So why didn't I think about this before?

I do lots of stripes and layers on layouts.  I have a 22" x 17" mat and it always bothers me that I can't fit my two pagers on a mat where I can use the sides as measurements.  I recently found a YouTuber who primarily creates Close To My Heart pages.  While I am not in love with the mostly pastel(ish) paper lines, I do enjoy her finished product.  She uses two Versa Mats.  Thought I would try two of them.  Got them yesterday and sat down to play, and for me, they are game changers for my many stripes.  So much easier than my t-square ruler and my 18 inch ruler I was using.  I just put a little repositionable  tape on the back of my base paper and go.  

I don't know if anyone else gets frustrated with the 22" cutting mats, but in my one day experience, I am super happy.

I am not affiliated with CTMH.  I just thought I'd share something that works so much better for me.
www.closetomyheart.com/retail/product.aspx?itemid=3385