I checked with my doctor and my hand complaints seem to be over-use issues so my new tools should help significantly.  The other day I received the tools I ordered from Martelli Notions.  Here is the rotary cutter, ruler and self-healing mat:

Here’s a close up of the rotary cutter:

It is an easy position for the hand.  It did take me a few minutes to get accustomed to the proper amount of pressure as I was teaching my muscles new things.  It is a more natural pressure from the hand and shoulder, I think, versus the fingers and wrist.

Here is the cutter in use, but the latter photo is not in action.  I’ll make sure my wrist is in a straight position when using.  Note, there is no longer the awkward twisting of the wrist necessary when using the usual rotary cutter.

With this new ruler I just rest my hand.  The weight of my hand is sufficient to hold it in place.  The old position directed all the pressure through the fingers into the tips in an effort to hold the ruler in place.  Now, little pressure is required.  I’ll fine tune the hand positions.  Note my little splint…one of my complaints turned out to be a trigger finger, an over-use issue, so this is resting my finger.

I love the size of this mat.  I can cut without reshifting the fabric.  The mat heals so quickly that sometimes it swallows up loose threads, but with a quick passover with my hand or a cloth, the threads disappear.  I’m really happy with the ease of using these tools and I am glad I decided to make the change.  I purchased these tools so this is an impartial opinion.  I’ll let you know if this is a successful change in the longterm, but presently it seems like a good decision.

…always a messy studio.  Happy quilting!