It looks like I may have to hold off on my purchase of Sure Cuts a Lot. The MTC version that is to be released soon, looks very good. However, the creator didn't share all of his improvements on the web cast Tuesday night. I may hold off a little bit just to see if he includes dashed lines in the next release.
One thing that did catch my attention is the ability to create very easy rhinestone templates, and lattice work.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
My First Ruffler Foot
The ruffler foot for my sewing machine came today. If you happen buy one of these, you may want to watch a lot of videos before you decide to tell the seller it is the wrong one.
The foot I received looked completely different than the one that I ordered. It looked more like the attachment for slant shank machines, and the darn thing didn’t seem to fit. It kept hitting the pin that is used to tighten the needle. So I promptly emailed the seller, to tell them they sent the wrong one. Why wouldn’t I think that? After all, it doesn’t look like the one in the picture at all.
Needless to say, it does in fact fit my machine. The little part that kept “getting in the way”, that’s what makes it work. Apparently it is suppose to go “around” pin, not under it. That is how the foot knows when to make the pleat.
I’m not saying it “is” the right attachment for my sewing machine, because it is very hard to get it to fit right. However, it does in fact work.
I also found that rather than cutting fabric piece after fabric piece to practice with, it is easier to just pull each end to break the thread. Remove the loose threads, and start over.
Although the ruffle foot seems more like a torture device than a sewing machine attachment at first, once you get the hang of it is pretty cool.
The foot I received looked completely different than the one that I ordered. It looked more like the attachment for slant shank machines, and the darn thing didn’t seem to fit. It kept hitting the pin that is used to tighten the needle. So I promptly emailed the seller, to tell them they sent the wrong one. Why wouldn’t I think that? After all, it doesn’t look like the one in the picture at all.
Needless to say, it does in fact fit my machine. The little part that kept “getting in the way”, that’s what makes it work. Apparently it is suppose to go “around” pin, not under it. That is how the foot knows when to make the pleat.
I’m not saying it “is” the right attachment for my sewing machine, because it is very hard to get it to fit right. However, it does in fact work.
I also found that rather than cutting fabric piece after fabric piece to practice with, it is easier to just pull each end to break the thread. Remove the loose threads, and start over.
Although the ruffle foot seems more like a torture device than a sewing machine attachment at first, once you get the hang of it is pretty cool.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
SCAL vs MCT
I've put a lot of time in to trying out the "Sure Cuts A Lot" (SCAL), “Make the Cut" (MCT), and Cricut's "Design Studio" (DS) software over the past few days since I ordered my Cricut Expression. I think I've finally reached a decision, and the Cricut hasn't even arrived yet.
Cricut Design Studio Software
Cricut Design Studio was the big loser in my book, even though it is a handy tool to use with the Cricut cartridges. You can manipulate the shapes and fonts in the cartridges, and create some good designs; however, there just isn't enough freedom. I think this is a good call for someone that isn't very good at designing in other software programs, or just wants something simple, but more flexible than working straight from the machine. The good thing about DS is that you have access to all of the shapes and fonts in the Cricut library. However, to actually cut the shapes you need to have the cartridge in your machine.
Make the Cut (MTC) Software
Make the Cut (MTC) is a very impressive program. It is great for converting images into SVG files. I love the way that it shows the entire image, so you can tell what areas are being left out of the current selection. I also like the way that you can distort the shapes, changing the perspective. The Bezier warp was also nice. Over all I really like this program, and it almost won me over. I may have to purchase it at some point, especially since updates are included free, and the creator updates the program often. It hasn't been around nearly as long as SCAL, but is pretty much neck and neck with the development. MTC has a few features SCAL doesn't, and vice versa. I won't be surprised if MTC comes out ahead in the end.
Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) Sotware
That said, at this point I'm going to have to go with SCAL. Two features won me over, the dashed lines, and the ability to change the font after it is typed. The font isn't necessarily a big deal, because I could use a graphic program to select the font. However, if I'm going to do that, I can also mimic the features of MTC in a graphics program. The dashed lines however, can't be used in MTC at this time, and I would really like to use them for pen outlines.
I also like the library files in SCAL. It seems that it will be easier to organize my custom shapes in SCAL, than in MTC. However MTC has a really nice feature that allows you to search SVGs that have been added to their database by other users. I do like that feature quite a bit, but it can wait until I have more money to spend.
So there it is, unless I change my mind before I purchase the software on Monday, I'll be buying Sure Cuts a Lot to create custom shapes with my Cricut. I can hardly wait.
Where to find:
Sure Cuts a Lot can be found on Craftedge.com and Make-The-Cut.com. Cricut Design Studio can be found in stores and online all over the place, but can also be downloaded at the Cricut website.
Cricut Design Studio Software
Cricut Design Studio was the big loser in my book, even though it is a handy tool to use with the Cricut cartridges. You can manipulate the shapes and fonts in the cartridges, and create some good designs; however, there just isn't enough freedom. I think this is a good call for someone that isn't very good at designing in other software programs, or just wants something simple, but more flexible than working straight from the machine. The good thing about DS is that you have access to all of the shapes and fonts in the Cricut library. However, to actually cut the shapes you need to have the cartridge in your machine.
