I've just gotten in the habit of cutting each stroke twice. I had no idea the blade would dull so quickly, but then I thought about how much I've used it in the few months since I've had it. Is that about how long you all get out of a blade before it needs replacing or sharpening?

Way to go. You really scored.

You have to keep up with Harbor Freight Tools to get them. The stores around us get a Wednesday delivery and when I need them I call every Thursday morning until I get them. They don't seem to order more than 12 packs at a time, so they are usually gone in one felled swoop when they get them in.

Does anyone use the rotary blade sharpener?

I do! It extends the life for at least one project and somtimes more!

Thanks for thew reminder. I always wait too long to check my blades and change my needles!

I also use my rotary sharpener all the time. It's amazing how a few turns on the sharpener helps me cut better. I just think blades are really expensive so anything I can do to save money (buy more fabrics!) makes me quite happy!

Oh geezzzzzz I'm so bad about blades and needles!! I try to get every last smidgen out of them. Silly but true.
Funny thing, I have no problem buying and buying and buying more fabric!! :D

I too don't change my blades oftern enough....right now Im dealing with a needle on my machine that no longer has a point on it at all....but I buried the new needles in a crate that is at the bottom of my closet. Tonight I put a post it note on the machine that says..."Change Needle".

Me too, but you can't use your fabric over and over again! It's a one shot thing! Sooooo, we must be prepared for anything by having a stock of supplies. That includes fabric & more fabric. If the manufacturers wouldn't keep coming out with such wonderful choices for us, we might not have such a hard time resisting the temptation!

I always put off changing my blade too. Laziness, frugality, not wanting to fool with a loose sharp edged object. I pay for my procrastination though, with fighting to cut the fabric.