Friday, September 17, 2010

GO! Update

The jury is in!

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I’m an honest and straightforward kinda gal.  Yes, I joke around a bit and try to make for some interesting reading but there are times when I do take things seriously too…really!

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A couple of days ago I wrote about finally getting up the nerve to play with my new GO! machine.  If you missed it and would like to read about it, just click HERE.  

I am a creature of habit, especially when I find a comfort zone with something.  So having an assistant in the form of a machine to help me do something that I was already comfortable with doing manually was something that I was a little apprehensive about. I’m referring to hst’s…or half square triangles.

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Being a self-taught quilter, virtually all that I have learned has been through trial and error…and mostly error.  *wink*  But because I love what I do, I persist.

I promised a thorough and accurate report on the GO! cutter without any sugar coating.  Well here it is because the jury is in and a picture is worth a thousand words!

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The whole truth and nothing but the truth…

The first couple of hst’s that I pieced together were a bit off and not up to my standards at all.  Yes, I’m anal…to the point where I drive myself crazy at times.  But, I’m also as persistent and tenacious as a bull dog and I hate to admit to defeat.

I put everything away for a couple of days because of other commitments and I went back at it again last night.  The same thing happened and I was not a happy camper.  Here was this bright and shiny new machine that promised to make all our cutting lives just a little bit easier and it wasn’t working…at least not to my stringent specifications.  Dang!  All that work and all that fabric (even though I used scraps), not to mention the trepidation and anxiety of using a new machine…all gone to waste.  *sigh*

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Sew…I sat back and regrouped.  Something was not right.  How could hst’s that match up perfectly after cutting them using the GO! not come out just as perfectly after sewing them? 

LIGHT BULB MOMENT!

It can’t be the machine because all the pieces were IDENTICAL in size after using the GO! cutter.  It had to be something to do with the OPERATOR!  

Who?  Moi???  Horrors!

Well, duh!

In the first paragraph I mentioned that I am a self taught quilter.  It took me a while to get the hang of piecing manually cut hst’s but once I figured out how to place them together and exactly where to place my needle when starting to sew, everything after that was tickety-poo.  Perfect hst’s “almost” 100% of the time.

“Sew what is different and what am I doing differently?” I asked myself.

LIGHT BULB MOMENT #2!

DOG EARS!  No dog ears!  That was the only difference.

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When cutting hst’s using a rotary cutter and after piecing them together, there are always dog ears to be cut off.  With the GO! cutter, the dog ears are eliminated, ultimately saving us that sometimes annoying step.  What I was attempting to do was to line up the GO! hst’s in the same manner as the “traditional” hsts’s…which is okay…but it was where I was placing my needle where I went wrong.  (Insert thwak on the forehead with the palm of my hand).

Once I figured that out…well now I know what the person meant who coined the phrase, “easy as pie”.

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How cool is that?

I’m thrilled to bits with how this little pinwheel doll’s quilt turned out.  I hope to set aside some time today to finish it.  It measures 16” x 16” and I plan to machine quilt it, just to save some time.  After all, there are other shapes that came with this die that I have to play with!

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Verdict…because after all, the jury is in.

Do I like the GO! cutter?  Yes.

Will I use it again?  Absolutely!

Would I recommend it?  Most definitely.

Will I be giving away a GO! cutter soon?  Yessiree!

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So stay tuned…and in the interim..

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

73 comments:

Amy said...

I'm glad you've got your Go figured out! The quilt is adorable and it looks so easy!

Penny said...

I'm glad too that you GOt GOing fast! Curious what you'll make next!
Hugs

Linda said...

glad to hear it wasn't the machine..if you know what i mean..wink

Gra said...

Nice report!!!!! Keep playing....I mean working!!!!! hahaha!!!!

Barb said...

Hi Kaaren,
I am glad that you were able to figure it out and then nothing was wasted. It is amazing to me that once I think I know something...something else will come along and I have to be re-taught or it needs to be re-learned.
And then practice make perfect!! Yet your work is already perfect!!
Barb

Linda said...

Beautiful! Just look at the perfect points.
Linda

lynneUSA said...

I am glad you worked it out -- I love my GO as well but the one issue I have is that I am more likely to get the material to go down the needle hole at the start of stitching than with traditional HST - did you have that issue and how did you get around it ?

Susan said...

Isn't it wonderful to learn a new method to make quilting more fun?

ShirleyC said...

I've been wondering if those machine are really worth the money. I did notice the shapes were different than when 'we' cut them, but I figured there was some special way to sew them together. Maybe you could post a pic of how you did it with the needle placement.

Lynn said...

Uh-oh, I have been on the fence about the GO and now I'm back to lusting after it. Thanks for sharing your experiences with it.

Wendy said...

Thank you so much for your great narrative and love the pictures! I'm much like you and as a self taught quilter, I anguish over the tiniest thing. Love the review! Great job!!

Sandy said...

