Well it’s the first day of our 12 day countdown to Christmas…I am always so excited to be able to introduce or showcase why these products are MUST haves for our quilting obsessions. Please remember to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win this item!
I have to admit I have my favorite quilting items…and one of them are Olfa mats and rotary cutters, which we happen to use exclusively in our wholesale kitting department at Primitive Gatherings…There are so many inferior cutters out there and I get to see/use the when I’m teaching. I love my 60mm Olfa cutter but today I am introducing what I believe is genius!!! A folding mat! Here are some photos. This is the answer for bringing your mat to class or retreats…
When we go to classes that require a mat its always awkward…their big and clunky…They do not like extreme heat or cold and nasty things like permanent warping and breakage happen when they are left in our cars. We don’t mean to neglect them but life happens and something the results are bad. Trust me I know…I’ve had it happen to my nice mats…but…Now Olfa has come up with a folding mat in two sizes…11″x17″ and 17″x24″. They are only half that size when transporting them. They slip nicely into my sewing machine totes side panel or the small one even fits into my plastic project tote. Like I said Genius!!!
When unfolded you do not see the curved seam at all!!! Now these mats are not cheap..they come with a nice price attached to them, they are worth it but we all cannot afford a $70 mat especially if you are just going to save it for classes/retreats…but we are going to ease this a little by offering the small one for $39.99 reg. $49.99 and the large one for $55.99 reg. 69.99 Save even more if you buy both at 89.99!!! CLICK HERE
I hope you find these mats something you could see as being very useful, and to help you keep that large mat at home and safe from permanent damage…
Remember to leave a comment and you may be notified on Christmas Day that you have won one of these amazing mats!!! If you would like us to HOLD your order until the end or until we hear from you please enter HOLD on your comment section of your order…If you do not say to hold we will ship them asap. Please allow us time to get these out to you…we don’t know we are going to sell 5 or 50 and may need to re-order from our suppliers…Thanks for your understanding…
Now today it is cookie baking(made the dough last night) and house decorating day!!
If you have not made your Christmas cut-out cookies yet…I swear I have the best recipe ever! Back when I was working swing shift in the paper mill one of the guys bought in the best ever cut out cookie I have ever tasted…They were soft and fluffy and the frosting was amazing!!! He said his 90 year old neighbor had made them..I said you HAVE to visit her and beg for the recipe. I love homemade sweets and these cookies were amazing! So here’s the recipe I have perfected over the years…you can THANK me later…Star Cut-Out CookiesClick the link for a printable recipe
PS…They are not the prettiest, but the taste is A-Mazing….I can’t wait to feed Jace one of Grandma’s cookies!!!
You have the prettiest blog page with these snowflakes falling. I can sit here, read and smile. It’s a happy happy page! Still waiting for the real snow out here in southern New England. So warming to hear you mention your little grandson and cookies also! I’ll check out the recipe. I too so enjoy the baking part of Christmas!
Love the fold up mats and I think they would be very useful for traveling. When we “snowbird” in Florida, I always take my machine and Olfa mat. Of course, the mat is very difficult to pack and I’m always telling my husband to be careful with it. The fold up 17×24 would be just what I need. Your cookie recipe sounds delicious! Thanks for all you do for us quilters.
Here we go again — and I love it! It’s hard to pick a favorite of the things and events you do for us, but the Twelve Days is right up there at the top. And you are right, the cutting mat is GENIUS!
Agh! Let the 12 Days of Christmas begin!! These are REALLY the 12 days!! I am getting excited now-I really hadn’t been feeling it until this morning. I woke up feeling the excitement today!!! I also have to tell you how much I enjoyed your e-mail last night! It put a lot of things into a real perspective! I have always supported small businesses and the personal touch they add to your projects! I do enjoy seeing you at the AQS shows, too!
Today is like Christmas Day! I love that you do this every year. I have never been disappointed in the things I’ve bought during these events! Thank you for all the time and effort you put into it.
