If you want to cut applique shapes you should check out the Silhouette Cameo. It is a machine for scrapbooking, but can also cut fabric that is backed with Heat and Bond Lite. There are no dies - all of the designs are digital. If you have a machine embroidery design, you can even import it. Here is a great post about it.
http://terrijohnsoncreates.com/2012/...lique-designs/