Olfa ~ 35th Anniversary

Did you know the Olfa Rotary Cutter turns 35 this year? Which means I’m actually older than the rotary cutter. I think this gives me some sort of quilter street cred, right? Except that I never actually quilted without using one. I honestly can’t imagine creating a quilt without these handy little cutters and I’m guessing most of you feel the same way.

At Quilt Market last Spring I was lucky enough to attend a breakfast with the Olfa team – and we were able to see that original invention. The first one was yellow and everything!

In celebration, Olfa asked me to participate in a project and make a 6-1/2″ quilt block for a big birthday quilt. They sent this very fun box of goodies to use – a mini rotary cutter (I’m told these are great for cutting curves!), a 6-1/2″ frosted quilting ruler, and a spinning cutting mat. I was most excited to try out the cutting mat. I’ve been eyeing these for quite some time.

These mats are fun because you can place your fabric/block once – trim.

Then spin the mat – trim again. You don’t need to pick up your fabric and reposition.

I decided to make my block using 3.5″ flying geese blocks. (Get it – 35th anniversary…3.5″ blocks?) For the background I used some scrappy patchwork which reminds me of the 1970′s.

The flying geese are yellow because – well Olfa = Yellow!

Happy 35th Birthday Olfa!