What a clever mat. Always dislike bringing my mat ti classes because it is so bulky. My family is on their way to Chicago for our annual Christmas ornament hunt at Macy’s. Have fun baking !
I bought one of these mats for my daughter when they first came out a few months ago and she loves it! They really are great for those with small sewing areas, too, as you can fold it away easily. I would love one for myself to take to classes.
I’ve been planning to order one of those mats so this was the perfect time to get both and at a great price.
I baked your star cookies a couple years ago and everyone loved them. Thanks for the recipe.
I have only used, Olfa mats, and yes I believe to be the best cutters also. My mat is shot and was hoping to get a new one, but Christmas buying for my grand children comes first. I will eventually but a new one. Thank u for your post, and I’ll try the cookie recipe! Cindy
Lisa, my question is how do you do it all? You are totally amazing with everything you do and get done. Do you sleep? The mats look wonderful and would be great for retreats! Merry Christmas!
I would love to have a larger mat to take to Sew Ins, but you are right, they can be too big to transport safely. This seems to be the answer. Thank you Lisa!
omg…. this is the coolest thing!! I would so wish to win this. Lisa, thanks for all you do- I really admire your creativity- I’ve done so many of your quilts, and everyone really raves about them. Your staff is always so very helpful and it’s always a pleasure to order from you guys. Thanks in advance, and Merry Christmas to y’all!
The folding mat would be a perfect mat for my upcoming retreat!! LOVE your blog, & website! My 25 year old son took his 19 year old sister to her first ever Packers game at Lambeau field right now, & I showed them on the map where my fav quilt shop was in Menasha!! & how close they are, I told my daughter just walk in & take pics for me!!! & of course could pick something out for me!!? & its is going to be a nice rainy day to make some cookies, those sound delicious!! Thanks Lisa for all your wonderful inspiration!?
YEA! I can finally get rid of the mat I use for travel now! It is in such bad shape with chunks missing and cracks growing. Such perfect timing, I was just thinking I needed to replace it. Day 1 and I already learned about something new!
This is so handy, even storing them when you don’t need them will be easy. I am putting this on my list! I am going to try your cookie recipe too. I am always looking for a yummy soft cookie like that.
Thank you Lisa!
Merry Christmas!!! A bit jealous that you have a “gran” to share Christmas with😊Thanks so much for the cookie recipe! Thank you for these Needful things!
This mat is genius…both for sewing rooms and traveling, as well as classes. Also, the recipe is genius too…sounds and looks so good. It’s the taste not the appearance that counts with cookies!!!
I had seen those new cutting mats which fold and have the wavy edge like these. I’ve been watching those for others opinions on how well they work because right away, I just knew I would want one. Right now shopping for the Grandkids is blocking me from spending to much on myself, but once that is done, this is one of those things on my own wishlist.
That recipe looks amazing. I have been cooking/baking for more than 50 yrs and am always on the lookout for a really good sugar cookie recipe. I found one a few years ago that I’ve stuck with, but am always ready to try a new one which is highly recommended. This one definitely looks like a must try. I’ve never seen one with buttermilk, but I can see the reasoning in using it. WHY have I not seen this or thought of it before? Hmmm Thank you. Definitely need to try this one.
Love that a traveling mat was finally designed! I only use Olfa cutters and mats– I had another brand and I didn’t like how my cutter worked on it– you had to press a harder to get a clean cut. Love your recipes. You have great and loyal followers because you add a personal touch to everything you do. Thank you!
Thank you for the cookie recipe. Your dedication to the quilting industry is greatly appreciated and I totally agree in supporting independent businesses. Hope you will share progress of your lake house. I spent many summers as a child on Lake Butte des Morts. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you and your family. PS I also use Olfa products and have for years.
What a clever idea….a folding mat! Thank you for introducing this item to me. The cookie recipe looks tempting and I may bake some for an upcoming potluck.
