Over the last several months I have been experimenting with some new additions to my studio. Lasers! They don’t have names yet, but I am sure their personality will shine through soon. My love for leveraging this technology as a quilter’s tool started back in 2017. Over the years, I have occasionally used the Johnson County Library’s Maker Space. It was originally sponsored by Black & Veatch. My new lasers allow me to create custom laser cut applique and quilting tools on my own schedule. Meet my baby 20W diode laser and it’s big sister, a 55W CO2 laser.

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I’m loving it! I’ve created some intricate layered laser cut appliques for quilts and I just finished designing some acrylic templates. While creating tools for my projects and organization, I also plan to make limited quantities available in my new shop. Grab them quick for fastest turnaround time! Today’s highlight is my new Binding Hive™.

It is a thick, slotted, acrylic base that holds two sizes of Ruler Reels—laser-engraved spools that double as measuring and cutting tools. One side of the 1/8″ acrylic reel has a regular ruler, and the other a zero center ruler. The base and reels fit neatly in drawers of my IKEA cabinets. They keep my binding upright, visible, and ready to roll. I look forward to getting my stash of binding leftovers visible and ready to use for some projects.