Make the Cut (MTC) Software
Make the Cut (MTC) is a very impressive program. It is great for converting images into SVG files. I love the way that it shows the entire image, so you can tell what areas are being left out of the current selection. I also like the way that you can distort the shapes, changing the perspective. The Bezier warp was also nice. Over all I really like this program, and it almost won me over. I may have to purchase it at some point, especially since updates are included free, and the creator updates the program often. It hasn't been around nearly as long as SCAL, but is pretty much neck and neck with the development. MTC has a few features SCAL doesn't, and vice versa. I won't be surprised if MTC comes out ahead in the end.
Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) Sotware
That said, at this point I'm going to have to go with SCAL. Two features won me over, the dashed lines, and the ability to change the font after it is typed. The font isn't necessarily a big deal, because I could use a graphic program to select the font. However, if I'm going to do that, I can also mimic the features of MTC in a graphics program. The dashed lines however, can't be used in MTC at this time, and I would really like to use them for pen outlines.
I also like the library files in SCAL. It seems that it will be easier to organize my custom shapes in SCAL, than in MTC. However MTC has a really nice feature that allows you to search SVGs that have been added to their database by other users. I do like that feature quite a bit, but it can wait until I have more money to spend.
So there it is, unless I change my mind before I purchase the software on Monday, I'll be buying Sure Cuts a Lot to create custom shapes with my Cricut. I can hardly wait.
Where to find:
Sure Cuts a Lot can be found on Craftedge.com and Make-The-Cut.com. Cricut Design Studio can be found in stores and online all over the place, but can also be downloaded at the Cricut website.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Make a Font in Inkscape
I was browsing through some online tutorials to get ready for the arrival of my new Cricut, when I found a video by CleverSomeday showing steps to create a font using Inkscape. The video can be found at this direct link. It looks so simple; I must try it!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Cricut Winning Bid!
So, my search for a Cricut is over. It ended while setting through two red lights waiting to turn left on the way home from work.
During the first red light I checked EBay on my phone to find that the bundle I wanted was in striking distance, and the auction was about to end. So I put it a bid, and what do you know I was ahead. Refresh…behind.. bid again.. crap the light is green. Oh good, there are too many cars, and the light is red again. Bid again, still behind, and just seven seconds to go, and that light will be turning green again soon. BID! BID! Darn green light.
At the next light I checked again to find to my surprise, I had won the auction. I turned the car around, and took the Cricut Expression that was sitting in the back of my car back to Joann Fabric for a refund.
My final price was $222.50. That is for the Cricut Expression, the four cartridges that I had wanted: “Storybook”, “Paper Doll Dress Up”, “Home Accents”, and “Doodlecharm.” Plus it comes with two different ink packs. $22.50 more than I had wanted to pay, but what an incredible deal!
Now the only problem is that the reason I was trying to go so cheap, is to save money to buy the Sure Cuts a Lot software, which is what pushed me over the edge from “I would like to have a Cricut” to “I MUST have a Cricut!”
During the first red light I checked EBay on my phone to find that the bundle I wanted was in striking distance, and the auction was about to end. So I put it a bid, and what do you know I was ahead. Refresh…behind.. bid again.. crap the light is green. Oh good, there are too many cars, and the light is red again. Bid again, still behind, and just seven seconds to go, and that light will be turning green again soon. BID! BID! Darn green light.
At the next light I checked again to find to my surprise, I had won the auction. I turned the car around, and took the Cricut Expression that was sitting in the back of my car back to Joann Fabric for a refund.
My final price was $222.50. That is for the Cricut Expression, the four cartridges that I had wanted: “Storybook”, “Paper Doll Dress Up”, “Home Accents”, and “Doodlecharm.” Plus it comes with two different ink packs. $22.50 more than I had wanted to pay, but what an incredible deal!
Now the only problem is that the reason I was trying to go so cheap, is to save money to buy the Sure Cuts a Lot software, which is what pushed me over the edge from “I would like to have a Cricut” to “I MUST have a Cricut!”
Must Have A Cricut!
I've finally decided I must have a Cricut. I've wanted one for a while, but was holding out until I could pay for the larger one with money made from selling crafts, rather than using my pay check, and take money out of the "family" budget.
That was my plan. Then the little Cricut went on sale for $79 at Joann Fabric this weekend. I couldn't resist the urge to buy anymore, so I grabbed one.
When I returned to the car with it my husband just had to point out that it wasn't the one I wanted. Like I didn’t already know that.
What resulted from his comment was a three day EBay binge, with me bidding and bidding and bidding to get the Cricut Expression for less than $200 without waiting until Black Friday.
I'm not sure how this will end, but I will keep you posted.
That was my plan. Then the little Cricut went on sale for $79 at Joann Fabric this weekend. I couldn't resist the urge to buy anymore, so I grabbed one.
When I returned to the car with it my husband just had to point out that it wasn't the one I wanted. Like I didn’t already know that.
What resulted from his comment was a three day EBay binge, with me bidding and bidding and bidding to get the Cricut Expression for less than $200 without waiting until Black Friday.
I'm not sure how this will end, but I will keep you posted.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
This has been one exhausting week. The only night I’ve been able to come home after work, was the night I had to bring work home. The trend hasn’t ended yet either. I will be “volunteering” at the football game tomorrow night. Normally, I would be looking forward to it, but I just want to so badly to come home after work and get some well deserved rest.
I’m looking forward to next week, where my only full evenings will be Monday and Tuesday for Coral’s music school. No appointments and no volunteer duty. Ohh...it I can hardly wait!
I’m looking forward to next week, where my only full evenings will be Monday and Tuesday for Coral’s music school. No appointments and no volunteer duty. Ohh...it I can hardly wait!
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