I recently bought the go too; as expensive as the dies are I feel the appropriate mat should be included; most aren't that pricey and am sure they make a mint on the dies, so why not include the appropriate mat. I'm making a raggy quilt for my daughter; and am using the dies. I don't see that it is faster other than doing the clipping for me but then I'd never cut mine 1/4" apart. But it is a great system. Enjoy.