Hey Judy, my hubby got me one for christmas a few years ago, and at first I was not thrilled because it was different than what I'd been using, but he said he had noticed that most of the cuts I do are long strips and thought this would work. So I tried it and now after using is for several years - I love it! I do not use the lines on the ruler that often because they show the distance from the blade so you can't see the first inch markings - I use the grid on the cutting mat to measure off my length of fabric (like 2 1/2") and line up the cutting edge with that - then I look over on the ruler side and match up lines with the grid of the cutting mat to make sure I am straight and then just press down on the blade and run it down from fold to selvage. The only part I do not like is that the little end pieces on my cutting track come off pretty easily. Other than that I use it all the time and have even gotten so I use it to cut the smaller pieces even all the way down to 1" x 1". I love it that it holds the fabric in place, it makes a straight cut every time (sometimes my hand can wobble), and it protects my hand - never worry about the blade cutting me. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine.

Yes, it is Jnockles, Rebecca. I have bought several lots of 20 (45mm) blades from him and just ordered 20 more. They are now $1.99 each and he only charges $1.50 to ship them. Like Rebecca, I have always found his blades to be of excellent quality. I have his place on ebay bookmarked, so will list it here. There is no picture for the blades, but you will see the entry if you scroll about 1/2-way down the page. I visited Hittle to see what he charges and found that though his blades are cheaper than Jnockels and his site is very nice and he has a lot of things to offer, he seems to be charging more than $6 for shipping and handling. This puts the cost of his blades at, if I remember correctly, just a tiny bit more than Jnockels. Not saying whose blades to buy, just that it pays to check on the S&H for anything we buy on line. Here is a link that might be useful: Jnockels on ebay

My DH got me a Fiskars rotary cutter/ruler in one several years ago. I did not like it at first because it was different. But the more I used it the more I love it. It does not slip as easily as a regular ruler, and it is completely safe for the fingers and easy on the wrist. It doesn't seem to have a great following, but I think that is because it is different. I started out using it for cutting strips, but have done all my cutting on it now for a number of years and can cut pieces all the way down to 1"sq. It is my main ruler/cutter now. Karlene Here is a link that might be useful: Fiskars craft and quilting cutter

Hmmmm. I love cutting out. I have a long ruler for cutting, and a nine inch square one for measuring. I don't use the lines on the mat at all, and I don't move the fabric between cuts. I place the long ruler about right, and lay the square one in front over the piece I'm about to cut off. My measurement comes from the square one on top, and I use it to nudge the long ruler to the exact right spot. Slide the square one up and down your strip, butting it against the long ruler and you can see your measure mark go over the entire fabric edge so it's true at the bottom and top. Once you get used to it, it takes about two seconds. It's good to have one of those Gypsy Gripper handles on your long ruler. I have an old straight ruler with plastic gripping film applied to the back so it still slides but grips under pressure. Sandpaper dots are too grippy, and then you can't adjust the long one without pulling the fabric. If you are trying to place the fabric just right using the mat lines as the guide, you have to constantly readjust the fabric along lines that are actually under the fabric for the most part. That's a pain! Does that help any?