I actually think it looks better in this pic than it really is. |
My cutting mat has been used and abused for the last two and a half years and is beginning to rebel. It was getting a bit ropey and frankly, starting to cut right through in some places. Look at that black scorch mark on the 12.5" line where I've clearly been very busy! (Kidding - no idea what actually caused that.) The lines I cut on most frequently are starting to grab hold of the fabric and fight back but the mats are pricey, as you know, so I'm not keen to fork out my pennies for a new one just yet.
Then I had a tiny brainwave and on Wednesday I 'made' myself a new mat.
I just turned it upside down so that the top right corner is now my new bottom left cutting corner. A few numbers added by Sharpie marker and bob's your uncle - a perfectly lovely new cutting mat. Check out your own mat, I'll bet the top right corner is in lovely condition compared to the bottom left!
Happy me, nice new cutting surface and all the pennies still in my purse!
I am absolutely going to do this. Mine's not even a year old yet but I'm having similar issues. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteClever! I shall be doing this too when mine starts to fall apart :)
ReplyDeleteHa! That is a good idea. My mat is about 15yrs old and eventually I have had to turn it over and use the metric side! Di x
ReplyDeleteDamn, you're good. I was using the underside of mine the other day and it cut SO much nicer. But it's centimetres (pah!) so is no good - I didn't think to use the top bit of the proper side though!
ReplyDeleteGenius xxx
ReplyDeleteMats cost a fortune. Great idea to make yours last longer.
ReplyDeleteThat's a such a good idea for you but I must be one of those strange people who doesn't use the proper markings so my cuts all end up pretty random. I'm just as likely when squaring up a 12.5" block to start with one corner on the 3" mark.
ReplyDeleteI know that problem! good thinking Batman!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip - you're a genius! I had a little fabric delivery today so hope to get working on my churn dash blocks this weekend :o)
ReplyDeleteWonderful! The simplest of ideas are always the best.
ReplyDeleteI've already followed your advice and remarked all my boards, up the left-hand side too!! Thank you for being such a genius! Jxo
ReplyDelete