OUCH! Painful, but friendly reminder...

[chandab]

Those rotary cutters are sharp, as my left index finger can attest to. I've been quilting for over 9 years, and not had a major mishap with my rotary cutter til today (just the odd finger nail); I nicked my left index finger. Pardon the mistakes, its hard to type with bandaged index finger. Anyway, when I did it, I ran for the bathroom, ran cold water over it, slapped a sterile pad on it, taped it with a couple band-aids, called my MIL (I live 37 miles from town, she's just up the road) and she drove me to town to see the doctor (wasn't sure I should drive, so she volunteered). I really didn't know how bad it was, but knew I cut the nail as well as my finger. Got into see the doctor, he had me remove the bandage and pad, bleeding was well stopped by then, it wasn't as bad as I thought, but did cut a fair slice into my finger and nail. He said no stitches, not enough for that, put a pressue bandage on it, gave me a tetanus shot (its been quite some time since I've had one - being around the horses and on the ranch, probably a good idea to update it anyway) and sent me on my way.

Wouldn't you know it, I had just put a new blade in yesterday, so nice and sharp for nicking fingers. A few drops on blood on the mat, but I didn't see any on the fabric.

 

[dixie_belle]

I too, am a quilter and I have often thought how dangerous those rotary cutters can be. I am fortunate that I have yet to cut myself using mine (although I am very careful as I know how sharp they are). I understand in the northeast where they eat bagels many people have a similar injury to their hands when they slice the bagel while holding it in their hand. There is even a name for that injury but it escapes me at the moment (I guess my memory isn't quite what it used to be LOL)

Good to hear it wasn't too bad. I'm hoping for a speedy recovery.

 

[chandab]

I too, am usually very careful, but sometimes we get careless with things we do regularly and that's when these things happen.

I haven't looked today, but I don't think I bled on my fabric, just a couple drops on the mat, the rest was in the bathroom.

I like bagels, and my mom bought me a bagel cutter, its essentially a knife with two safety "arms" on each side; the arms center the cut and protect your hands. Its a really handy little gadget.

 

[barnbum]

OUCH!!

Mine jumped the ruler once and I had to bandage up and stop playing with fabric for a bit...

Okay--what are you working on?? Hmmm?

 

[Charley]

I nicked my thumb not too long ago, and right after I changed the blade. It sure woke me up to be more careful. Hope you are healing quickly and back to cutting and sewing!

 

[chandab]

OUCH!!

Mine jumped the ruler once and I had to bandage up and stop playing with fabric for a bit...

Okay--what are you working on?? Hmmm?

Karla,

I think mine jumped the ruler, but can't be sure, it all happened too quick.

I'm working on a sampler, I think... Last year in guild we had two block lessons per month (except, a couple for party meetings, Christmas, end of year, etc), so I think 12 lessons total. There are a few blocks I dont want to do, but I started on the rest, finally, although, I think I'll be hard pressed to finish by Sept meeting.

 

[chandab]

I nicked my thumb not too long ago, and right after I changed the blade. It sure woke me up to be more careful. Hope you are healing quickly and back to cutting and sewing!

I had just changed the blade the day before, so nice and sharp (good for a clean cut