Update: Giveaway Closed!
Congratulations to:
First Prize:
Luella – I only change my blades when I’ve remembered to buy a new one. Usually I’ll get home from the shop with a bunch of fabric and then suddenly remember that the reason I went in the first place was to buy a replacement blade!
Second Prize:
Jacklynn – I change my blade as soon as it starts skipping – I hate that!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Subscriber Prize: Fiona
*Winners have been notified by email*
Thankyou for your support – don’t forget to check OIfa Australia for some fantastic products!
I was so thrilled to receive an email from Rokset Industries recently, and even more excited when a ginormous parcel of Olfa goodies arrived in our mailbox. I just about squealed the length of our driveway {around 6km!} – it was like Christmas time you guys! If there is one brand of quilting notion I could not do without, and one brand I use on a daily basis it is Olfa.
I still remember the first time I used a rotary cutter – it was about two quilts after my first {my Grandma was a bit winky about letting me use her cutter!} and it was a dream. She used an Olfa cutter, she had a green Olfa mat and all the rulers too. It certainly beats cutting those pieces by hand and I can honestly say I have never used anything else since.
My cutting table is fitted with a large 24″x 36″ self-healing mat, I use an Olfa Splash Rotary Cutter {who couldn’t resist an aqua cutter!?} and have two sizes of the rotating mats for trimming Flying Geese and Half Square Triangle units with ease. I own a small Olfa mat that travels the country with me and replacement blades are always on my Quilt Store shopping lists. There is nothing better than switching those blades out and starting a fresh quilt with a fresh cut!
Olfa’s new Comfort Grip NS series Rotary Cutters are the next best thing when it comes to safety. I love that this cutter has the option to lock down the ‘sides’ of the blade preventing accidents from slips, and allowing both left and right-handed use. This cutter comes in both a 45mm and 60mm size and suits all applications of quiltng, sewing and craft. Featuring the quick-blade replacement this cutter is the most advanced Safety Rotary Cutter.
Its no secret I love working with Half Square Triangle and Flying Geese units in my quilt designs – Olfa’s Rotating Mats make trimming these units a breeze and eliminate any need to turn your body or cut those pieces with awkward arms all over the place!
These mats are made up of two separate parts – a rotating and cutting surface and an anti-slip base. These mats rotate 360 degrees and prevents unwanted movement of the fabric or object being cut. Mats are available in both metric and inch measurements.
I was so excited to try out one of Olfa’s Frosted Advantage Ruler – the non-slip surface is amazing and makes cutting super stable and safe {a must when you’re working with knives and blades people!}. The frosted acrylic is perfect for reading ruler lines and measurements on all fabric types and colours.
The measurements are clear and so easy to follow – I love having 1/8 increments on my rulers and this 9.5″ square size is perfect for smaller trimming jobs, as well as squaring up whole quilt blocks. It can be used by both right and left-handed users with ease and accuracy. There are ten rulers in this range, varying in size and shape. Winning with the Frosted Rulers Olfa!!
I mentioned I always have replacement and spare blades on hand – I try to change out my blades with each new large quilt project. Sometimes, like the sewing machine maintenance, this could be up to two-or three projects. I find Olfa blades last so well though, and with the quick-change features on most of the new cutters it makes switching these out so safe and easy. Olfa have a range of alternate blade types for your cutters also – I got to try a Wave Blade and a Pinking Blade – these are ideal for so many craft uses. Think paper crafts, felt craft – options are almost endless. I love using a pinking edge on Width Of Fabric strips to make raw-edge ruffles as embellishments. With this blade I am sure that I get the desired look, non-fray edge as well as a long, clean cut.
Also included in this bundle is a Chenille Cutter, with four general sizes and widths of cut {from small to extra large width}. This cutter is perfect for making your own chenille quilt, cutting multiple layers of fabric, felt fleece and more. I’ve never made a Chenille quilt, but after a bit of research and coming across this gorgeous version I’m so trying it! What a gorgeous effect, and made so easy with this handy little cutter.
When Taryn contacted me and wanted to join me in sharing these Olfa products with you I never dreamt I’d be trying out such amazing new products, or have the opportunity to provide you all with such a brilliant giveaway. Olfa tools truly are some of my favourite things and I’m so certain you will love them also. Olfa products are available from most reputable craft retailers – for a list and links of where to buy check out Rokset’s Where to Buy page.
