February 7, 2026
Happy Saturday! I hope you’re doing well and staying warm. Here in Northeast Florida, we’re finally starting to warm back up. The brief season change was nice, but I’m ready for our usual sunshine again.
In my last post, I mentioned the 1,050 pieces required for the Primrose quilt. That number still makes me shake my head. I’ve officially learned to read cutting instructions before buying fabric. This quilt uses a lot of snowball units to create those pretty flower shapes, and the cutting list reflects it.
Cutting Fatigue Is Real
When I’m excited about a quilt, I tend to rush through the cutting stage. That usually leads to mistakes—or boredom—because the progress feels slow. More than once, I’ve set a project aside simply because the cutting felt endless.
Of course, the basics still matter:
- a sharp rotary cutter
- a large self‑healing mat
- reliable quilting rulers
But for this quilt, I pulled out a tool I hadn’t touched in years, and it made all the difference.
The Slotted Quilting Ruler
This ruler was given to me about 15 years ago, and I had never used it. While rearranging my sewing room recently, I found it tucked away and could not believe I had forgotten about it.
And let me tell you—it was a lifesaver.
Why I Love This Ruler
- You can make multiple cuts without lifting or repositioning the ruler.
- It allows you to cut strips and sub‑cut them quickly.
- The slots help keep the ruler from slipping.
- It saves a surprising amount of time.
The ruler I own is a 12″ x 12″ model by June Tailor, though larger versions are available now. When this one eventually wears out, I’ll definitely upgrade to a bigger size.
Using this tool helped me see progress so much faster, and it kept the cutting process enjoyable instead of overwhelming.
Your Turn
Has there been a tool—quilting or otherwise—that has made your work easier or more enjoyable? I’d love to hear what has helped you. The right tool really does make the job so much smoother.
Happy Sewing,
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 