Hoping for a better cut

   It was time.  The old mat died, or at least I proclaimed it dead.  I've always used the Olfa green mat, you know the stinky, smelly ones, that need to air out for about 6 weeks before you can stand to use them.  The large 24" by 36" has been used and abused, I guess, for too long.   It quit "self-healing" a few years ago, and developed some flaked and chipped spots --on both side--that I tried to avoid.  It put many a ding in the rotary cutter blades.  I thought these things lasted a life time, and it was only about 20 years old.  Then it literally cracked---yes, a long 3 inch crack appeared. 
    So a little research and ......

  This is the mat I chose....Gingher cutting mat  .   I waited till I had a 50% off coupon, and thought it was a good deal.   It is thick....at least 3 times as thick as the old one.  And lots of line, angles, and shaded grids to help with squaring up.  The other side is a different color way....in blues.  I use the lines for fabric and ruler placement...not for the accurate cutting.  I like the grids for a quick eyeball on keeping things square.  And maybe my blades will last a while longer now.....they now slice thru fabric like butter.
  So if you need a new mat,  or have a gift card, or just deserve an improvement....consider this mat.  The old mat is being relegated to a paint/stain/glue whatever work area cover up.  I couldn't find a decent size area to salvage for a small mat....just too many flaking areas.  Yes, it was time for a better cutting surface.
Happy stitching.