm perfectly OK with that....hop anyway and send it my way....I know just what to do with it :) 

Greedy Smiles,
Kelly

Aurifil Thread Suitcase....Want one?

Well you are not alone.  I want one too.  I feel like the lady at the other table in the movie "When Harry Met Sally"  remember her when she said...."I'll have what she's having"....yes...that one!! 

This time there can be no "faking" you have to guess the number of spools of Aurifil Thread in the Aurifil Trunk....click here , the Aurifil Facebook Page, to find out all the details and to guess.

Devilish Smiles,
Kelly

The Basics Charity Challenge at Cara Quilts Blog

Are you like me and keep extra toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, toothpaste and shampoo in the cabinet so you won't be frustrated when you run out?  I even keep extra boxes of Kleenex just in case.  I was raised by a single mother with a high school education.  When she divorced my father, she had to go to work and her starting salary was 6,000 a year, with 4 kids to feed (2-10 yrs old)  So we frequently ran out of things when I was growing up and I can't recall ever having paper towels or Kleenex (we used toilet paper).  Now that I'm an adult, I don't want to run out so I keep extra around. 

Cara from Cara Quilts Blog ran across some folks at a shelter who put a sign out that said, need paper towels.  I'm only guessing....but I would suspect that the sign was probably put there by a frustrated staff person who had brought so much from home already they felt it was someone else's turn to help out.  If it were me.  I would do that.....just stick a sign out in the yard and see if anyone was willing to help.  Cara did help....she took them some paper towels.  I'm guessing most of you would have done the same thing....and I'm sure have done this....many times over.

Hop over to Cara Quilts Blog and read about here experience and challenge.  Not that any one of us would do this to win a prize....but let some of us shower a few prizes upon those who are willing to help out and join Cara in her compassion towards those who are in a scary transition in their lives.

Smiles (cuz I have paper towels, toilet paper, napkins AND Kleenex in the house),
Kelly