Unicorn Found! (Friday Foto Fun #31)
After fabric weaving on my own for the Island Ambassador project (read about that here) and the Modern Stitch Affair class with Tara (read about that here), I wanted to find one of the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker machines. Making the bias tape is the least enjoyable part of fabric weaving for me. Well guess what?! I found it!
Last weekend, I took part in the Twin Cities Shop Hop and a brand new (seemingly forgotten) Bias Tape Maker machine was found at one of the stores. It was located underneath the last shelf at the notions area and really dusty at Four Seasons Quilts Shop. The store owner gave me a discount of good will and seriously… I found a unicorn! This little machine has been discontinued for years, and people are selling them for ridiculous prices on Ebay. Here's how the thing works: You have all your bias strips cut and you wind each strip on the spindle one at a time. The strip then goes through the bias tape maker tip and underneath iron/hot plate through some driven rubber rollers.
It works really well! The longest part is winding each strip on the roller and feeding the end through the bias maker tip. I was able to make all my strips in almost no time and started weaving once again!
I used all solids and wanted to create a star pattern this time instead of 3D cubes.
Once I finished my fabric weave panel I decided to make it into a pouch for my surface! It fits perfectly!
Having the bias tape maker machine cut down the time to prep for weaving significantly and if you can get your hands on one, definitely get one! I'm now in search of the 1/2" bias tape tip… the next unicorn!
I got some major news from work that I can't quite share yet, but that means I will need to focus a bit on getting my non-quilting life in order! I'm also headed off to Spring Quilt Market next week! I don't have a booth, but I'm there to visit and meet the different people in the quilting industry. My hope is to make connections with other designers, fabric companies, and distributors for future work! Wish me luck!
While I'm there, what would you like me to find and share? I won't be quite as nervous if I give myself a secondary task!
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Wowey zowey! Congrats on finding an elusive unicorn during the shop hop!!! Your star weaving is simply beautiful!
Great find Sherri. My friend has one and loves it. I’m going to pass along your how to process for weaving. Might use it myself now that I know it can be used for more than binding. Linda cozy-quilts.ca
Woohoo!! Great find! I’m super curious about your work news! And how exciting to be going to Quilt Market! Have you been before? I went last spring. It was so worth it, and I’m itching to go again. Ask away, and I’ll tell you what I know! (I should have 2 or 3 quilts there. I get the fabric for 2 of them today, so we’ll see if I can get them there on time!)
Sounds like a great gadget!
How fun that you found that little unicorn while on the shop hop! I think I have a 1/2″ bias tape maker that was my mother’s. Clover brand, maybe? I can check and let you know. I know they are still available. Never having been to market, I have no idea to tell you what to find, but have fun, as I know you will!
I’ve been looking at that machine – I’m glad to hear you like it so much.
What and awesome find! The stars look great and the pouch is super cute.
What a great find! Curious about your job announcement. Can’t wait to hear about spring market! If you aren’t selling, how did you get in? I’ll have to think of what I am looking for….
Wow what a great find! I’m jealous. Your panel looks fabulous, as does your pouch. I cannot wait for my class with Tara! At Spring Quilt Market, please please please take pictures of new collection by Zen Chic of Moda 🙂 Actually, whatever pictures you take of booths I’ll be happy to see!
Hi Sherry,
Have a blast at Spring Quilt Market and I hope you meet all kinds of great networking folks. What a great find in that bias tape tip – it looks like it works really well, and it’s perfect for the weaving projects. I hope your work news turns out to be just what you hope, as having non-quilting-life events fall into place with ease just reflects in your quilting-life side. They certainly are interwoven and related. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne