>>>>

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Out with the OLD and in with the NEW!

oldnew1
I am resistant to change.

I always have been – I like things the way I like them, the way they have always worked for me.

This goes for phones and computers and sewing machines and everything I own….

But did you know it also applies to rulers?

I have had a tried and true ruler for years…and I’ve loved it.

I swore by these:

blog 002

Look familiar?

This is my old 6.5” X 12.5” Creative Grids – My go-to ruler for nearly everything.  And the lines were becoming worn, and so I ordered a new one…and this is what I got:

blog 003

ACKKKK!  Holy CRAP!

I can’t see where to place my lines because the bubbles are all TOO BIG…the numbers are HUGE…and those black ones? Don’t even get me started, you can’t read through them..

And that white square KEY/LOGO thing off to the left of my red strip?  You can’t read or measure there either…

I have tried and tried to use this ruler, but it just won’t work for me.  I need less.  I need easier.

And I picked up this after Christmas at Hancock’s when rulers were on sale just to try it:

blog 001

YES!!

This is the Olfa frosted.  NO Huge circles in white or in black…no white squares that serve whatever purpose that I can’t read through….just anti-glare, easy to read super fine lines, and I don’t have to turn the ruler around to cut things on the half inch. 

Oh, and the lines are embedded so they will not wear off.

I’m ruler-happy.

Less IS More.

And The OLD is OUT!!

*PS*

I don't do rulers with big green bubbles or yellow lines in 1/8" increments either...I need to donate my unused ruler drawer to some 3rd world country..but why would THEY want them if they are so terrible?

And don't even get me started on the one with the sharpener on one edge? (*&@#$(*&!


Click Here to like our Quiltville Friends Page on Facebook for more fun!
You do not need a Facebook account to read the Facebook posts - They are viewable to all! Feel free to read & quilt along with us!

71 comments:

  1. I like the looks of this. As I replace, I will have to see if these are available around here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know what you mean about the markings on some rulers. If you can't see the fabric underneath all the markings, what good are they? I had bought something similar when I was gathering my very first supplies not long ago. It didn't take me long to realize it wasn't what I wanted, and it has been relegated to the "emergency equipment" closet, where I keep my other useable, but less liked tools. The embedded lines and anti-glare sound awesome,

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree...less is definitely more especially where rulers are concerned. I love my frosted olfa one like yours, would buy no other from now on!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love this ruler as well. The 45 degree lines go all the way to the corner. Use them all the time. The frosting coating eliminates glare. It is so quick and easy to see the mark. I picked mine up several years ago and bought several more just because. So glad it works for you also.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Please excuse the typo. I meant "frosty" coating. Must be time for a little chocolate cake. Gluten free, of course.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I agree! I like the old style Creative Grids ruler and I.DO.NOT.LIKE the new way they are marking their rulers.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have both of these rulers and the olga frosted has been my favorite for a while now. Glad you found one you like.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I can't handle the 6 1/2" rulers. Too confusing for me. I have a plain OLD 6x12 OmniGrid and I replace it every few years. May they never discontinue it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lines on rulers do get old i replace mine a lot

    ReplyDelete
  10. well, still love my Creative Grids. Just bought three new ones a couple of weeks ago. I like that Olfa has lost the yellow lines and is doing the frosty now.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have *lots* of the OLD Creative Grids rulers. My favorites. Until I needed to replace one that had gone awol. Yikes! I received one of the new ones, too. NOT happy. Grrrrr. I'll have to try one of the Olfa rulers. Thanks for the info.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am a longarmer & set aside a percentage of every invoice for new 'stuff' (as Mark Lipinski calls it). Several months ago I had an abundance of expense $$ so I splurged on a whole new set of rulers for myself - the Olfa frosted. I LOVE them!! And on sew days everyone wants to borrow them. We deserve good stuff to work with!! BTW - my new GO! arrived today & I'm ready to tame my scraps. Yippee!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. First impression of the ruler with the large b/w increments ~ WOW ~ now that's a ruler that I can SEE the measurements. As I age, so do my eyes. My eye doctor refused to up the magnification in my glasses. So to do most things I have my prescription glasses and then for sewing I have to use big box store magnifiers ~ extremely annoying. Something for everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I bought myself the frosted ruler in 6 x 12 and love it. I will definitely buy more of this brand.64

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have an entire set of rulers that were made in Ohio...loved them but the inked lines on them wore off. Went to buy more...no longer in business.
    I found that the lines on Nifty Notions (Cut for the Cure) rulers have NO big bubbles to block your view. And the lines have spaces so you can SEE where the fabric lays under the ruler...really a neat trick. I bought their entire set too and am very pleased. I got a great price on them as I had attended a Kaye England Quilt College.
    Still love the EZ rulers though...and the Nextcare tape is great.
    XOXOXO Subee

    ReplyDelete

  16. One of the first rulers I bought has the name of the quilt designer -- exactly where I need to see the fabric. As I have bought new rulers, it has been regulated to use when all the others are on walkabout. Still, I use a wide variety of rulers -- even those with big fat gold lines every 1/8th inch (though I do tend to get confused and cut on the 1/8th inch rather than the quarter), but my new favourite is a Fiskars with pink and maroon lines -- seems to work pretty well against both light and dark fabrics (though it has odd angle markings).

    ReplyDelete
  17. I will gladly take the rulers you have not use for.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm with you on thus one Bonnie. I bought the same 'New' Creative a grids one in 12.5 x 6.5 and I hate it. Can't see anything with it. Back to the old worn one.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I, too, like the Olfa frosted rulers. I like the old Creative Grid, but the numbers wore off too easily. Glad you found a good replacement.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I feel your pain. Olfa is number one in my opinion. I have replaced a few of my "cluttered" rulers with this brand.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you for the heads up on rulers. My Omnigrid 6x12 is chipped on the corners. I think I will search for the Olfa.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have always been partial to Olfa everything - rulers, cutters, mats. They must have some quilters on staff or else they do really good market research. Friends of mine have the Creative Grid ones. I am not a fan.

    Maybe you could have a giveaway for the rulers you don't like. Only those who like the brand and style need enter.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Like so many things in quilting, there's not a "one size fits all" ruler.

    ReplyDelete
  24. UHHH! Most other countries use the metric system-and would not be able to use that mess of a ruler either! You are right-too much going on to get a straight cut. But, I do like the idea of the antiglare surface-might have to consider a coupon purchase!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jackie McEachran8:59 PM EST

    I have an Easy Rule by Sharon Hultgren..I love it. I hope I never lose it. It is 6 1/2 X 12 1/2. The numbers and lines are clear and uncluttered and the upper right corner starts with 1 - 2 across and down so you can square up.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for the feedback on the new CreativeGrid. I saw them at our local "quilt" shop, and I didn't think I would like them even though I've been using mine for a couple of years and like it. Makes you wonder if it ain't broke why "fix" it.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have replaced most of my rulers with the Olfa frosted and found my cutting is much more accurate since I have done that. As I need them, I plan on changing all my necessary rulers to Olfa.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Quilt rulers make excellent ramps for Matchbox cars (especially when paired with those empty cardboard fabric bolts)! My son spent many afternoons setting up giant racetracks using leftover quilting supplies.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi. I have my original rulers from 1995. Nothing has worn off. The reason? The teacher i had for my first class made all of us clear contact the ruler on the ink side. The edges may be scraped and some nicked from learning but every line and number is clear as the day i bought it. Try it on your replacement.
    AILEEN in FL

    ReplyDelete
  30. Post script. I now use that tape you were talking about the other day on top of the contact paper instead of the sand paper dots. Works great!
    AILEEN in FL

    ReplyDelete
  31. Exactly! I've been dreading the day when my creative grids rulers wear out. I protect the printed lines with Invisigrip which has the added benefit of keeping my rulers from slipping as much. Now I know there is a good alternative. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I bought two large Guidelines4Quilting rulers and I love them! The edges grip the fabric edge and just a small bit of pressure holds the ruler to the fabric, so no sliding. Also, there are adjustable guides so you can cut squares, triangles whatever you want, just lift up the clip on the guide, slide the guide to the measurement you want, and then close the clip. The guide will not move. Go to guidelines4quilting.com for info. (Not affiliated, just love the rulers.)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I would return that ruler with all the big dots. They will never know you don't like it if you don't tell them. And why pay for something you can't use.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wow--thanks for sharing! I LOVED Creative Grids--I was planning to pick some more up in Lancaster in March....looks like it might be time to change. I also dislike the big marks that block my fabric when cutting!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous11:04 PM EST

    My first ruler, at he insistance of a teacher was shaped like the state of Indiana, and the markings wore off with use. I purchased Omnigrid and had trouble because they "moved" when I used them. My hands shake and I had to add sandpaper on the ruler bottom to "hold" onto the fabric. I purchased CG and have had no problem with the i/2 inch, big bubbles, and lots of black lines. However, in fairness, I will purcchase the Omnigrid ruler nd give it a try-out. Thanks for the tip, quilting sisters.

