Scissors

[eleny]

I just received an order for various scissors from Widget Supply online. Figured to post that I had a very good experience with the company.

They were out of a particular Fiskars scalloped pinking fabric shears and wrote to tell me that they'd be getting some and would try to remind me. It was a nice surprise when I received an email from customer service notifying me that they were back in stock. I received my order two days after I placed it.

I ordered a total of five Fiskars scissors for sewing and crafting. Widget Supply was the best price I could find online or in the store.

[politicat]

1. Do they have any with big, flashing "ONLY FOR FABRIC" on them?

:P

I'd buy those in a heartbeat!! I've got a half a dozen pair of iffy scissors and one very good pair of locked up, bound closed, tied down fabric scissors.

The 6 pair of iffy scissors all used to be very good, locked up, bound closed, tied down fabric scissors until someone (and not always the same "someone") used them for cutting wired ribbon, cardboard, herbs, telephone wire, zip-ties, and tyvek envelopes.

I'm really tired of buying scissors.

[yy4me]

2. I have a special hook on which I hang the "over my dead body"

scissors. Everyone knows they can use any scissors from the "pot". Touch the ones on the hook and your name is mud. The pot is on the end of my counter, easy access. The hook is inside a cabinet. It would take the family longer go get the "better not" scissors than the everyday ones. This was the only way I could cure my gang of using the best ones to cut wire, branches, plastic and other non-fabric stuff. Sometimes you have to make it harder, the concept of sharp scissors doesn't sink in.

[eleny]

4. We've got some wire cutters and some metal cutters

They even look like they mean business.

My folks sewed for a living in old garment factories in NYC. I grew up respecting scissors and sewing machines. It's really annoying when people don't accept that you shouldn't cut paper with the fabric shears. So long as they obey, I guess it's all good.

[eleny]

3. Yes, for fabric

Here are the ones I got with product numbers.
SGR5-9791 Fiskars 9791 SCALLOP Fabric Shears
SGR5-9792 Fiskars 9792 WAVE Fabric Shears
BEU40 Fiskars 9898 Softgrip Pinking Shears

They got about half dozen of the Scallop fabric shears, so not too many in stock.

I tried them all out on some upholstery fabric and all worked beautifully. I think I read a somewhat negative review on one of the major review sites online. The person said the scalloped and wavy shears didn't cut for too long. But wave and scallop shears are hard to find. At the Widget Supply prices I can deal with having to get another pair down the road.

http://www.widgetsupply.com/

P.S. I have to hide my good scissors around here. So I also ordered their heavy duty scissors (for him) and the craft scissors with the very sharp point (for me). The sharp point works great as a seam ripper and I like the soft grip feature.
BEN96 Fiskars 9888 # 5 Softgrip Craft Scissors
Fiskars 9459 # 7 All-Purpose Scissors

[Warpy]

5. I'll check 'em out

because one of the few sops to my arthritic hands has been spring loaded scissors that return to the open position by themselves. If you have never used them, you probably don't think this sounds like a big deal, but for me, it's the difference between sewing my own clothing and buying ready made.

The local fabric stores have been taken over by crafters and quilters and have dropped the good scissors along with the good fabrics. I'll give Widgets a look.

[eleny]

6. I have one pair of spring loaded scissors

They're terrific. The handles are the soft kind, too. You're right, there's nothing like them.

Have you ever used any electric type shears that you liked? I bought a pair a while back but haven't had the chance to use them much. Also, I've found that rotary cutters are pretty nice, too.

I saw some very pricey electric rotary cutters online. Those models are a big investment but must cut fabric like a warm knife through butter. I'd like to try one out at a store to see the quality and how much they weigh. They could be pretty hefty and defeat the purpose of purchasing one.

I know what you mean about crafter's items taking over the fabric shops. I like to check out crafter's blogs and have noticed that many are starting to sew clothing as well. It's a quick jump from sewing bunnies to making clothing and accessories. The sale tables at shops are loaded with practical fabrics. At least there are a lot of places to shop online. But I was disappointed that not one of my local fabric shops carried the scalloped shears. I like to fiddle with notions and finger the fabrics before I make a purchase!

[Warpy]

7. I have a commercial rotary cutter that I use

on stacks of upholstery remnants when I use those for rag rugs. I've never had electric shears that I liked at all, there's not particularly good control with them. The electric rotary cutter is just fine for stacks of stuff and simple shapes, though. I understand quilters also use them.