I have used Salem Cutting mats for 18-20 years. I have yet to wear one out. I keep a emory board to clean the threads that get caught when cutting. They are translucent so I put white paper under or black as I need it. they are great. I have a 4'x8' on my large cutting table and 24 x 36" next to my sewing machine and a couple of small ones. Price wise I am not sure. I think 24x 36 was well under $30. Also, you can roll them to store and the flatten right out. You can also pin into them with no problem.

Where do you find a Salem cutting Mat?

Do a search on Salem cutting mats I think they are in Atlanta, GA. They sell at most big quilt shows and give good prices on the last day of a show so they don't have to take them home, I guess. I'll look for the URL

Found it...http://www.southstarsupply.com/catal...products_id=99

When I purchased my new Olfa's about 3maybe 4 years ago they smelled just like a skunk had sprayed their odor on them. It was late fall so not too warm out , so I put them in the sun room with the windows open until I could handle the odor. The hancock fabric store where I purchased them said they couldn't smell it unless the cellophane they came in was torn. Boy, it wasn't nice for at least a week. I don't think they come with any protection on them now?

Suzy

OK....since this is all about mats, I'd like to ask a question...I have a mat that I ironed on (to save my countertop)....big mistake as it did warp from the heat of the iron. I know ...that was dumb... but I had a heavy towel on it and thought it would be ok.

A few weeks ago I thought I read a solution to a warped mat somewhere in our QB info....I cannot remember where it was . Can anyone help? This is a nice big mat and I'd like to save it ....Thanks for your help and big hugs..SG

they may be green and smelly but mine is 10+ years and still looking good.

Excuse my ignorance... I've never heard of a self-healing mat. I'm sorry... can someone explain please?

I also have the Martelli double-sided mat and rotary cutters. IMHO if you can afford it, they are worth the money. The mat has accurate measurements on each side (light side - yellow and dark side - lavender) and it is not supposed to warp if left in the car. They say you can even iron on it if you follow instructions. Here's the website: http://www.martellicatalog.com/mm5/merchant.mvc? I saw them demonstrated at a local quilt show. They also have video demonstrations online. I called and ordered mine over the phone. I got a better deal as well as fast delivery.

I have a June Taylor mat I've used for years and have no complaints about it. It seems to be very resistant to cuts. Try it, and if you don't like it, you can buy a more expensive one next time. There's always next time. :)