tellabella

I have been reseaching these machines and I wanted to share what I learned because when I did a search for Sizzix on this board I didn't find that much about it...anyway I had bad luck with the Accuquilt...won't get into that story now (I know a lot of you seem to love them)...and so I decided to look into Sizzix..I spoke with Head Office numerous times, many reps and distributors, and lots of retailers too...and some of the retailers (that carry both Sizzix and Accuquilt) seem to think that Sizzix is going to be much more in the forefront with time...???

Sizzix is big into scrapbookingas as you probably know...

..so when I researched them I found it a little confusing as to what these machines are for -paper..fabric???...I wasn't sure if they are good for quilters because all you ever hear about now is Accuquilt..as least I did...

The most expensive one is the purple Big Shot Pro Westminster edition..this is the one marketed for quilters...it has a really extra long tray and is very heavy, doesn't fold up though, but it doesn't budge when you turn the handle..best part of all...Sizzix has a series of dies for quilters..and making more..plus any dies ever made by Sizzix or Ellison or Accu Cut or Accuquilt can be used on this machine...it has a 5 year warranty as opposed to 1 for Accuquilt..and it is solid and sturdy...a really neat thing too...you can have them make you custom dies..I don't know how that works yet but I thought that was really cool...for original artwork or designs..

The other Sizzix cutter is the blue Big Shot Pro...and this is where I needed clarification from the co..it doesn't really explain on the website how they are different/similar but...apparently this machine is identical to the purple one...in every respect, except, the blue one has a shorter tray...and I was told that you can always buy the longer tray down the road...everything else is the same...this is the one I bought...they don't come with dies..all of them have to be bought separately....and the Sizzix dies seem to be less expensive???

Oops, I forgot to mention that the Sizzix has a 13 inch opening..fits any die 12 inches x 12 3/4 inches...and cuts many types of materials...

I am now going to start buying some dies...
Tell me folks, which dies will I not be able to live without?
Hope you find this info helpful...and accurate...check the website out too...

PegD

I love the 2 1/2" strip cutter. Great for most projects.

Tsanchez

I have been looking at these machines myself and I was wondering the same things you were. I saw one of these Sizzix Big Shot Pro being used in a demonstration last year at a quilt show. They are unbelievable. I wouldn't use one to cut blocks or strips. I would use one more for applique. The one die cut that I really want is the large flower. I would be able to use these in some of my projects. Now, the Cricut, don't even bother trying to use this machine. It says it can cut fabric but a friend of mine brought one over that she had purchased and it really didn't cut the fabric at all. I ended up having to use scissors to finish cutting around the edges. Let me know what you think of your new machine.

leatheflea

I was looking at the accuquilt yesterday, seemed to be quite pricey. Didnt know there were other systems out there. Thanks for the heads up.

Candace

I'd like to hear the story with Accuquilt. LOL:> I love my Studio, but I've heard of some problems with the GO.

Research the "Vagabond" that is just now being released. It's an electric version and although it's not as large a cutting area as the Studio, it seems comparable to the GO.

I think the main issue I'd have with these machines is that most only cut like on layer of fabric. But the Vagabond may be a great choice for some people over the GO. If you can get past the fact that it's UGLY.(IMHO) ;>

MTS

Still can't get past that, huh? I'm telling you, it's supposed to be quirky :wink:

And the Vagabond can cut 12 layers. I'm going to get one in January - I can't fit one more thing in my sewing room right now, not even a little suitcase.

Candace

Guilty as charged. I know, I know it was designed by a man. I would have much rather have seen something that resembled a purse. And a different color. Are they being sold in stores yet? Comfortable shoes are usually ugly too and they do their job. Maybe I'll get over it time;>

stewyscrewy

wow If only..... they have a great price on the big shot. It is only 99.99 but he dies are roughly 50 to 80 bucks each..

dmyers

i too own the accuquilt studio and love it! i did purchase a cricut $59 to cut out letters to applique, because i couldn't justify the cost of the letter dies from accuquilt. plus i don't have the room for all the dies and rather use the space for dies i'd use more often. i looked into the sizzix and didn't find much about fabric cutting, but that was years ago. i did go recently and see that their dies are much cheaper than the dies from accucut. so that's always a plus. but also see that they have a limited amount. i too am at a limit and can't keep adding more gadgets to my sewing room, than i'd have less space to actually sew.

tellabella

I bought the Accuquilt in summer across the border ih the US...emailed customer service at Accuquilt to see if I could deal with them since I am in Canada..didn't answer right away.. wrote back...first email said "we" as in Accuquilt was going to contact store..then emailed me back saying I misunderstood them "I " had to email store...called store..said I HAD to bring it THERE for repair...so I thought it was done deal. wasn't going back to the store...I would have spent on gas more thand what the darn thing is worth...(I also spoke to some on this board with same broken handle problem and apparently becasue they are in US...it was easier to replace..also one person told me Accuquilt was going to send her a handle replacement kit??? I would have been happy with that but that was not an option given to me???) so I tossed the machine..garbage...since it was broken...and decided not to get all upset about..(same time I fell at work so I had bruises and a nice whiplash) a week or more
after my last email I get another email..probably the first one I sent from another person telling me that she had just found my email in SPAM....anyway, emails went back and forth.. (all of my other emails went to her SPAM..so I never knew if she got my messages...this all took over 1 month of back and forth....she spoke to the other rep...said she had advised me properly..to return it to store first...but NOW, she would have been willing to help me if I had the machine..said she was going to speak to supervisor...of course, TOO BAD, SO SAD...for me was the end result...barely an apology...
(Then yesterday when I bought the Big Pro and was testing it out, the store owner told me Accuquilt is having LOTS of problems with these handles and the next batch they are producing they are changing the way the handle is made???...just what I heard)...sturdiness doesn't compare to Big Shot...