My GO came yesterday! I have been waiting to see what you would create, and am so happy you posted this morning! I have a few things to do before I try out the die that came with it- I'll be aware of the stiching.. I have used a Studio- cut out triangles and had a heck of a time- cut out a zillion 2 1/2" strips with the help of a friend- and will testing the DWR die, which is on the way- thanks for sharing!

Darlene said...

Well, your little quilt is adorable and I'm glad you had a 'lightbulb moment'. LOL

Sue-Anne said...

You had me worried there for a minute because up until I started reading your post, I had read nothing but praise for the GO! Thankfully you nutted out what the problem was and I am pleased that you are happy with it.

Your little doll quilt is stunning Kaaren and I can see how valuable that machine is.

Shelley said...

Thwack on the forehead moments___I can totally relate! LOL!

Marie said...

Loved the honest review (even the problem). I, too, would like to sew where you placed the needle.

Thanks again and hugs - Marie

Cindy said...

I had to thump my forehead a few times too, Kaaren...LOL Sometimes I have to wait a little longer for that lightbulb to burn brighter.

But all and all, with the GO hysteria going on in blogland, both good and bad, I do like my GO. And I'm glad you're enjoying it too.

Your little dollie quilt is a cutie. HSTs have become quick to cut.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren! Thanks for your info/review about the GO. Cute little quilt, too. I, too, have been wondering if it is all everyone really says it is!

Please visit my latest post. I have nominated you... hope you don't mind. Thank you for all your inspiration. ~Karen... with one "a" and no "t" ;-)

Have a great weekend!

Stitched With Prayer said...

Kaaren, I loved this post. Especially because you talked about being anal to the point of driving yourself crazy at times. Well, I'm right there with ya!!! I have also learned (the hard way) that when things don't work out the way I want, well, 99.9% of the time it is 'operator error'. Tough to admit but once we do, then we figure out what 'WE' are doing wrong and then we can 'fly'! Thanks so much for your honest and fun review of your GO!. Every block in your GO! HST quilt looks absolutely perfect! I will anxiously watch for your giveaway. Then of course, I always anxiously watch your posts because you show us so many delightful and beautiful things. Enjoy the day! Hugs...

Louise said...

Love your blog! This was a great post..first time hearing of the Go!
Thanks for the info...
your little quilt is beautiful!
I love doll quilts, or anything relating to dolls. :)
Looking forward to your giveaway!

Raggedystitches,
Louise in FL

Elzaan said...

I am thrilled that you love the GO! so much, and that you could get things sorted out without too much tears. Here is to many more GO! hours and years!!!
Elaan

Bonny said...

Hi Kaaren:
Could you please show us a picture of how you lined up the hst?
Thank you - Bonny

Pat said...

Great job! Looks lovely.

Pat said...
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Stina Blomgren said...

:o))) lightbulbmoments... !!! Aint it wonderful when it happens..:O) And thanks for your reports of the GO..!!

paulette said...

WHEW! You had me worried there!! I love your little topper!! A little tip (and you may have done this already but just in case you didn't)Next time you cut you hst put the pinwheel fabric and the back ground fabric together (facing each other) and cut- then they are all ready to sew- NO matching up!! LOVE IT!!
Enjoy!!
Paulette

Kimberly said...

Those light bulb moments are worth a thousand words, aren't they? I'm thinking of one of these machines... thanks for the preview!

Alberta Gal, Shauna said...

So glad that this worked!! I was totally waiting to see the verdict as I wanted to get one, but like you I am a self taught quilter with a few classes so I think I will be purchasing this...

Yvonne Cormier said...

Hi Kaaren, I am totally self taught also and was laughing outloud cause I could just see myself doing the exact thing!! LOL I have been thinking of purchasing one also, therefore it is so nice to hear someone like myself using it and getting feedback. Tks for sharing. Have a great one! :-) Yvonne

Cathi said...

The thwack on the forehead sounds all too familiar! Glad you figured out what caused your problem and that you got your wonderful little doll's quilt made!

GerryART said...

I loved this post ! ! !
No suspense though, I knew you'd work it out, Kaaren.

However, I'm glad you did because I'd hate to win one of these babies and not be totally happy.

I'll be awaiting your giveaway, but I have entered AccuQuilt's Friday GO! Giveaway this morning. Hey ! ! maybe I'll even win!

Hugs & ♥♥♥s and looking forward to your next GO! Adventure.

Gerry

StitchinByTheLake said...

Karen I'm so grateful for your honesty. And even more convinced that the Go! would be helpful to me. I don't mind cutting at all but the arthritis in my hands makes it pretty painful sometimes. I'm going to be looking at a Go! on saturday and checking it out personally. blessings, marlene

Annette said...

Whew! You had me worried for a minute... So glad you figured it all out I like the idea that there is no having to trim dog ears afterwards. I think I like that. Your doll quilt is sweet!!

Anonymous said...

Can you please show (in pictures) the correct placement of the needle so that if I am ever fortunate enough to have a GO, I will know how to do HSTs? Thank you.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Thanks for the "report." So glad you like your new machine and it's working out very well for you. Very cute doll quilt.

