Good Morning, Quilters!
The first three things I purchased when I began quilting:
- The book Quilts! Quilts! Quilts! (by Laura Nownes and Diana McClun–now available for $2.50 on Amazon!),
- an OLFA rotary cutter
- an OLFA cutting mat.
I have an OLFA rotary cutter in every sewing room drawer-in a variety of sizes and styles-so I was thrilled and honored when OLFA asked me to be an OLFA Creator for their first ever Design Team!
The OLFA Design Team will be showcasing OLFA’s many products and offering a wide variety of free projects on the new OLFA website. The projects will include tailoring, DIY, quilting, sewing and so much more!
OLFA is kicking off 2018 with a new website and new products including more OLFA Splash–rotary cutters and mats in bright new colors- purple, pink and aqua!
Over the next year, I will keep YOU updated. We will be trying a variety of OLFA tools like circle cutters and art knives as well as OLFA’s frosted rulers. I’m really excited to try their new line of Endurance Blades–-and keep YOU updated on all the latest and greatest!
OLFA rotary cutters revolutionized quilting and continue to inspire and progress the craft with new products.
What about YOU?
Could YOU use a SPLASH of inspiration in YOUR sewing room?
Do YOU still have your first OLFA rotary cutter and mat?
What’s YOUR favorite size rotary cutter?
Do YOU prefer the straight or deluxe handle?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Happy Cutting and Stitching!
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!PS…If you like these motifs and tips, be sure to check out my book, Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 .
50 comments
Marta
I bought an off brand cutter a few years ago just because it had a lavender handle.
I don’t enjoy yellow or orange so it had caught my eye. I since have 2 more Olfa’s and use them in house sewing room and one outside in cottage. I love clear rulers and have mats of several colors and ages. My very first Olfa was bought on sale and didn’t work. Five years later an experienced quilter asked to see my first Olfa and she quickly
discovered it had a piece missing… from the beginning purchase !! Always ask for advice from one who is experienced.
farmquilter
My first rotary cutter is the one I still use – Olfa with the ergonomic handle, 45mm, and I still love it!! I also really like my circle cutter from Olfa. My first Olfa mat died on a car trip, but I still have every one I have purchased since then! Love Olfa products! Can’t wait to see the new colors…Aqua???!!! Be still my heart!
Pat V
I bought my first Olfa mat and rotary cutter at Houston Quilt Fest in 1989 or 1990. I had it two years before I was ready to use this modern new tool on my precious fabrics. If I’d only known…. I can’t even imagine going back to template work. I like the straight handle and I love the yellow color. Its bright and YELLOW and can be found anywhere in the stacks of stuff on my cutting table.
Barbara McKenzie
My first rotary cutter was and is an Olfa – the straight handled version – and I have acquired several more. I also have another brand which I don’t like and have relegated it to paper cutting. I started my rotary cutting career (30 or more years ago) with the white plastic cutting mat, but have since fallen in love with my Olfa mat. I prefer the 45mm blade size – pretty much good for everything! I am intrigued by the new colors – my sewing room accessories are leaning towards purple and teal so it looks like Olfa read my mind!
Cam Morgan
What edition of Quilts! Quilts! Quilts! do you have? Thank you for sharing your tremendous talent with us . You are an amazing inspiration. Cam
Teri Coha
Hi Lori,
Congrats on your new adventure with Olfa! It will be great to get information about rotary cutters. My purchases have been random based on sales,or availability.
Elaine Gates
Love the 45 that closes when you let go of the handle. Am excited to try a brighter mat. The old color has become boring.
Carol
I forgot to mention I love my rotating mat! And my mat/ironing board combo has been indispensable for classes.
Carol
My first rotary cutter was probably for paper and wasn’t an Olfa, but I am SO glad I upgraded to Olfa. They are reliable, easy to use and well-made. I worked in a quilt shop for a while, so I tried-out and accumulated quite a few different cutters, but my go-to cutter remains the Olfa with the deluxe handle. I also love the designer Olfa I have with flowers. I think I have a pink and a blue one somewhere… so I would love more colored rotary cutters!
I think my original mat was green – was well used and discarded. Now I have Fiskars grey, but it’s chipping out. A colored one would be fun, but I think I would rather try a WHITE one with black numbers and grid, since my fabric is brightly colored.
What’s YOUR favorite size rotary cutter? The 45mm. I have a 60 which is really handy for multiple layers and an 18 for curvy cuts. I’ve tried the circle cutters, but not successfully – probably due to user error.
