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Originally Posted by eastslopequilter
(Post 7724110)
I have had trouble with the 2 1/2 in strip die buckling and the 5 in sq not cutting accurately each time. I wish I had never spent the money for them
bkay |
I have had the Studio for a long time and now look for any way to use it instead of cutting with rotary or scissors. I am losing a lot of strength in both my hands as I get older and find that when using a rotary blade, often not a good cut. I encourage you to look at the strip dies. I wait until they go onsale (40-50% off) at the website and buy one when I can. I have thus accumulated all of them over time. I have marked each of my strip dies for squares and triangle and half triangle cuts. Take a silver pen and mark different lines on the strip dies to get each cut (you can remove this line with alcohol if you choose). For example cut 2 1/2 inch strips, mark cross lines on the strip die at 90 degrees with a ruler, line the stips to that line and cut again, thus 2 1/2 inch squares. You can also mark 60 degree and 45 degree lines to get diamonds or triangles. So, in my opinion, strip dies are the most cost effective buy you can make. I would also invest in 8 1/2 inch through 12 1/2 inch squares as these are common block sizes. I think you should think about what kind of quilts you like to make and see if the above description fits. If you are an applique loving quilter, then possibly add some applique dies to your die inventory. Hope this Helps
Mel |
I mark all over my die foam. LOL Some of my dies are so old they fall out of the green board. I glue them back in using Elmer's All Purpose Glue. DH had honed some of older straight die blades super sharp. My 2 1/2 square dies never did cut all the way though even after two replacements and the blades are awkward to hone so I added a piece of cutting mat over the die mat to put more pressure on the die. It cuts perfectly. I don't use more then two layers of fabric with the extra thickness. I'm not saying do what I do, I can replace my dies and cutter so it doesn't bother me to experiment with it.
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Originally Posted by crowmel
(Post 7724876)
I have had the Studio for a long time and now look for any way to use it instead of cutting with rotary or scissors. I am losing a lot of strength in both my hands as I get older and find that when using a rotary blade, often not a good cut. I encourage you to look at the strip dies. I wait until they go onsale (40-50% off) at the website and buy one when I can. I have thus accumulated all of them over time. I have marked each of my strip dies for squares and triangle and half triangle cuts. Take a silver pen and mark different lines on the strip dies to get each cut (you can remove this line with alcohol if you choose). For example cut 2 1/2 inch strips, mark cross lines on the strip die at 90 degrees with a ruler, line the stips to that line and cut again, thus 2 1/2 inch squares. You can also mark 60 degree and 45 degree lines to get diamonds or triangles. So, in my opinion, strip dies are the most cost effective buy you can make. I would also invest in 8 1/2 inch through 12 1/2 inch squares as these are common block sizes. I think you should think about what kind of quilts you like to make and see if the above description fits. If you are an applique loving quilter, then possibly add some applique dies to your die inventory. Hope this Helps
Mel |
Originally Posted by quiltingshorttimer
(Post 7725426)
my strip dies have the angles marked for the diamonds. I really like the strip dies!
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Thanks everyone -- gives me a lot to think about and look into. I have to clean a spot in the sewing room for the Go, then I can play.
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My Accuquilt Go came today! It was Christmas present from my son. He found out I was bidding on one of Ebay and didn't get it. He said, Heck, I will buy you a brand new one. Order it up. The box is rather heavy so i didn't even try to get it unpacked. My son with the muscles will be here tomorrow to help. I am starting to have major problems with my hands and shoulders so I am looking forward to being able to cut quilt pieces accurately with this.
Thanks for the posts. It has given me ideas on which dies would be most useful for me. |
I recently ordered the 12 " go big cube. Hopefully my eyesight and hand coordination will be a thing of the past when I use it.
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I have set up the Go Big and have a few dies -- wow this is a space hog in my tiny sewing room. DS helped me carry it. Took me about 10 minutes to figure out how to open the thing -- couldn't find the info in any of the documentation (it just showed how to cut). I just ordered the 12" mix and match but will be working with the dies I have until it gets here. Thanks for all your help.
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Don't go broke buying all the dies. This machine lasts a long time. Buy what you need, when you need it. Add to your die collection as they go on sale. I've done this over the years and enjoyed the growth without going broke.
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