Dear “Santa Lisa”…I have been a very good girl working hard on my Quilting Ph.D …aka projects half done. lol… This new mat would really help me get my projects finished. I will ship your
Santa cookies to you by return mail. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the cookie recipe, they look so yummy! Olaf mats are the only ones I use also, they are pricy but they are the best and I firmly believe that you get what you pay for…wishing you, your family and staff a Merry Christmas. Thank you for all you do
The cookies look so yummy! I have seen these mats in stores and was wondering if the join would cause problems when cutting over it….sounds like it shouldn’t be. Thank you for the review and all that you do! I love the snowflakes falling …. so does my cat!
The mats would be great for storage. I have to put my mats on the floor in the family room and this would be a great space saver. The cookies sound yummy.
A perfect solution to a troublesome problem! Thanks for sharing … I had seen these on other blogs, but didn’t quite trust that they are seamless. I trust your endorsement! Thanks,
these are such a good idea. Carrying a cutting mat to class is always a problem and I too have left one in the car by mistake-a bad idea. I would love to win one. Am thinking about ordering one
Looking forward to seeing your favorite needful things! Thank you for your cookie recipe. It is just like my grandmother’s. It was a favorite tradition to decorate Christmas cookies at Grandma’s.
What a great idea! I haven’t travel to quilt classes of late but these mats would be pretty cool and a zip to fold. Thanks for the 12 Days of Christmas…! I always get great ideas to give to my hubby 🙂
Lisa,
Thanks so much to you & your staff for another 12 days of Christmas! I’ve been looking forward to this all year! The folding mats are a super idea . . . and will come in handy for retreats and sewing days with quilting buddies. And thank you too for the cookie recipe! Going to try them this week . . .
I meet with friends monthly to make small quilts for the children who are guests at our safe shelter. This mat would be easier to take than toting the large one!
Thanks for the info – folding mats will make packing for classes much easier. The cookie recipe reminds me of my mom’s – will be making these this week!
I love this cutting mat. It would make it much easier to take to class. I am looking forward to the cookies, maybe my search for the best cookies is over.
Thanks for continuously sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. Buttermilk??? Foldable cutting mats???? I continue to learn from you. Have a happy holiday season with your new grandbaby. Sue Dollhopf
That’s a great idea! I sometimes think about attending a retreat or class and then think about the lifting and lugged that would go with it and pretty soon I’ve talked myself out of it! I really like the way the curvy edges interlock to “fuse” that seam. I’m heading back to check out that cookie recipe now!
Isn’t it great how they made that curvy joint so that it interlocks and eliminates and bumpy ridge! Sometimes the thought of lugging and lifting is enough to keep one from attending classes or retreats…this would make it less daunting! Now back to that cookie recipe…
Oh, I SEW need a new mat! Folding would be an added bonus! Santa, are you listening??? I made chocolate chip cookies, gluten free peanut butter snickerdoodles and a batch each of fudge and divinity today. And a personalized pillowcase. My back is DONE for the day (well, except for cooking dinner), but I have printed off your recipe to start up again tomorrow! Thanks for your generosity – cannot WAIT to see the next 11 items!!
I will definetly try your cookie recipe, looks like it makes a big batch. The traditional cut-outs are still our favorite. Must be all of the memories. Thanks for sharing!!!
The mats look like a wonderful solution for traveling and quilting. My son is still looking for a Christmas gift for me – this may be just the right thing to suggest. Thanks!
When your 12 Days of Christmas arrives, I know that Christmas isn’t far off. I look forward to the needful things you’ll share with us each day, along with the wonderful discounts on each item. The foldable cutting mats are one of the most clever ideas I’ve seen in awhile.
Lisa thanks for more insight into these mats. I’ve seen them advertised but wondered if the crack where they joint would make cutting more difficult. Your stamp or approval means a LOT! Thanks for sharing the recipe, too.
Thanks so much for doing the 12 days of Christmas again. I love looking forward to see what is featured each day. The folding mat looks wonderful & so easy to take anywhere!