Do YOU prefer the straight or deluxe handle? Deluxe, though I do have both. If I’m cutting a lot, the deluxe is easier on my hand and easier to control. I also do not like the spring loaded cutters, and I have to be able to lock the blade in the open ready-to-cut position – I like to live dangerously.
I prefer clear rulers.
Judi Casias
I still have my original 24” x 36” green mat and yellow straight handle 45 degree cutter, now almost 32 years old, the mat could use a good cleaning but it doesn’t give me any trouble. Over the years I have picked up several more yellow straight handles, both 45 an 28, a pink breast cancer 45; all still working. Mostly I use a Fiskars 45 ergonomic with the push button release on my cutting table it was a gift, mom didn’t like it, I also have Fiskars 60 ergonomic but don’t like it, feels too flimsy. At my machine I keep a small rotating mat and Martelli 45, I like that one also. My sewing room is lime green and I would be very interested in a new cutting mat in that color. I also have a 12”x 18” Olfa mat on a rotating base that doesn’t really get used because that base isn’t very stable, it’s probably 25 or so years old. Love my quilting tools.
marlene498
First OLFA mat–got warped, but I have several more now, bigger, multiples, foldable, rotating, etc. OLFA cutters…first, yes, 45mm, still have it. But I prefer the handled one where when you grab it, the blade extends–is that considered the ‘deluxe’ handle? I have a pink one and it is my fav for sure! I also appreciate the circle cutter and the 18mm one for cutting curves.
Pamela North
My favourite Olfa is the 45mm ergonomic. It’s easy on the hands and closes automatically. For some reason the blades seem to last longer in it too. My original Olfa has old blades and is used for cutting batting. As well as my regular cutting mat I love the rotating mat for trimming blocks.
worldpresscom986
I thought you said, “Olaf” (same letters) Oh, well, it was good to read anyway.
Pamela Boatright
I’ve been an Olfa girl since I first started using a rotary cutter and ruler! (30 years ago!)
Both original items are long worn out and replaced – with Olfa products, of course! I love my Aqua blue splash cutter, it’s definitely my favorite. I remember being scared to own one at first (4 children 5 years and under!) but once I started I never looked back. As long as you close them and keep them out of the reach of children they are wonderful tools for the quilter!
Arvilla Trag
First rotary cutter – curved Olfa, 45mm, still have it. First cutting mat – still have it (the green one, 18″ x 24″). First ruler – an 18″ acrylic school ruler (because I didn’t know any better at the time).
What would brighten up my sewing room and inspire me? An adjustable height 4′ x 6′ cutting table with built-in edge-to-edge cutting mat, with shelves underneath on one side, a wine cooler underneath on the other side, a built-in stereo system, and Jason Momoa to massage my feet and shoulders.
worldpresscom986
I’m with you, Arvilla!
WordPress.com Support
LOLOLOL, You don’t ask for much do you?? Love your style!
Pat Evans
I too wish the ergonomic (deluxe?) cutter came in the newer colors. The 45mm ergonomic is the only cutter I own but would buy a purple one in a minute. I do have an old straight handle that I use for paper.
Laurie bond
When i first got into quilting, I somehow signed up on the Olfa website and received a free matt and cutter from them. I only buy Olfa, but I have another brand that’s 65 mms.
The best kind are the ones you squeeze to use. Too many people leave the other ones open laying on the table. I would love one in every color.
Melissa
Lori: I clicked on your link for the book Quilts, Quilts, Quilts and the book doesn’t appear to be on sale.
quilty2
Started with Olfa over 40 years ago. Still use and have in many sizes. However, the blades don’t last long. And, they aren’t reasonably priced, even on sale. Perhaps they will see this and do something.
Lori, I am a fan of yours, your classes, blog and books. Keep ’em coming!
Ellen KR
I really love the new colors. My fave will be the original Splash in turquoise. But my fave style is the squeeze handle one. Is that a Deluxe? (I think it is) And I love the 60mm blades best, 🙂 Picky Picky hahahaha
Ellen KR
I should have also said that I wish that they would make the Deluxe handle model in the new colors. I know I would have difficulty in resisting that! 🙂
Pat Knight
I still have my first rotary cutter and mat but they were not Olfa’s. But what a life-changing thing! I now have various cutters, Olfa and others and love them all.
LumaLu
I love my Olfa Rotary cutter with the snap-back blade feature. I am such a klutz, that I NEVER use the cutter without a Klutz glove on the other hand, Best safety feature in quilting in my opinion.
Congratulations on your new adventure! Keep up the good work.
Shar
My first mat was green and had no numbers or lines on either side. I wore it out. I have several warped ones that I keep around for other projects. I would like another color besides green or gray.
