I might be the last person on the planet to try out this brand’s affordable cutting tools, but better late than never right?
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Over the years, I’ve tried out many different brands of sewing and quilting products.
OLFA® is one that has evaded me until now.
I can’t explain why, but I have never owned any of OLFA’s cutting mats, rotary cutters, rulers or knives.
But you know what?
I’m always up for trying something new. That’s why I was excited when OLFA® reached out to see if I was interested in trying out their new 45mm Endurance™ Rotary Blade that cuts TWO TIMES as long as the standard OLFA rotary blades. OLFA introduced the new blade just in time for National Quilting Day on March 18.
Here are the products OLFA® sent my way:
OLFA 12″ X 17″ Folding Cutting Mat – $49.99
INITIAL IMPRESSION: Love the matte, velvety texture of the mat. Sturdy construction, folds easily, and doesn’t slide around. This size is a bit small for cutting yardage, but is perfect for quilt blocks and cutting down strip sets. After using, there were no cut marks or gouges in the mat. Self healing property does appear to work just fine.
OLFA® DOES make a slightly larger 17″ X 24″ size that retails for $69.99.
OLFA Splash 45mm Rotary Cutter, Emperor Purple – $17.99
INITIAL IMPRESSION: Super fun colors (also comes in aqua), easy to use, includes a safety guard, and not too difficult to change the refill blades. Feels comfortable in the hand, and very lightweight.
45mm Endurance Rotary Blade, Pack Of 1 – $12.99
INITIAL IMPRESSION: While there don’t appear to be any differences in actual performance compared to the standard OLFA® blade, this one is “an expertly-honed, tungsten steel blade designed to cut twice as long. With the ability to cut up to 1,500 yard of fabric before dulling the innovative blade extends the time between blade changes.” I seriously considered trying to test this out, but cutting thousands of times would take waaaayyyy too long so I’ll take their word for it!
Overall, these products worked on par with other brands in the cutting tool space – but here’s one huge reason to consider OLFA® over the others.
PRICE!
Looking around online, I noticed that stores like Jo-Ann’s frequently have awesome sales on OLFA® products equating to about 50% off. My other rotary cutter costs $40 on Amazon and $44.99 at Jo-Ann’s (WITH a 40% off sale). OLFA’s Splash Rotary Cutter is on average – about $12 on sale. My point being, that if they both function well – OLFA® is a fraction of the cost of more expensive varieties.
The blade refills also won’t break the bank.
You can find OLFA® products pretty much anywhere, including shopping directly on the company’s website, or at Jo-Ann Fabrics, craft stores and quality quilt shops.
QUILTWEEK
If you’re headed to QuiltWeek in Paducah, Kentucky (April 27 – 28) make sure to check out OLFA’s pop-up trial tent outside of the National Quilt Museum. While testing the new Endurance™ Rotary Blade’s top-quality precision, QuiltWeek goers will be able to participate in a special project to benefit Quilts for Kids, a non-profit organization whose mission is transforming fabrics into patchwork quilts for children in need.
To celebrate QuiltWeek, OLFA® is inviting quilters to partake in their Quilt Cruise Sweepstakes*– a one-of-a-kind quilting adventure for two. The sweepstakes starts on April 17. For more information and to enter online, please visit www/OLFA.com/QuiltCruise.
KARAOKE
One other benefit that I should mention. The Splash is perfect for some good old fashioned solo karaoke! (Who hasn’t done that, right?) Sometimes I’ll seriously just belt out random songs (I mean, REALLY random) at top volume when I’m home alone.
So… while this isn’t an advertised usage for this product – it definitely fits the bill as a great alternative to a microphone.
This brings me to MY CONTEST!
YOU can win an OLFA® Splash 45MM Rotary Cutter and a 45MM Endurance Rotary Blade.
This is going down on Instagram. To be eligible – all you have to do is post a photo and/or video of yourself rocking out in your sewing space using the hashtag #sewingroomrockstar. You must also tag @sewingreport and @olfacreates in either the tag and/or caption. The deadline is 11:59PM ET on Friday, March 31, 2017. I’ll choose my favorite, based on humor and creativity – and notify you via DM.
MORE ABOUT OLFA: Over the past three decades, the OLFA® brand’s rotary cutting technology has provided quilters – from the novice to the expert – with the tools they need to make the sharpest cuts for any quilting project. From ergonomic and quick-change, to rotary circle cutters, OLFA’s continued commitment to innovation has transformed the quilting industry and enabled quilters around the world to create any project with ease.
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Sweepstakes starts April 17, 2017 12 p.m. CST and ends at 7/15/17 11:59:59 PM CT. Must be a legal resident of 50 US/DC and at least 18 years of age. For Official Rules, including how to enter, prize details and restrictions, visit www.olfa.com/quiltcruise. Prize include transportation to cruise departure port. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: OLFA, NA distributed by World Kitchen, LLC, 9525 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 300 Rosemont, IL 60018
Disclaimer: I received complimentary products in exchange for this post, but all opinions expressed are 100% my own and I choose to work with brands I personally like and recommend to others.
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