I'll be going to the states in September for two weeks. While I'm there I'd like to invest in a few more rulers. I have one 6.5" square, a 3" longer one and two more 22" (approx.)--one is 5.5" and one is 6" wide (I think).

I've found I would really like a 3.5" square (for squaring up HST) and probably a 4.5" square. What other ones do you find yourself using a lot? I really don't need a LOT of gadgets. I'd much rather use the money on fabrics as I've managed quite a while without so many fancy rulers and special equipment beyond the mat and rotary cutter and a few rulers--but I usually use one of three.

Also, are any of the mats REALLY self-healing? I have June Tailor (the blue mats from Walmart that are/were pretty cheap) and they work as mats, but they do get ruts in them. I've read here that some claim the Olfa actually self-heal. Is that true? Does that mean that they go on indefinitely without needing to be replaced? Really and truly? It's hard for me to believe, but please tell me if that's true. Since I don't live in the USA anymore, but come back to visit once in a while, it would be worth it to me to invest in one that actually does self-heal. They are much more expensive here in Poland.

I'd like at least a few of your input.

have fun on your visit and I hope you get some more great quilting supplies

I like the small cutting mat that turns for paper piecing and small projects. and here is link to show you, I got mine at Joann's fabric store

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd29158

my favorite and most-used ruler is a 6.5x24 fluorescent. it's a great size for cutting larger pieces and the fluorescent makes it very easy to precisely see the measurements.

I am a huge fan of Creative Grids rulers. I like all of their rulers. I would invest in a 60º, pyramid ruler for triangles and even hexagon blocks. A 12" square ruler is helpful for squaring up blocks up to that size.

I find myself reaching for my 3.5"x24" ruler the most when I'm cutting yardage. For small pieces, I usually grab my 2"x8" ruler (the big one is a bit too unwieldy on my small cutting area). My original plan was to buy rulers piecemeal as I need them, but I'm finding I really don't need any others.

Most used is the 6.5 x 24 size, then my 6.5 square and my 12.5 square. I always use the 6.5 for squaring up HST. Just line my fab up so there is a little excess to the size I want trim trim, then flip the unit and true line it up and trim the other two sides. Can't see much reason to buy a smaller ruler when I can simply flip the unit.

Re self healing mats.... I swear by my Olfa. I started quilting almost 20 years ago and bought an ofla then. It would still be going strong except I stupidly set my hot iron on it. So I replaced it with a fiskars one thinking same thing. Not so. I bought another Olfa last year when JoAnnes was having a 50% off sale on all olfa products. I think they truly are self healing.

The ruler I use the most is the June Tailor Shape-Cut ruler. Love it, love it, love it!! It is wonderful for cutting strips or squares. You can cut other shapes as well by using the various degree lines on your mat. I have invested in several of the other June Tailor rulers, but the 12" x 12" is the one I have used most.

I hope you have a fun and safe trip!

I don't have many rulers. I use my 6" X 24" and 8.5" square ones the most. And I like my little 1" x 6" (I think that's what it is).

I have an Olfa mat and it truly is self-healing! Of course, mine is only 3 or 4 years old, but it looks great! Only when I have cut Minkee have I been able to see where I was cutting (I guess those fine little fibers get pushed into the cut, but wipe away).

This is the one I was going to suggest. I don't know how I ever cut w/o this one!!! I just bought the one for triangles too and love it.
I swear by the Olfa mats. I've never replaced mine and use them all the time.
Have a fun trip!! :thumbup:

Thank you all soo much for this information. I've read many of your comments about things like the June Tailor shape-cut previously and need to do more research.

I'll be going to a missions conference in AZ and then fly to SC to see my three college kids and then to FL to see my parents and twin sister for a couple of days and then back home to Poland to get back to my youngest two kids. I probably pretty much need to know what I want before I head back both because of time and because of money. I need to plan carefully. Money always flies out of my wallet very quickly in the states. :)