Trimming Improv Blocks with OLFA’s NEW Endurance Rotary Blade + Giveaway! AmysCreativeSide.comTrimming Improv Blocks with OLFA’s NEW Endurance Rotary Blade + Giveaway! AmysCreativeSide.comHalf-Square Triangles Two Ways! - AmysCreativeSide.com
Trimming Improv Blocks with OLFA’s NEW Endurance Rotary Blade + Giveaway! AmysCreativeSide.comTrimming Improv Blocks with OLFA’s NEW Endurance Rotary Blade + Giveaway! AmysCreativeSide.comAdding a Quilt Sleeve - AmysCreativeSide.com

This post is sponsored by OLFA, but all opinions are my own.

I’ve been using OLFA tools for years now, and when asked to partner with them to release their new 45mm Endurance Blade I was excited to participate! To the left is a few of my past photos including my OLFA rotary tools, and I shared a video of switching the blade on the Splash earlier this month too!

OLFA is celebrating the release of the Endurance Blade with some exciting events too!

On April 27 & 28, during QuiltWeek in Paducah, KY, OLFA is creating an opportunity for you to test the blade, while cutting quilts for kids that need comfort the most. Quilts for Kids is a non-profit, that donates quilts to children’s hospitals and shelters across the country. Every square that is cut with the new Endurance Blade will be collected and made into beautiful quilts by volunteers!

There’s also a Quilt Cruise Sweepstakes beginning on April 17th. Mark your calendar and check out the details HERE.

Trimming Improv Blocks

Last week after receiving the new tools, I was working on sashing some improv blocks that I’ve been working on the last couple of months. We worked together well, with little need for pressure as the blade cut, and cut, and cut! I always love a new blade in my rotary cutter, but this felt even smoother than usual!

The best way I’ve found to size improv blocks, is to sew plenty of fabric around, then trim down using a square ruler to the size that you like. I have blocks ranging from roughly 6″ to 10″, and not at all square usually! I sewed lots of white to the edges to set the blocks, before trimming to 12 1/2″ square. I also like to have my mat accessible from more than one side of the table – this way I can walk around the mat instead of twisting the block.

I’ve decided to test the blade by using it every other time I cut, with my original blade. This Splash Cutter with the Endurance Blade in it is marked with a piece of fabric in the handle. I’ll report back with results in a couple of months!

Trimming Improv Blocks with OLFA’s NEW Endurance Rotary Blade + Giveaway! AmysCreativeSide.com

OLFA Tools

You know I’m already a fan of the Splash rotary cutter, and having a longer lasting blade is great! Splash is great for medium to heavy-duty projects, and can easily cut up to six layers of quilting cotton. I use it all the time for cutting strips, and crosscut squares/rectangles in multiple layers at once. It also cuts more than fabric, but I suggest keeping a second blade handy for anything but cotton.

You can pick up your Splash Rotary Cutter HERE on OLFA.com and at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, or ask for it in your local fine quilt shop.

I usually switch my rotary blades at least once a month, depending on how many projects I’m working on – which definitely adds up. I’m really excited to put the Endurance blade to the test! The Endurance blade is made from expertly-honed tungsten tool steel with proprietary metal chemistry, it’s designed to cut twice as long, and fits the OLFA 45mm rotary cutters we already own.

You can pick your new Endurance Blade up on OLFA.com and at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, or ask for it in your local fine quilt shop.

Trimming Improv Blocks with OLFA’s NEW Endurance Rotary Blade + Giveaway! AmysCreativeSide.com

I will admit, I had been a little skeptical of the folding mats. I hadn’t seen it in person, or had the chance to put it to use. Seeing and using it now, I’m a fan! The folding mat is perfect for a retreat, or classroom situation, when packing space is at a premium, but a mat is necessary. Also in my own space, next to the machine it’s great too!

The curved fold means you can cut anywhere on the mat and have the results you expect from any cutting mat. The actual fold, is secure and durable too, which puts my mind at ease for future cutting mat purchases.

You can pick up your 12″ x 17″ Folding Cutting Mat HERE on Olfa.com and at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, or ask for it in your local fine quilt shop.

Trimming Improv Blocks with OLFA’s NEW Endurance Rotary Blade + Giveaway! AmysCreativeSide.com

Giveaway!

Who wants to win a new Splash Cutter + the Endurance Blade? 

To enter to win, leave me a comment. Tell me how long you’ve had your current blade on your rotary cutter. I bet it’s time to change it!

Giveaway is open for one week, winner announced 3/30/17 – Good Luck

Quilt Cruise Sweepstakes:

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Sweepstakes starts April 17, 2017 12 p.m. CST and ends at 7/15/17 11:59:59 PM CT. Must be a legal resident of 50 US/DC and at least 18 years of age. For Official Rules, including how to enter, prize details and restrictions, visit www.olfa.com/quiltcruise. Prize includes transportation to cruise departure port. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: OLFA, NA distributed by World Kitchen, LLC, 9525 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 300 Rosemont, IL 60018

Have you had a chance to try the Endurance Blade yet? I’d love to know your experience!

Happy Quilting –

Amy

Congratulations Denise! I’ve emailed you to claim your prize.