Organizing my Olfa Weights and Rotary Cutters
Written: Dec 22 '04 (Updated Dec 22 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: holds two weight sizes plus rotary cutters, weights lock into position so they don’t spill
Cons: the only way to purchase the mini weights is to buy this organizer
The Bottom Line: I have stacked the Bottom Line with the rotary cutters in this organizer. Now the Bottom Line is easy to grab when I need it.
|
|
|
| dlstewart's Full Review: Olfa (OW-2) 4-pack Mini Weights with Organizer 899... |
I am an Olfa fan. Not only do I own an assortment of Olfa rotary cutters and replacement blades, but I am also the proud owner of two Olfa 4-pack Mini Weights with Organizer. I enjoy organizing my sewing area, and these neat little organizers keep my Olfa products within easy reach.
Description
This Olfa Organizer comes with a black plastic base that holds two sizes of yellow Olfa Weights (a small size that measures 1 7/8" in diameter, and a larger size that measures 2 3/4" in diameter). Four of the smaller size weights come with the base.
The black base measures 7 3/4" long x 3 1/2" wide. The ends of the base are rounded to form a large oval. In the center of the unit is a rectangular bin that can hold one or two rotary cutters, which are not included. On each side of the bin is a vertical plastic stem. Since each of the yellow weights has a hole in center (the weights resemble a donut shape), the weights are designed to slip over the stems. Four weights can stack upon each other on each stem. For example, on one side of the base is a wide stem that holds four of the 2 3/4" diameter weights. On the opposite side of the base is a narrower stem that holds four of the 1 7/8" diameter weights.
This organizer comes with four of the smaller “mini” weights stacked on the stem. Each of the circular weights has three pointy plastic feet on the bottom. These pointy feet form a triangle shape if a line were drawn between them.
To help keep the weights in place on the stems is a locking feature. There is a plastic piece on the top of each stem that when rotated, anchors the weights onto the stem. These plastic pieces twist 180-degrees to release the weights so that they can be pulled free from the stems.
In case you are wondering, the bottom of the base is hollow.
My Experiences
I own two of these organizers. First of all, these are nice weights. I love them! The weights are circular and replace the need for using pins. They are great for anchoring fabric and pattern pieces in place so that no shifting occurs. The pointy pieces of plastic on the bottom of the weights bite into the fabric enough to anchor it without doing harm. The pointy pieces are gentle on tissue paper pattern pieces, too. The weights sound as if they are filled with pellets, which add heft. The mini weights that come with the organizer are great for holding smaller pattern pieces in place. The larger weights cover more territory and are excellent for anchoring larger pattern pieces or for holding fabric in position.
The base keeps the weights neat and in one place. Since the weights stack with their pointy bottoms down, the base also acts as a safety feature so that no one accidentally pricks themselves on exposed points.
Since the weights can be locked into position, this makes it safe to move the base from one location to another. If the base tips, the weights do not topple free. It is easy to twist the plastic piece atop each stem either clockwise to lock the weights into position or counter-clockwise to unlock the weights. I find it easier to unlock the larger weights from the base. For some reason, the locking mechanism for the mini weights tends to stick, holding the weights in position. But the locking mechanism has an override feature. By pinching the plastic lock together, it is simple to lift the weights from the stem.
It is also handy that the rectangular bin in the center of the base can hold rotary cutters. I can either store two 28mm Olfa rotary cutters in the bin, or the bin can hold one 45mm and one 28mm rotary cutter. The bin is designed to hold one rotary cutter at a 45-degree angle so that the rotary cutter is easy to grasp and pull free. I prefer using the bin to hold two rotary cutters, which are still easy to lift free and use.
The black plastic is sturdy. I have not dropped the holder, so I don’t know if the plastic would crack from impact. I imagine that if the base were dropped on a hard floor, the plastic might chip or crack. The weights are very durable. I have never had one break, chip or become damaged in any way.
If one is interested in appearance, this base is not only functional, but it also is attractive since the base is black and the weights are a bright yellow. It’s an eye catching combination.
Purchasing
I purchased my Olfa 4-pack Mini Weights with Organizer from Joann Fabrics for $12.99.
Some time before purchasing the model that comes with the four weights, I purchased just the organizer from a local fabric store. The organizer came without the weights and was on sale for 75% off (I love a bargain!) ... so I ended up paying a few dollars for the base. At that time, I already owned the larger weights and wanted the base to store them.
Summary
The Olfa 4-pack Mini Weights with Organizer is a must-have for my sewing room. It keeps my Olfa weights and rotary cutters in one location. I always know where to find them. Also, I have never seen the mini weights for sale by themselves, yet the larger weights are available for purchase. So buying this organizer with the mini weights is the only way to own the smaller size Olfa weights.
These weights are an excellent replacement for pins. Just set the weights on pattern pieces or fabric, and they hold everything in place while cutting. The plastic points on the bottom do not damage material, either. I’m very pleased with my purchase and recommend this set to anyone.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Olfa North America
33 South 6th Street
Terre Haute, IN47807
Toll-free Phone: 800-962-OLFA
Please read my other reviews:
Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutter
Olfa 28mm Rotary Cutter
Olfa Rotary Cutter Replacement Wheels – all sizes
Fiskars Pinking Shears and tutorial
Quilter’s Dream Sewing Table
Horn of America Sewing Chair
Janome Jem Sewing Machine
Black & Decker Pro Finish Iron
Bernina Accessory Box
Quilt Pro Software
Keepsake Quilting Online Store
Joann .com Fabric & Craft Store
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.