I thought I would show you some of my favourite tools. The first one is the Quilter's Fabricalc.
This is the best tool for calculating how much fabric you need for a project or how many half square triangles you will get out of a scraps that you have etc. The Fabricalc will calculate how much fabric you will need for your sashings, borders, bindings and backings! One of the features that I enjoy is the metric to imperial conversion. Living in Australia, we have a metric system. While the majority of us use inches for our quilt bocks, border widths etc, we still buy our fabric in metres or centimetres. With an easy push of the button, I can change the yardage to metres....it's like magic!
I have especially found this little tool really handy when writing a pattern. Usually when designing a quilt, I just make it up as I go so it can be a bit confusing when I get to the end and have to work out how much of each fabric is required. The Quilter's Fabricalc has made this job very easy. I just enter how many of each square, triangle or diamond I have to use and it will calculate the amount of fabric I need! I also like the fact that I can now work out my fabric requirements MYSELF. It's a huge benefit to see a pattern in a store and be able to quickly calculate how much fabric you will need and it's approximate cost without having to ask someone to do it for you.
Each Fabricalc now comes with it's own dvd that you can pop into your computer and learn first hand how it all works. To view a selection of instructional videos on line go here . The fabricalc is available in independent Quilt stores in Australia and is dist. through Ascot Lane.
Comments