    Keep smiling,
    Lynnita in Lutz

    ReplyDelete
  36. Bonnie...I giggled all the way through this having had the same conversation with myself over rulers and markings and a few more colorful words thrown in and when I read the sharpener line I burst out loud laughing. Had this movie playing in my head of you fussing with the rulers the whole time.
    Feeling your frustration and glad you found some that would work. :) Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh, Know what you mean! Those 6.5 x 12.5 Black and white rulers are killers! I get so messed up, I have decided mine will find another home.

    The old 6 x 12 older yellow on clear plastic Omnigrid is perfect for me. Like you have said LESS IS MORE!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous11:57 PM EST

    I LOVE all my Omnigrids -- thin lines, markings every 1/8", etc. BESTEST rulers EVER!

    BUT -- BEST ADVICE to keep any of the painted lines from wearing off with lots of use -- put a layer of CLEAR Contac paper on the painted side of the ruler -- is inexpensive and doesn't interfere with being able to see the fabric edges. Has a bit of grip too but not too much.

    Over-cut the size you need from the Contac roll and peel paper off as you adhere the plastic down. Then, trim away all around the ruler's edges.

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous12:05 AM EST

    They make a ruler with a sharpener on the edge? Sheesh!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I've been using the Olfa frosted rulers for years and think they have the easiest lines to navigate. I've turned several people onto the ease of using them.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I've been using the frosted Olfa rulers for years and think they are the easiest to read.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I do have a 12.5 by 3.5 like the one you now want to get rid of by Creative grids and I use it to cross cut strips into certain lengths by laying the ruler on the fabric - I like it because the numbers don't interfere with seeing the lines - could it be that because you use smaller fabric pieces it is not suitable. I have managed to get used to it but for a specific purpose.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I have good rulers but my problems is with rotary cutters
    New one even not working at all
    Or cutting some about 40. Times
    Which i think too little. So what is your story with them?

    ReplyDelete
  44. I have one of your "old" rulers too and love it. Can see your problem with the "new " one. I would hate it too. Your new replacement looks nice and clear but doesn't have the 6.5" of the old one. I would miss that too. I have been trying to replace my old rotary cutter, a very user-friendly Olfa 4.5. Like you with the rulers, this has been replaced by a new improved version which I hated when I tried it in the shop. Not good for my hand which has a little stiffness in it these days. I have ordered on Amazon a Clover one which I hope will be OK! Fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Anonymous2:52 AM EST

    Why oh why can they not just leave a good thing alone?
    Alaska Joy

    ReplyDelete
  46. My pet peeve is when they change markings on the cutting mats. One that I had came complete with a 5 inch logo so you couldn't line anything up in that area. Another was 23 & 3/4 inches long instead of 24. I caught me out so many times.

    ReplyDelete
  47. That is my favorite ruler and I've used it for years. I hope they continue to make it and don't "fix" it. New and improved isn't always a good thing!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I have the dreaded ruler with the sharpner on the edge. I have to say I like it. I also have Olfa and they are my favorites. Luckily my son made me a ruler holder so I don't have to search for them in a drawer.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I switched over to the Creative Grid rulers several years ago, and I love them. However, I haven't seen any of these new rulers in my local quilt shops yet. I do like that Olfa Frosted one that you bought, and I may look for one of them.

    ReplyDelete
  50. The lines of my go-to ruler are beginning to fade; the backup ruler has those large dots. Thank you for sharing the info on these Olfa rulers. There might be one in my future!

    ReplyDelete
  51. And other than my large square rulers, don't even get me started on the ones with the extra half inch! I can't tell you how many times I've used it flipped over, and but everything the wrong size.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous8:02 AM EST

    You are so funny. I love your posts!

    ReplyDelete
  53. LOL Pat Sloan conferred on the ruler with the sharpener, but she has not mentioned it after the first promo. Guess it didn't fly with quilters. LOL I have Omnigrid rulers and a few other kinds, but the O's are my go to rulers.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thanks, Bonnie!
    I needed a laugh to get my day going!
    Janet

    ReplyDelete
  55. My favorite rulers are the ones designed by Trudie Hughes. And I always flip my mats over to the nonprinted side because those lines drive me nuts.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I have the old Creative Grids and I love it, it replaced an old Olfa with a lip at the top that was 6 x24, there are no lines left on that ruler and I'm not sure it is still straight, but I still have it, 15 years into the game... yes, just the right ruler is so important to find, and I would NOT be into that "update" either...