Joyce Bardeen
Too bad the ergonomic cutters don’t come in the pretty colors, as it’s the only design that is kind to my arthritic hands. I do have several of the straight handle cutters, which I use from time to time, but the other style is my favorite.
Mindy Colan
Hi! I’ve had my same Olda cutter for years, didn’t even know they have an ergonomic one! I’ll have to get one as my arm gets tired and hurts, after lots of cutting. Still have my same original mat also. I’ll have to see what’s on amazon! Thanks for the info and good luck on your new fun position!
Trish Herbers
Quilts, Quilts, Quilts! was my very first quilting book, too! I pored over that book for months and eventually made the sampler quilt. Love!
Carolina
My first rotary cutters were a curved handle Olfa- #45 with button blade release,- safer to use, #60 and small. I still use same ones. I also have the decorative edge blades for the #45.
I did buy “another brand” rotary cutter and different brand rotating mat recently. Not good! The cutter feels flimsy and the mat dulls blades. Yet, another brand rotating mat also has a bad smell that won’t go away.
Deb Mac
I also have my first Olfa cutter and mat from 25 years ago. I had the smaller one first which I used for cutting fabric for clothing. When the children stopped wearing my clothing, I took up quilting and went with the 45 deluxe. Love the mats, cutters and rulers.
Molly Lorenz
Wow! I love these great colors! I can’t wait to buy something bright to add to my sewing room.
My favorite cutter is the little #28. I keep it by my sewing machine on a small mat for trimming.
Cheri
Hi Lori, I have many Olfa rotary cutters in different sizes, but my go to one is the 60mm with the quick change blade. Happy for you that you are on the Olfa design team, that should be a wonderful time for you! I replaced my cutting mats with one large rhino mat the exact size of my table, 8 feet by 3 feet, however I have my larger Olfa mat on my other cutting table and also use that one for smaller cuts. Actually it would be great to have a different design on my rotary cutter when I go to sew ins with my friends! That way we wouldn’t mix up any rotary cutters, like we have in the past.
Kelly Ashton
How cool, Lori!!! I love my Olfa mats and cutters! Because I use a lot of acrylic templates when cutting my patchwork, the 28mm with the straight handle is my “go to”. Of course, I have 45 and 60 (and 18mm), too! I’m thinking I’ll need to add some splashes of color to my cutting area! ????
Mich Ke
I have long fingers. I like the 60 best. Less wear on my hand & wrist.
Mary C
I have a collection of cutters; my fave to use is the Olfa. It depends on the project as to which one is my go-to. I have gone through several mats as I have been quilting for over 30 years. Excited to see the new colors for the rotary cutters; it may be time for me to add to my selection!
Linda C in TN
Like Pam I have a ribbon running through the hole to hang it on a peg board. I do not have a splash. Just the 45 yellow Olfa rotary cutter. I have tried the endurance blades and like them. I have heard the 60 rotary cutter is good for cutting batting. I have a 45 Martelli ergonomic rotary cutter. If fits my hand great. My hand does not get tired but the plastic guard the blade sits in does not hold the blade in to good. I am always worried I will get cut. I would like to see lots different colors of Olfa like orange, green, and blue.
Susan
I started out with the ” other” brand cutter. I bought a 45 mm cutter from Olga and that brand is now all I that I use. I love the Splash cutter- mine is purple. I am not a good cutter so I don’t cut lots of layers. I love my 28 mm the best. So handy for all those fussy cuts and specialty rulers. I tend to do things with many small pieces.
I have worn out several mats. I like the Olga, Fiskar and the Kai mats. I am a fan of the Fiskars with a different color on each side. Years ago, I splurged and bought a very large dark blue mat. It was so hard to use with any color except white and ecru. That mat will never wear out as I hardly use it.
Jane
Hi, Lori,
Congratulations on your selection by Olfa for their Design Team. I look forward to seeing “reports” over the year.
I still have and use my first rotary cutter, Olfa 45mm ergonomic, now called deluxe. I have since added 45mm straight (came with a kit) and 18mm straight (recommended for a class involving curved templates). I far prefer the deluxe cutter because the curved handle is a better angle for me and the lock button keeps the cutter open while I’m cutting so I can keep my focus and grip on the cutting itself. I have 3 deluxe cutters: 2 dedicated to fabric (one on the sewing table, one in the class-kit) and one dedicated to cutting paper (tissue, freezer, parchment, etc) using blades retired from cutting fabric. I borrowed a 60mm cutter for a class involving cutting several layers of fabric at a time. I decided to use my 45mm cutter and do fewer layers per cut and feel more stable with the cutting. Life is not THAT short!!! I was once given another brand of rotary cutter but gave it back. I didn’t like the grip or the action. I quickly trained myself to release the lock button when I stop or pause cutting to prevent “waving” an open blade. Did you ever notice that the amount of blood from a blade nick is in direct proportion to the amount of white in your fabric?