Mama Pea said...

That's great! When I saw the photo on top, I thought, "That looks pretty good? What does she mean it wasn't up to her standards?!" But now I see you got it all figured out. Awesome. Thanks for the update!

Theresa said...

Thanks for your report!!! You've got me hooked on the GO!!

Sparky said...

Wow. you really can Go on a Go...
did that sound right?>
blessings madame samm

Unknown said...

Oh your piecing is amazing!!!!!!!!

Sherry Hogan said...
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Sherry Hogan said...

Thank you for the honest review, someday I'll have one.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Oh your little quilt is just GOrgeous! I hope you didn't thwack too hard! ;-)

Liz said...

Thanks for the verdict! I've been watching everyone praise this machine, can't say enough good things about it, but it always seemed to be when they were giving one away courtesy of Acuquilt. I did wonder what an 'honest' verdict would be, and here I have it.....
Lizzie
xxx

Carrie P. said...

Thanks for sharing all that info. I will trying mine this weekend I hope.
So I can use all the tips I can get.
Your little quilt looks great.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful! I'm so glad to read that you like your GO cutter and what a beautiful little pinwheel quilt you have there. I sometimes think that the simplest of shapes often make the most gorgeous quilts. :o)

Julie said...

LOL! you funny chook. so glad you figured it out though. i'm loving that little quilt too. what kind of quilting design are you planning for it? looking forward to seeing it finished.

xox

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Love this post Kaaren, now I'm off to read more and catch up on all your creative adventures.

Needled Mom said...

It is always fun to read an honest review of a product. I am glad to see that you got it worked out and are now pleased with it.

Quilts And Pieces said...

I"ll have to watch because baby... I want to win one!

Regina said...

That was a great post. Thank you!

Charlsey said...

Okay, I figured out the problem. The light bulb was one of those energy saving, twisty, thing-a-ma-jigs that comes on very slowly but once it comes on it gives off great light! Glad you had success. Your little doll quilt is adorable.

WoolenSails said...

I love the idea of cutting off the tips, makes it so much simpler and faster. I never cut mine, maybe that is why mine come out so badly, lol.

Debbie

Jenny's Place Online said...

The quilt looks cute :) As to the GO, I've never heard of them before your blog! Happy Crafting, Jenny

Janet said...

Oops, operator error but you got it figured out which was a good thing. You've ended up with a sweet doll quilt, bonus for having the Go Cutter.

Judy C said...

Karen, thanks for your honest review. I have been entering all the contest and wondering the same thing is it worth it? can it realy be better? nice to know you worked it out but I am realy glad you gave an honest review.

Carol said...

Fabulous "look at and tell on yourself" review.

Micki said...

Glad that you figured it out and the quilt turned out so nice.
Micki

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh look at those perfect points!! Love it!! thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Really love the fabrics in your doll quilt.

Isn't it funny how we always blame the machine first?

What other shapes does the Go make?

Gail :)

quiltingnana said...

the points on your project are great...I am anal too about them...used a friend's go cutter and found the hst's worked so well when she showed me how to use them without the dog ears!

Anonymous said...

Oh Kaaren you are such a crack up! I had not idea that you didn't realize there would be no dog ears...isn't it wonderful?! I must say your write up was spot on and quilt...fantastic!!!

Teresa said...

Glad you figured it out - the quilt looks great.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I am glad that you are honest and forthright! And your trial and error is probably how many of us started. But your plight has shed light on what probably others might experience with the GO - and the "thunk on the head" moment will be avoided for new GO'ers with your shared experience.

Miriam said...

Thank you for your honest review, Kaaren.
Can't wait to see what you make next. The little hst quilt is delightful!

SheilaC said...

Thank you for the honest review, and I am glad you figured out the problem.

Now.... could you post a picture demonstrating what you explained so well in your post. (correct needle position for sewing)

I am a more visual/hands on learner! :)

Thanks again
SheilaC

Barbara J said...

Great work on the GO review! Sure makes cutting all those HSTs so much easier.

Sabine said...

:-) Great colors ;-)

*karendianne. said...

How very fun! ...and I love your fabrics. Delightful and beautiful really. Yummy.

Karen said...

Your little doll quilt piece looks mighty good. I think you got the hang of things.

By Hoki Quilts said...

Hi Kaaren, thanks for your honest opinion, and for the honesty when it came to heman error. I am keen to give the Go cutter a go and one day will, especially now that I have read how good it is from a non commercial user.
cheers
Miche'le

Kim Brackett said...

Great review, Kaaren. I'm glad you worked out your issues with the machine, and hope you have fun cutting lots of new projects!

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

hi Kaaren,
well we all have loight bulb moments,but I amsopleased that you like your Go and you have it all figured out, have fun!!

Alice I. said...

Oh Kaaren! You are too funny...I had to chuckle because I "heard" that "thwak" on the forehead. Glad you figured it out and saved many of us who own or may one day own a GO! Very cute quilt!