For your chance to win one of two Olfa Quilting Packs just enter via the following Rafflecopter app. Leave us a comment admitting how often you switch out your Olfa blades! Bonus entries for following Rokset Industries’ Olfa Pinterest Board {there is also a subscriber-only giveaway happening for those who subscribe to receive LIVE.LOVE.SEW posts and newsletter updates}.
First Prize: Olfa Quilters Pack including: a 17″ Rotating Mat, 9.5″ Frosted Advantage Ruler and a Classic Model RTY-2/G Rotary Cutter
Second Prize: one Comfort Grip RTY-NS/2 Rotary Cutter and a Chenille Cutter
Subscriber Prize: Classic Model RTY-2/G Rotary Cutter, and 1x Wave and 1x Pinking Blade {drawn randomly from registered LIVE.LOVE.SEW Subscribers}
*International entrants {entrants other than Australian residents} MUST be prepared to share shipping expenses, due to the size and weight of these prizes – this is a condition of entry. Please do not enter if you are not prepared to split this expense.*
**Giveaway will be drawn Friday 7th August 2015 at 6pm AEST. Winners will be announced here and via email**
Good luck!
Keera
x
As soon as the blade shows any sign of cutting difficulty I switch it for a new one.
I change blades as soon as I notice that they are not working well.
I switched of the blade of my olfa rotary cutter last week!! It is great when you start cutting with a new blade!! ;)) fingers crossed, thank you Keera for this giveaway!
I change my blade as quickly as it starts “tearing” the fabric instead of “cutting”.
I use the Olfa rotary cutter too, and love it. The blade gets changed whenever it shows signs of dullness, like when it skips spots of fabric when cutting. I always try to keep it covered when not in use since it seems to keep it sharper longer.
I change my blades when I notice I’m not getting clean cuts or when I’m having to apply more force to cut 4 layers of fabric. I love Olfa rotary cutters – thanks.
I change my blades when they start “skipping” threads – seems to be about every six weeks!
I change the blades on my Olfa about every 3rd quilt. When i switch to a new blade, I always marvel at how much less effort I have to put into the slicing.
I have to admit, I usually leave it too long!
I change my blade when it no longer cuts
A new blade works soooo well, maybe I should do it on a more regular basis
thank you for the giveaway
After reading this I need a pinking blade and a chenille cutter!
Olpha is the only cutter I use!
Olaf!
HI,I change blades whenever it doesn’t not cut through completely+cleanly.
Thanks to You+Olfa for a neat giveaway!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com
I can tell when it needs changing! The fabric will not cut cleanly. I always buy the multi packs of replacement blades so I can change it right away!
Not as often as I should, but oh the difference it makes when I do. Blades and cutters are expensive in New Zealand. Thanks for the chance.
Once the cut lines need some scissors to separate the last threads of fabric I know I really must change blades – but I keep the old ones for paper cutting etc 🙂
Oops! I didn’t realise that you needed to change the blade so often! Explains a lot?!!! Changing mine right now….
Quilting newbie here?? Thank you for the tips and giveaway.
I try to change my blades as soon as I notice that I am having to cut twice through instead of just once.
I probably don’t change the blade as often as I should, but when I do change blades I keep the old ones to use for paper and craft projects – they cut just fine for this! Thank you for the give-away chance : )
I love Olfa too. I haven’t ever tried the different types of blades though…I do love the look of them! Great giveaway Keera…thanks for the chance to win 🙂
oops…I forgot to say I try to change it before it gets too blunt…but sometimes I am pushing the limits!!
Olfa blades are the best! I recently switched back & they’re the only brand I will use now.
I change mine once every 2 months I think.
When I start a new project , I change the blades of my rotarycutter.
I don’t change mine often enough, but I just bought 2 Olfa replacement blades, so it’s time. Usually I change it as soon as I notice a dull spot.
I try to change mine at the first sign of a dull blade!
I change mine out when they start skipping and I have to go back and re-cut the fabric.
I change my rotary blade when I no longer get a clean cut.
