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