I used a big mat from JoAnns for about 15 years with no problems. Bought a Martelli at the Knoxville Quilt Show last summer, and what an improvement. Much easier to cut on and the lavender and yellow show up the fabric. Hubby is still using the big one from Joanns in his workshop.

Have the Olfas and notice the gouges don't heal too well; the same with the June Taylor. Love my Martelli.

I forget which thread but the smell issue has come up before. Again, memory fails me (on which brand), but I bought a new mat the other day. It's one of those two piece ones where the top is designed to rotate easily. Although the top slips off the bottom, it is really handy when trimming small pieces. However, it SMELLS! Didn't notice the smell in the store but sure did at home.

This discussion is very interesting. One of my large mats (I have two that cover my 6' table) is beginning to show some wear after 15 yrs of use. Still usable but I was thinking of buying a new one at Joann's using a coupon. If the quality isn't up to snuff anymore, I will rethink my purchase. Wouldn't you just love to have some way of assessing the monetary impact of this thread? :!:

I don't think that they realize that quilters talk to each other. Bad publicity like this could cause them a lot of money in the end. We have blogs, we belong to quilt guilds with 200 members, we put messages on boards. I own Olfa mats, but when I purchase a new one, your picture will come to mind. I'm not sure my replacement will be an Olfa. I will also mention this to my friends and ask other quilters if they have had a problem. See it has started already.

Try putting it in a garbage bag & put in dryer sheets & close. That may help the smell. I have also heard wadded newspaper will absorb odors.

Sewsilly, I was hoping someone would consider sending this link on this to Olfa. I can't believe how much business they have now lost due to this really bad publicity. Never mess with a quilter.

Two June Tailors and one Duraheal. No problems.

If anyone told me that I was cutting wrong, I would be telling them about the Better Business Bureau.

Nursie76, that is exactly how I use mine, with no problem, I have had mine for 24 years. It is like the June Taylors, people love them but they are hard and will dull a blade more quickly. I use my white one for large pieces and otherwise use my Olfa 18x24. It is nice to have that large mat to cover the table.

Today I bought another mat to replace my badly warped one.

I got a fiskars from walmart. Yellow on one side, green on the other. 24 X 36 for $28. No smell either!!

Yes, but did you use your 40% off coupon? ;)

No. I used a gift card I got for x-mas

:D