And I'm not even new at this...
 

What lift do you get with an Accuquilt and dies? Sorry to be so ignorant, but I don't hang out at quilt shops nor have I ever had a class, or I would probably be a fan, too. How does it work?

You get accurate, repetitive cuts. So for instance, all your 2.5" strips are 2.5" every time. You don't get that 'ruler nudge' error.
If you do applique, you can iron the fusible onto your fabric, then cut a shape. Again, same shape every time. As you get more used to the equipment, your cutting speed will also increase.
Look here for more info:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3ka4EcSsrk
Some folks complain that it wastes fabric, but I don't get any more waste than with a rotary cutter. Not sure what they are doing...

Thank you for that link. I watched two videos and have a much better idea now. Afraid to look at the cost, but don't need it right now anyway.

If you want on e bay you can get a great price. That is how I purchased mine and all the dies. I would replace it if need be. It makes cutting 70% faster and totally accurate!

I can see how it would help with accuracy--a lot! I must say I frustrate myself sometimes with long strips and a little slippage.

eBay, Craigslist...great idea! Thank you.

If you are unsure about the die cut machines, get the Go Baby. Inexpensive and the dies will work with a Go later if you decide to go bigger. I posted a link a few days ago where the Go Baby was on sale for $69.95 until supplies run out. This time of year is a great time to buy a die cut machine. Accuquilt has a sale and free shipping going right now. I use my Go more then my rotary cutter. It is as important to me as my sewing machine.

I have the go baby and love it for half square triangles. I have some applique dies and the only one I have used is the heart. For that I did put the heat and bond on the back before cutting.

I got the AccuQuiltGo and a few dies when it first came out, and I have not regretted it. I recently got the 2.25 inch strip die cut...perfect for cutting binding strips. Accuracy is well worth the cost and you can now buy the cutting machine and dies for less through eBaby, Amazon, etc.

I have about all the Go dies now. I watch for a deep discount or clearance sale and buy a few at at time. I buy new mats when I buy the dies. I found that the worn mats on some dies can be used like new on other dies. The areas used are different on each die. My favorite die right now is the 8 1/2" rag die. I can make a large rag quilt start to finish in less then 4 hours. Those that say the fabric waste is too much haven't used one or used it incorrectly or be like my DGD and cut right out of the center of a piece of fabric. LOL

I bought mine at Shoppersrule.com. You name the price, if it is accepted just finish the order & it is yours in a few days. I also buy all of my dies there when they are on sale.

I sure would like to see that Baby work. I've never seen it done, and am very curious about how it works.

I've had the studio and go baby. I had to seriously down-size and every inch counts where I am now so I went to the go baby. Happy with both, but the baby is light weight, small and does the trick for the shapes I like.

A hint on the rag quilt die, if you take a solid back, layer your batting and top fabric on, then put rag cut pieces on - spacing them evenly and leaving a little area between. Then cut a square 2" smaller than the precut piece, and fringe it. Lay it on top of the precut piece. Pin them in place and you can stitch around the two squares and you are quilted and pieced at the same time. Take to a commercial laundromat - save on plumbing costs.
I had a lot of the navy plaid flannel, so i just used navy for the contrast squares and binding. Very quick - Miss Daisy gives her approval
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Will using the Accuquilt eliminate the "v's" that I all too often cut into my long strips?

JoAnn's has 40% off on Accuquilt dies today. Sadly, they don't have all the dies, but it's a good day to stock up! You can also order on-linean get 40% off - lots more dies to choose from.

As for the dreaded Vs in cutting strips, yu still have to carefully line up your fabic, but cutting strips is one of my favorite things to do with Accuquilt. So very fast! I have all the strip dies. I haven't started using the applique dies yet - that's my next goal!

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Thanks for that answer, Joanne. I figured as much. I'm contemplating getting a cutter. I guess there are dies for cutting the flying geese units Bonnie Hunter is using in her mystery quilt. They're taking me forever and I just had my first big rotary cutter/finger incident last night. That's really slowing me down!

Yes, the GO does eliminate sliced fingers! I have had mine for more than ayearand use it more often than not. Sub cutting is very quick without, too. I haven't used the appliqués yet,but witha new granddaughter, no doubt will. Be!

I have the accuquilt go also and had a terrible time with the rag quilting square cutting. It didn't cut the square and fringe completely. It was still attached in places. Please tell me what I did wrong. Wyvonne