by Sandra | May 3rd, 2010
Be still my heart. This, in my never humble opinion, is one of the best scissor innovations in a long time. I don’t know how they do it and not have these tips break off, but I am glad they figured it out.
So what is so great about these new ones? They have shaved the thickness of the scissor blades towards the tip. Now Dovos are incredibly light, sharp and thin to begin with, but they have somehow reduced the blade thickness to half of that norm. The blade thickness is just slightly thicker than a sheet of notebook paper. WOW.
Precision is of paramount importance when you are working with fine intricate applique. There are no big pieces when you are doing intricate applique, we are talking small here. Clipping inward “V’s” and trimming small areas are infinitely easier now with these surgically precise gems.
Notice the tips of the blades and how microscopically thin they are at the tip?
The thinner the blade, the better the scissors are for applique. Have you ever watched your husband, or some other woodworker saw a piece of wood with their table saw or circular saw? Notice they have different blades for a particular purpose? Also notice that blade, when sawing, can take away up to 1/4″ as it cuts through the wood? Scissors can have the same distortion effect on fabric.
(note: you all know this is a tongue in cheek analogy riiight?–obviously scissors won’t create sawdust in their cutting wake, only bits of frayed thread.)
Regular Dovos have the thinnest blades already, but notice how much thinner the new specialty ones are on the left?
See how Dovo has improved on the previous perfection right with the new blade left?
A nice clean incision is optimum for the best success. Another comparison would be trying to to do the intricate paper cutting with thick children’s scissors rather than those sharp thin bladed specialty scissors. Since I am on the subject, children’s scissors for applique don’t work either. Invest your hard earned money in a pair of GOOD (4″-3.5″) scissors before buying anymore fabric. Pretty Please?
Trimming the seam allowance for a tiny area of reverse applique can be quite a challenge. These scissors make it much easier.
voila! no problemo
Yes, your scissors matter that much. These scissors are admittedly not cheap and are hard to find right now. I found the “Extra thin tipped Dovo Scissors” at the Silver Needle (item #SN19B) at $53.50 plus shipping. Money well spent IMO.
Those look really nice . I know I have a sharp samll pair of siccors and they make a world of difference. Mine have a bit of a curve though. These look like they need to go on my Mother day list !
Sandra,
Thanks for the scissors tip. I am going to get me a pair of those scissors. I have just started to do hand applique.
Sandra,
Keep this up and you will become unpopular with husbands
I will order mine today.
Sandra,
Thar she blows …… the budget …. again!
My best pair of pointy nose scissors were cheapies, but they are starting to work loose, and I know I couldn’t be lucky enough to get a bargain again, so may as well get a really good pair this time around.
I promise not to mention your name in front of my husbnad, or any others!
Judy B
Sandra,
You are a very expensive friend…
By “‘reverse applique” do oyu mean the cut in the middle of the leaf? Or is reverse applique when one sews the background onto the applique piece ? I am a bit mixed up here.
Sara,
For reverse applique, using the “hole” shown slightly snipped in the bottom picture, I would turn under the seam allowance of the leaf’s hole and stitch to reveal the fabric underneath and the edges around the hole would be turned under and appliqued. Normally, the piece on top covers the background etc. Molas are a good example of reverse applique. There is nothing really different in the stitch technique, only the order of the visible fabric is reversed. Reverse applique reveals the fabric underneath the piece that is being stitched down. Did that make sense?
Melanie,
LOL. With all we put up with day to day, I am a firm believer that we earned it!
Judy,
How funny. I think I need to come up with a code name. The regular Dovos shown in the picture are great too and I think if you get the Chrome finish version they are around $38 US. They are fabulous too and cut fabric like a hot knofe through butter. Very light too.
Have you tried those Scissoroo’s yet? I have been contemplating getting a pair of those to try out too. Remember I am a scissor hoarder.
Frances, sometimes I am unpopular with my own husband. LOL
Ivory Spring,
Scissors are so important and if you have any questions as you learn to applique don’t hesitate to ask me. I would be happy to walk you through anything that I can.
Hey Boop, Don’t you LOVE the timing of Mother’s Day? If my mom hasn’t ordered these already, I think I know what she wants.
I ordered the scissors, and I have a feeling this will be the start of a Dovo addiction! You are getting me into trouble again, but I love it. LOL
Denise,
I will be good and not show you some other scissors that would make your addiction really go into over drive. Scissors that, although good, are more enticing because they are so beautiful.
Sandra,
No, I haven’t tried the Scissoroos! I haven’t been anywhere they are stocked, otherwise they would be in my collection if only because they are cute!
So now I want Dovos because they come highly recommended, and Scissoroos, because what Aussie quilter doesn’t need Scissoroos instead of just scissors?
Judy B
Thank you Sandra. Your explanation. as always, is explicit and helpful. I have done reverse many times, but was getting mixed up with the definitions.
Sandra,
Any further thoughts about your Asilomar project? Are you still thinking an urn design?
Frances,
Yes it will be an urn/vase design. Think in terms of a large central block approx 32″ square) with an urn full of English Roses, primroses, some fruits,etc. and of course BIRDS!. A spring-like arrangement. I am listening to Vivaldi as I create and that always has a HUGE influence.
Another idea that has been brewing is a four square design of the four seasons interpreted in urns/vases, florals, fruits……………Again think Vivaldi
I think we will even create the background piece which, at this point in my head, will look like an old fresco background complete with exposed stone.
I like doing medallion center because they offer the opportunity for the maker to just complete it as a wall hanging, or make their own creative borders to add on in order to make it a quilt.
You are welcome Sara, and I am glad it made sense.
I think they may be out of these by now with all of us ordering them! Sandra – they need to put you on retainer! (I think I’ll suggest that.) I bought two of the scissors blocks as well – one for me and one for a friend! You are a VERY bad influence… >:) (That’s supposed to be an evil grin, but I don’t think I did it right…) Now… about that set of pencils – do you just use the titanium white, or do you use lots of the other colors as well?
The project for Asilomar sounds (GULP) very… ambitious! (I’m not running scared… yet!)
Sounds lovely! I think I’ll listen to the Four Seasons right now!
Michele,
The wonderful thing about Asilomar is we have sooooo much time to take it step by step at a comfortable pace in a relaxed environment.
Oh geez,
Sorry Michele, I keep having brain blips about the pastel pencil question. You can use other colors of the pastel pencils too, but……..the effect is rather cloudy compared to colored pencils. Pastel pencils are chalk and that chalky effect also appears on the fabric. You have to experiment with them and see if you like the look or not. It really is a personal preference and not right or wrong.
Yes, I use the Titanium colored white pencil for my highlights.
Frances, I always say my quilts need to be viewed accompanied by the music that I listened to while making them.
Judy, good heavens, we need to find a source for your scissoroos! We can not have an Aussie without a pair, the horror!
I was right – got my package from Silver Needle today – everything but the applique Dovos! They are backordered. We must have zeroed out their stock!