I started quilting in the mid 70's, scissors, templates and sewed everything by hand. Then I realized I was not going to live long enough to make all the quilts I want to make or be the one to use my stash, so in 2000-2001, I bought my first rotary cutter and mat and Im loving it!! My quilt patterns are just as intricut, some blocks have over 60 pieces in them and there a 12 inch block. Now I can make a queen size quilt in 2 weeks or less. Sometimes progress is a good thing!!