I was teaching a class on safety and wasn't paying attention to the tools (thinking about the next part of the lecture). Zip, slice, off went the top portion of my index finger. I didn't realize how bad it was so I grabbed the cut scrap and held it tight and continued to teach. The students didn't realize what had happened. But then it got bad and I got someone to take over the class and went to investigate how bad it was. Meanwhile I had changed fabric scraps and in the process threw out the mushroom cap portion of the finger. Everything is ok now. They cauterized the veins, covered the finger and I had to cage it for 2 months. Try working in a fabric store with a cage on your index finger!!!! The hand doctor did an incredible job and the only problem I have is it always feels like there are bits of dirt on a surface when I run my finger on it - weird! I was using my rotary cutters within a week and, although I concentrate completely when working, I have no problems. But when my students start cutting, I make them use a handle that attaches to the rulers. Them cutting terrifies me! Lesson learned AGAIN - pay attention to your tools and your work.