Terrina, I also have a Martelli ergonomic rotary cutter and I love it. It takes regular blades just fine, though. Have you tried regular blades in your cutter? I don't think I've bought blades from Martelli since I bought the cutter—I've bought Olfa blades, Clover blades and another brand. My only problem with the ergonomic cutter is that I can cut both left and right handed (I'm a leftie), but the cutter is just one way or the other, so I bought the left one from Martelli, and I have an Olfa, but the Martelli is the one I just most of the time.

I bought the Martelli slotted ruler and the ruler that moves according to the width of the strip you want. I bought them at one of the big shows. I don't like either one of them. I also bought their ergonomic rotary cutter that has to have their blades in it. You can only get the blades from them on line or at a big show. I spent my well-earned money for products that sit in the cabinet. Argh!

Friends,
Thanks for the info on the Martelli ruler. I was concerned that I'd need to buy their rotary cutter. So I think I'll give that a miss and go for the June Tailor version.

I also saw that the Accucut was on sale but it would be cumbersome to bring back and I do a minimum of traditional quilting.

I already have the snippers and they are one of my favorites. But Superior Threads is on my shopping list.

I am going to surf Joanne's and Nancy's Notions now.

Hey Libbi, I don't know what to suggest you get, but it sure sounds like a fun trip.

Hi Libbi! The AccuQuilt Go cutter is on sale at Joann's Fabric this week and on the Joann website for $199 plus shipping $15 (in store) to 17.50 (online). Maybe you could afford it at the sale price? Have a great trip! Lesley

Libbi wrote:
Wow, you are a California girl! Then you probably have too many places to go when you come over here.

I bought one of the Martelli rulers at a quilt show,it requires a specialized rotary cutter to use. Unfortunately, they told me at the show that I could use the standard rotary cutter. So, I have the ruler and have never used it. I've never seen one in a quilt shop, only at shows, and they weren't at Road to California this year. Maybe someone else has used the ruler and can chime in?
Kathy

Hi Libbi. I recently got the Superior thread snipper and to my big surprise it is really handy. I use it all the time now. Have a wonderful trip

I am a born and bred California girl--born in Pasadena, went to college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, spent most of my working career in San Francisco and have family spread up and down and across the state. It is very difficult to make choices of where we go and whom we see. In 2009 my brother took us to the fabric district in downtown LA. There was some awful stuff but also some fab brand name fabrics. I will be just down the road from Alex and had hoped that she'd be doing something in the area but I believe that she'll be out of town.

Back to the topic. I though that there were slotted rulers that had slots for cutting strips in various widths commonly used in quilting? Has anyone heard of Martelli no slip rulers? Very pricey. Some times it is very hard to tell from the discription on the websites exactly what the features of the item are. I can pack a 24" ruker.

I go to as many quilt shops as I can but I order online from here to make sure I get the items I want rather than spend all my time racing from shop to shop dragging my poor DH along.

cjbeg wrote:
Cheryl, what a great adventure! Pacific Grove is about 1/2 mile west of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I've been at two Empty Spools Seminars in Pacific Grove, plus been to Monterey other times. Back Porch is not your average neighborhood quilt shop! I envy you making the trip and being able to stay in Monterey for a while. The Aquarium is one of my favorite places.

LIbbi, Monterey is about 150? miles south of San Francisco. There must be a few members near San Francisco who can chime in on good places to check out near there.

Kathy

kathyst2 wrote: OOOOH so exciting. My son is joining the navy and will be going to Monterey for school. DH and I will be driving his car across country and now I have even more reasons to be excited about the trip.....

I also love the slotted rulers, and recently got the larger one (18") from my sister. I have been teaching a friend to quilt, and have had her using this ruler for cutting basic strips. Mine are in 1/2' increments and limit you if you need 1/4" or smaller cuts. But definitely worth it and should fit nicely in your luggage.

Check electrical stuff very carefully. Not all that's bought in the US works in Europe.

I will be in the San Franciso Bay area

Libbi, You asked in your initial post re: the slotted rulers....I have the June Taylor versions, 1/2" and 1/4", and love them. Got them at JoAnns with 50% off coupons or on sale. I really like them...makes quick work of cutting multiple strips, and I think overall more accurate for me than using a ruler and mat. The limiting factor is the fabric has to be folded to fit the depth of the ruler, so a full width cut has to be folded to four layers, and a fat quarter can be folded in half. There may be other makers....I have looked any more since I found these. Nancy