Annaquilts

I agree with cathyvv. An alternative would be the Big Shot Pro from Sizzix. It is like Accuquilt Go or Studio but much easier to crank then the Studio or Go. I also run the Go and Studio dies on it except some for the Studio or Big Electric if they are too wide. The dies made by Sizzix are much lighter then the ones for the studio. Like the Studio from Accuquilt the Big Shot Pro from Sizzix needs a designated space as it is not very portable. Take your time and maybe check some out before buying. I ordered several Studio dies and ended up returning them because they were way to heavy for me to handle. You can run most Accuquilt dies on the Big Shot Pro Sizzix so you can shop a big variety. I do agree maybe buy as you go depending on your need. I bought a good amount and some I have not used yet. Also dies need to be store on their side like books. The Studio dies take up a very large amount of space. They are in a big piece of wood and often have a lot of space around the actual cutters. Not very efficient and making it even more unyielding. The good part of the Studio is that you can run the Go dies on it too.

As for types of dies, I like the basic ones that cut multiples of the same shape. I first invested in dies that made 12 inch blocks. finnished sizes-2,3, 4, 6 inch squares, quarter square and half square triangles that made those measurements, dies that made flying geese for 12 in. blocks, and block F. It is the center for the square in a square block that fits in the center of a 12 in. block or can be used on its own. I also have several strip cutters but generally prefer to use my June Taylor shape cutter with a rotary cutter. Oh don't forget the isosceles triangle for some stunning blocks.