Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Gypsy Gripper


I've used the original Gypsy Gripper for years.  It suctions onto my straight edge and then I hold the handle to move the ruler and to press down on while I'm cutting with a rotary cutter.  I love it and can't imagine life without it.  That seems overly dramatic but true.  It makes cutting fabric so much easier than without one. 


I've even got a smaller version for my smaller straight edge.  Equally fantastic.

Behold!

Look what I just discovered!


The box says:

Set of two sizes of semi-hoops to control your fabrics during free-motion quilting.  Grasp gently with both hands while the bottom surface rests lightly on the fabric.  Retains the desired fabric positioning in all directions, while preventing bunching.  Relaxed hand positioning reduces the usual hand and wrist and shoulder fatigue.  The textured bottom surface grips thick fabric layers securely, with minimal effort.  New squared shape allows larger areas to be quilted before needing the reposition.



Between this and these AWESOME free motion quilting video tutorials that Debby put together, I think I'm set to start working on this little pink and orange lap quilt.

I'll let you know how it goes.

-dana

P.S.  The Gypsy Gripper Quilter folks have no idea who I am nor that I'm talking about their products.  I just genuinely love the original gripper and the in-between gripper.  Based on that I figured the free motion quilter gripper guides would probably be pretty groovy. 

17 comments:

Kristen said...

Seriously want that last one!! I always thought a hoop of some sort would make quilting easier. I could never understand the gloves.

Gorgeous quilt!!

The Army of Four said...

I think I might have to try the "hoop"ie one! I could ditch the white rubber-tipped gloves and stop talking like MIckey Mouse when I free-motion quilt... right?
:)
KZK

sallgood said...

I love my gripper too! (And then I found a white one at a thrift store-it was meant to be used in the shower... for less than 1/4 of the cost of the quilter's one! I passed it on to a quilting friend, since I didn't need two, but I couldn't pass up such a bargain!!) Can't wait to see your pink/orange quilt-you know I love those colors together!! :D

jlk said...

I need the ruler gripper. Maybe I'll go buy myself one as a reward for doing the dishes today :)

Terriaw said...

I've seen people use those Gypsy Grippers - looks like a great gadget to have. That fabric glide looks like another great find - I'm be curious to hear what you think of it. BTW, I'm loving that pink and orange quilt project peaking underneath!

Kelly O. said...

I bought the large gypsy gripper because I saw it on your blog and simply your quilts and YOU are simply fabulous I knew you knew what was good stuff--and you're right I love it!
I can't wait to see what you think of this hoop de doop thingy :)

Patty C. said...

Please let your readers know what you think about the hoop. If it works, my hands, wrists and shoulders will thank you!

dolores said...

Hahhaa....I think I'm the only person in the world that doesn't care for the gypsy gripper!;) We have several to use at work and I find it just gets in my way BUT I don't cut very fast unless I have one of the rulers with a lip that butts up to the bottom on our mats. So maybe if I didn't use those rulers I would like the gripper.
Very curious to hear how you like the freemotion hoop.

DebbyMc said...

Want.That.Quilt!

PS: I think it's pretty darned GROOVY that you used the word GROOVY...old hippie that I am and all...=-) A girl after my own heart...as we know... =-)

One Shabby Chick said...

oh yes - can't wait to hear how that works...looks like something I might need to get!

MWalker said...

I need to get one of those grippers; I'm tired of my rulers slipping during cuts. >:(

Wendy said...

That looks interesting....will wait and see how it works out for you......if it works it will be a great gadget to have....

VickiT said...

That looks SO cool. I purchased some generic gripper type things that were being sold as a bathroom grab bar figuring they were the same thing pretty much. Well, that was my first problem; THINKING. LOL I can say anyone using the one I bought even for a bathroom grab bar is in serious danger if they depend on this thing. I hung it up on the side of my bookcase in my sewing room thinking it was a good spot to store it out of my way. Three minutes later, BOOM! It fell right onto the floor. It doesn't have enough suction to even hold itself up much less anyone relying on it for stability so I am afraid to use it for me rulers either. I guess that teaches me to save money and now know I WILL have to get the 'real' Gypsy Gripper. And while I am at it, I will totally have to get this too. I have one that I bought from my Viking store and it doesn't 'grip' as well as I'd like to see it but the Gypsy brand has to be awesome judging by the bottom of it in that picture. VERY cool. Thanks for the heads up.

Trudi said...

I've always wondered about the grippers, and with arthritis getting worse in my wrists I may have to invest. Thanks for some good honest ... well..... honesty :)

Erica said...

Gorgeous quilt!

1 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas

Pinoy Photoblog said...

Very nice blog post! Cheers!

Jessica Christensen said...

Yeah, that does look like it would be helpful. Waiting with bated breath to hear the verdict. And I echo the other sentiments about the quilt. I love pink and orange together. Feel free to send that one to me. ;)