I have used the Gutterman's thread and sometimes it is good and sometimes I have a lot of breakage. Gray or Tan are good choices for color. I use my small cutting board when I am traveling or staying at a motel, I went on a run with my husband in the semi and used the small mat to cut out the baby quilt i made for my daughter. The small one makes turning the mat so much easier than walking around the table to cut from the opposite side. I always look for the clearance bargains. Olfa is a good brand- you made a good choice.