I love my circuit and use it a lot. I second the folks who say buy one of the programs that let you cut things that are not on the cartridges. I have scal-2 and have found lots of free files on the net. I also use the zig pen ( adhesive) to re-stick my mats and find it works well. If you are going to cut fabric start a new blade and then keep it for fabric only.
Alsosecond the e-bay suggestion for cartridges as are often much cheaper.