    ReplyDelete
  57. I have the old Creative Grids and I love it, it replaced an old Olfa with a lip at the top that was 6 x24, there are no lines left on that ruler and I'm not sure it is still straight, but I still have it, 15 years into the game... yes, just the right ruler is so important to find, and I would NOT be into that "update" either...

    ReplyDelete
  58. I love the new Creative Grid Rulers as I am visually impaired and I can actually see the numbers! I am happy you found something you can work with and I am happy that I found something that I can work with, too ... :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Ruh roh I just ordered a sharper edge ruler to try. I use my 6.5 x 6.5 ruler the most and thought if I used that ruler my blades would last longer.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Don't get me going. I have always been told creative grids rulers are the best. However, when I teach a quilt class and a student has one of those rulers my first thought is...no wonder they(the student)is confused. I have been looking for a square up ruler and the only one that sorta would work was Gridlines 4 Quilting...All I can say is Are You Kidding me!!!!? I am on my second set as the first ones snagged my rotary cutter between the junctions. They replaced at no charge. But $75.00 later and they are still junk junk junk.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Almost all of my rulers are the yellow Omnigrid. I've never found another I like as well. My most used rulers are the 6x12 and 6x24.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I also LOVE the Olfa frosted rulers, I think I have almost every size. However, our quilt shop decided to stop carrying them, the frosted surface will eventually wear off if you do a lot of cutting all day, every day (like at the cutting table at a quilt store)I still love them, and they're fine for normal home use.

    ReplyDelete
  63. product reviews are always appreciated.....

    ReplyDelete
  64. I have been thinking of trying the creative grid rulers. But after reading your post, I have to re-think now.

    I totally agree with on the cutting edge(blade sharpening edge) rulers. Totally hate them, since dull my blade instead of sharpening.I avoid using that side of the ruler.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Anonymous12:41 PM EST

    I had the same original ruler, and loved it (still love it), but it's got chips, etc, have tried other rulers but they keep going in a pile, and I'm back to using the other, will have to try this olfa one

    PS the yellow ones are horrible!

    ReplyDelete
  66. I have a 2.5 inch frosted Olfa that was a freebie from the vendor at a quilt show. I really like the way it stays put on the fabric. I can't afford to replace all my rulers, but will look for those when mine need to be replaced.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Rulers on 'walkabout' - A.K. Works, I am still laughing and will adopt this term as my own. It applies to everything I can't lay my hands on at the appropriate time. Bonnie, I agree with you!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Charliegirl5:22 PM EST

    Bonnie, the Creative Grids ruler you bought is from their 'Basic' range but they still make the original ones, at least, they sell them here in the Uk. I agree, the basic ones are not very good and no good for a beginner quilter. I have a number of the original ones but rather like the Ezi rulers.

    Hope your tooth is fixed - can't do without a few molars!

    Best wishers,

    Gillian Thomas, UK
    gillian.thomas@handside.plus.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just got a new ruler w attached handle

      Delete
  69. Thanks, you've made me smile with this post. :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. I've had this ruler for over 7 years. I also have the 12-1/2" square ruler. The larger ruler is made correctly, however this 6" ruler drives me crazy because the numbers go the wrong direction on the 6" side. I notice in your picture, the ruler is upside down so that you can read the numbers in the correct position on the 6" side. I worked in the industry (OESD) when I purchased this ruler and told the OLFA company that is was wrong but they weren't going to listen to any of it. But it's interesting that they managed to have gotten it correct on the 12-1/2" square one. Obviously they are different so one of them must be wrong. I still use it because I feel the same way you do. Don't put so much stuff on the ruler that I can't see through it! Kind of takes the reason away from having a see through ruler. Just wanted to vent a bit because I do it every time I use the darn thing. It's definitely a love/hate relationship!

    ReplyDelete

If you are commenting as "anonymous" please leave your name at the end of your comment.

Did you know that ad space on this blog provides for all of the free patterns and free mysteries and challenges at no cost to you? Without ads, this blog would not be possible.

Thank you for understanding the many hours that go into this blog 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. :)