Great! A true junkie, we'll really count on your opinion here, I'll bet you've tried about everything?

So, with all those mats, is there one that you like more?
I have the blue 'Duraheal' (melted a spot when my little press iron got knocked over at a class), so it's more my craft protection one now.
And my green 'Olfa' is on my main cutting table. And a little gray 'June Taylor' turn table one beside the machine.
I have a cutting shaver? cleans up the board, especially after polar fleece. Do you use the lines on your board?
If yes... how? Seems confusing to me, guess I just use the rulers.

Did you buy at a fabric shop? I found my 2 ginghers off ebay with replacement blades for $20 each (set).
But the local fabric shop they are $80 and $70 at JoAnns.
I'm hoping to find more, I'm buying for 2 daughters now.
Bought all 4 girls a starter sewing machine, but 2 won't even learn how to turn them on. Maybe one day.

I love my green Olfa mat. I do use the lines when I need to cut strip wider than my ruler (6"). I line end up with lines, both horizontal and vertical, then line ruler up with vertical line to get the width I want. I have never had a problem with this. Is this clear as mud?

I'm a gadget junkie. Have more than one of almost every tool/gadget. My favorite rotary is Martelli, I have both sizes. I also have a Gingher I bought on clerance at Joann's. I like the way it feels in my hand, but it doesn't close by itself. A most for me. I also have several Firskars rotaries.

Carol, I do that also, but I was thinking of the diagnal lines?
Nice Batik Light houses. My daughter lives in OR, this is my first year I made it to Sisters OR outdoor Quilt show, that was something! I'd be worried about weather, they have it scheduled so far in advance, what if a storm rolled in, strong wind, rain... guess they've been blessed to continue on faith of good weather. Beautiful inspirations.

Olivia: Cute little one (in your photo), ok never heard of Martelli?
Can you share about this...seems most have Olfa or Fisckers.
(Just realized you have to post the name of who your asking/replying to, sorry ladies on earlier posts)

I only have a fiskar rotary cutter, used a friends' olfa and no blade guard, I would be afraid I would cut my wrist. I will stick with the fiskar, just what you get use to I guess.

My dad was the sewer in my family. He made a beautiful prom and wedding dress for my cousins. I had no interest in sewing, until about 3 months after he passed away, now I love to sew. Go Figure! 2 of my daughters and one of my boys are showing an interest in sewing and my oldest learned to at least use a machine and do the basics in school. :)

I prefer fiskars rotary cutters. I've tried other brands and keep going back to my fiskars. I even bought a spare in case I lose one (it happens!) or one breaks. I also prefer fiskars for cutting mats but I like Omnigrid brand rulers.

Very interesting about your dad, was he in business with sewing? My daughters took home ec sewing, then lost interest, the 33 & 26 yr olds both sew, the 24 never liked domestic, the tomboy (girl) 22 used to make simple quilts for siblings 1st borns, she's youngest, now not interested.

I like omnigrid also, but I'm losing vision, wish they'd have a way to make those tiny lines more visible. Anyone know of a ruler brand with easier readable numbers?