I still use my first cutting mat, Olfa 18×24, most for classes. It fits nicely into a portfolio case that securely holds up to 24″ rulers. Once I had a dedicated sewing space I bought a 24×36 Olfa mat that lives on the cutting / machine table, which is raised to a good height with furniture lifts. A 17″ rotating mat completes the “set.” With sharp blades and occasional cleaning the mats should last a long time.
Pam
Love Olfas!. But if you’re redesigning something about them, give them a larger hole on the handle. I like to hang my cutters and the holes are too small to hang on anything except the small wire hooks so I have to put a ring through the existing holes which can sometimes get in the way when cutting.
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Good idea!
Rebecca Sznicer
The ladies I quilt with are always looking for new designs/colors for their rotary cutter. Please bring this info to your design team!
brendaintheboro
i started quilting with an olfa 45mm rotary cutter and a cutting board after seeing a lady up in the Dales in Yorkshire in about 1989/90. it was revolutionary and got me going. Just got another brand this morning that my son got off \amazon at a ridiculously cheap price 28mm. feels very comfortable in the hand. my old alfas are going strong though.
Pat S
I’ve always had Olfa cutters but the second I saw the quick change feature I immediately bought those and gave away my old ones. The quick change is a must for me. I do like different colors as I know my turquoise splash belongs in my workshop case and my yellow cutter belongs at home.
Liz Horgan
I do have and still use my first mat and rotary cutter from about 25 years ago! I took take a hiatus from quilting for a while so it was put away and unused for years. For the last 5-6 years, I’ve been making up for lost time! I also have extra cutters in different rooms of my house. I was sent another brand by mistake when I ordered something and they told me to keep it. It’s a 60mm size-which I like-and I use it, but don’t like it as much as my original Olfa cutters. I usually buy 5 packs of Olfa blades when I have a 60% off coupon. I bought a bunch of other brands teflon coated blades when there was a really good sale. Once I use all of those, I’ll try the Olfa teflon blades and see how they compare!
Congratulations on your involvement with Olfa–we’ll get first hand info on their products!
Judy Chastain
I have two Olfa rotary cutters, one with the straight handle and one with the more “ergonomic” handle. I like them both, but if I don’t press the little button to lock the blade into cutting mode, when I release the handle, it’s safe to set down. I have a bad habit of holding on to the cutter when I’m moving something around. A couple of nicks convinced me to use the newer model. They are 45s and my originals. I could really like a pop of color on the handles!. I also have a small and a large Olfa mat. I tend to turn the big one to the plain side, so the lines don’t distract me.
Congratulations on becoming an Olfa creator! I’m anxious to see what’s coming.
Jacqui VMS
My favourite handles on the Ofla cutters are like the pink one you have in the second last picture. They are comfortable in my hands and since I taught myself to cut left handed as well, I can flip it easily. LOVE the new colours! I need a new cutting mat in the near future so will have to look out for them :-).
Donna lee
I love my olfa cutters,I use the 45 the most and only the ones that close when you let go. I think the others are too dangerous. Really like all the new colours.
Pat Judd
My first rotary cutter is long gone. I changed the style I liked. I like the splash style much better. So a yard sale took the original. My mats get lots of use and it is long gone as well. Probably should have changed blades much more often and it might still be going strong although my first mat was smaller than I currently like to use. I actually use a larger mat at home 24 x 36 or something like that. I carry a larger one in the camper but seldom use it. I love the large folding mat. Couldn’t believe I wouldn’t notice the fold section in the cutting but I never know it is there. Good storage solution and traveling solution. I use the 45 cutter the most although I have the two smaller ones that I use on curved, freehand, or appliqué piece cutting. I just never liked the 60 unless I was cutting several layers of fleece.
Mary Honas
My first rotary cutter was another brand. And so were my second, third and fourth. But my LAST rotary cutter is an Olfa, their first quick change handle. I didn’t see it in your assortment photo. I’m a lefty and love the way it has two slides for the blade guard and only half of the blade is exposed at a time. The fit and weight of the handle is perfect for my hand.
I love the endurance blade! It truly does last longer.
Questions about the new mats. Are they the same color on both sides? Do they have lined markings on both sides. I have a definite opinion about both those design elements. 🙂
I teach rotary cutting at a local quilt shop and as well as cut kits often.. I know my cutters, rulers and mats well. Lucky you to be on their design team!
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