Another company offered a folding cutting board about 10 years ago. Unfortunately it was not very durable. I look forward to once again having a cutting board that is very transportable. Thanks for finding the best things to make our creative pursuits much easier and fun!
I think the folding mat is wonderful. I just might have to get one from Santa. Maybe if I make him some of those delicious cookies he will bring me one. 🙂 Thanks for your generosity. I will see you here in Michigan in March…can’t wait.
I look forward to your 12 days of Christmas every year to see what you love and use. Thanks for taking the time to share with us! Hope you enjoy the grandbaby time…I know I do.
What a great idea!!! Love the folding mats – not hard to see how this made your 2015 list of Needful Things!
The cookie recipe is a great bonus, too! You are so good to us! Have a Merry Christmas and thanks for all the things you share with us!
What a brilliant idea. I’d love to win one and would be happy to pay the postage here to Australia. I might even be the first person to have one here in Aus which would be very exciting
Love this time of year when you show us your favorite needful things. Love the new folding mats. Would also be great for home sewing when you are cutting individual blocks. I have already put my ironing board away, using your small ironing board when piecing. Thank you for all you do for us.
This is the best thing since (as they say) sliced bread. Love to have one. I will definitely try those cookies. I hope you repeat your recipe for the molasses cookies (the one you dip in white chocolate) because I think I copied it down wrong. Love your site and products and you. Keep them coming.
Wow, what a great mat!Not only great for retreats , but also if you are limited on space in your sewing room! Printed out your cookie recipe and will start on these this afternoon! Thank you!
What a great idea – I dread dragging my large mat with me each time I go to a quilting retreat or a weekend away sewing with friends. And as Wanda noted, if you are limited on space in your sewing room, this is perfect. Can’t wait to try those cookies too. Thank you and Merry Christmas Lisa.
Hi, what a clever idea…a folding Olfa mat. This would really be a handy item to have. Easier to store at home. Now, I have one under living room couch. Also have one under couch at the lake, lol Thank you for the opportunity to win one. Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
Hi, What a clever idea. Right now, I have a huge Olfa mat under my living room couch and one under my couch at the lake. Thank you for opportunity to win one. Merry Christmas from our house to yours.
Hi, what a clever idea! Right now I have an Olfa mat under my living room couch, and one under my couch at the lake, lol. Merry Christmas from our house to yours.
Hi, what a clever idea. I now store my big Olfas under my couches at home and at the lake, lol. Merry Christmas from our house to yours. For some reason, I am having trouble leaving a reply?
Those cookies look so wonderful!!! I don’t know what I’d do without my olfa mat. Id love to have one of those folding ones!! What will they think of next?
Lisa, I have never had a sugar cookie that was worth the calories. However, I’m going to try yours. The ingredient quantities are quite large. This must make a big batch!
What a clever idea, a folding mat, and so convenient to take to a retreat. Thank you for continuing the 12 needful things and for opening a store in California. What a beautiful quilt shop!
These mats are not only good for classes and retreats but also for small sewing spaces like I have when you have to put things away, you can fold the mats it is easy to find space to put them away. Just finished Sunflower Gatherings last week, now to have it quilted.
These mats are not only good for classes and retreats but also for small sewing spaces like I have. when you have to clean up the folding mats make it easy for storage. I finished the Sunflower Gathering quilt last week now just have to get it quilted.
The folding mat would be very useful…may be needful. 🙂 I’m late posting cause I had to make your cookie recipe. Very delicious…didn’t have buttermilk so made some with a little vinegar in the milk. I used 2 dz of them for our kid’s group at church this evening. That recipe makes a lot! I made hearts because that cutter seemed to work best & afterall Christmas is all about Jesus’ love for each of us. 🙂
I think that I NEED one of these cutting mats. I’ve seen them before and wondered if they really flattened out well, and it looks like they do. Thanks again for the recipe (and the help along the way) – it’s definitely a keeper!
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