Another Olfa girl here too. I still have the first one I bought back in the mid 80's. It's great for traveling now. But I put them in the shower from time to time and let them recoup some moisture. I very rarely use the lines to measure - usually it is to get the fabric straight. I have one of those super large white mats they sell at Joann's. A friend gave it to me, and it is used so rarely, but it works when needing a very large cutting area.