I don’t switch out my blades as often as I should. In fact I’ve been cutting all morning on a dull blade. I think now, I’ll go change it. :o)
I change mine at the beginning of a new large quilt, which seems to work out to about once a year for me. I don’t sew as often as I wish I could. ljbisme at msn dot com
I don’t change my blade nearly often enough! I try to make it last as long as I possibly can.
I change out my blade when it does not cut the fabric as well as it should.
As soon as it starts “skipping” parts of the fabric I”m cutting, I change it. I need all the help I can get when cutting!
I am new to sewing and quilting and don’t have a rotary cutter. I think having one would make my life so much easier !! Thanks for the giveaway x
It’s all in the glide, I change my blades when i notice the effortless glide slow down. I think I used 2 blades when doing the cutting for my Farmers Wife quilt, after all it had 4969 pieces of fabric in the top along. I kept my special “aqua” olfa aside for this project.
Not as often as I should! I need a new blade now but keep on making do and then get frustrated when it snags on the fabric lol!!
I change my blades when they start skipping threads. I also save the dull blades for using when cutting paper etc.
I only change my blades when I’ve remembered to buy a new one. Usually I’ll get home from the shop with a bunch of fabric and then suddenly remember that the reason I went in the first place was to buy a replacement blade!
I change my rotary blades when I start to feel a sluggish pull in the material.
I usually change my blade once it starts becoming a little harder to cut. I probably should change sooner! I love Olfa blades they outlast any other one I have tried?
I expect this is the wrong thing to do but I try and make my blades last as long as possible, and I only change it when It becomes too difficult to cut.
Pauline
I tend to forget changing my blade until I get threads that are missed in the cut.
I try to change blades after about 3 quilts.
After reading the post, I realize I don’t change blades often enough. Explains why I sometimes have frustration when cutting.
I’ll be honest, I only ever change my blade when I start to get annoyed at how often it is not cutting cleanly. And after I change it I ALWAYS think “why didn’t I do that sooner?”
I am new to rotary cutters. So I have not changed the blade yet. I was just using scissors, and then decided to give them a try. It has been great!
I am guilty of not changing the blades often.
Uh oh, I’m naughty! I don’t change my blade regularly at all! I love my Olfa Splash cutter and I use it every day, probably time to change my blade though *blush* 🙂
I’ll admit, not as often as I should! But definitely at the beginning of each LARGE project! thanks for the chance to win!
Since I don’t have a rotary cutter yet, I haven’t had the opportunity to change the blade! 🙂
It depends on how often I use it. Prolly not as often as should though. I know I need to change it now,because it’s not cutting as well as it should. I just bought some new blades. Thank you for the chance to win!
Dmac5958@aol.com
Oh you caught me, I change my blade when I have to make the same cuts twice. And THEN maybe not right away. I’m so bad. Let’s not talk about needles either LOL
When the blade starts cutting bad, I’ll change it.
I try to remember to change once a month. I love my Olfa blades, cutters and mats.
I know I don’t change them enough. Thank you for the giveaway.
I change my blades as soon as it stops cutting smoothly…..& leaves uncut spots. I too, use only Olfa blades. They are Super! 🙂
Thanks for chance to win this great Give-a-way! 😀
I change my blade as soon as it starts skipping – I hate that!! Thanks for the chance to win!
I test mine before doing a new project to make sure it is cutting well!!
I usually take too long to change my blades and then when I do I wonder why it took so long and think to myself I must change the blades more often this is awesome! Happens every time. I love the tip to change them each tile I start another big project great idea
I change them when I notice they start skipping threads in the fabric.
I change the blade whenever it starts to get dull. I don’t even know how often I change them but it seems pretty often. It gets expensive!
I change blades fairly often, as soon as I feel dullness. (Unless, of course, I’m on a roll. Then I power through and finish the project first.)
I can’t say that I’ve ever used Olfa products. I have other brands that were available at Spotlight or the small store where my daughter had sewing lessons for a year. There is still a lot I don’t know in regards to tools and products. I change the blade on my rotary cutter whenever I feel like it’s not cutting properly. Thanks Keera and Olfa for this wonderful giveaway. x
I change when the skipping drives me too crazy!
I change my cutting blade when it doesn’t cut all the way through the fabric. If I have to go back and cut/trim, I know it’s time to change the blade.
Thanks.
Peggy
I change my blade…ahhh….not nearly enough. After I do I realise how I probably should have done it months ago!!