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Originally Posted by roxannebcb
Another idea - I would purchase a serger if you don't have one. I just got one and it is fabulous.
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I'd probably go for the EQ7 software. I don't have much interest in the Accuquilt since I've cut my quilts for years and for the money, I can buy fabric. The software though is something I'm thinking about seriously. I am thinking that I might get into the Dear Jane/Civil War Love Letter/etc...quilts and the software, I understand, allows you to print out blocks for paper piecing. I do alot of designing in my head so I would really need the software for the blocks I would have had to draw out by hand. I read in Quilter's Home that the strip machine has a steep learning curve. Don't know if this helps but good luck.
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Originally Posted by LastGrandma
The Simplicity Fabric Strip Cutter does not seem to be real sturdy or stress free. And I usually can cut my strips accurately.
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I guess the question is - do want to design your quilts or have accurate cuts - I would go with cutting -
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I have the Accuquilt Go, and I LOVE it!
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i am saving and checking out prices for the accuquilt go
the accu go baby is on sale all over the place right now |
I have a copy of both EQ4 and EQ5 and some of the accompanying books. I've not had the energy/clear headed-ness to use the program to anything near it's capacity. That said, if you want the EQ, I would suggest ebay or Amazon. I got the EQ4 for a few bucks and I thought it was just the book, had the disc with it!
They issued EQ6 and EQ7 practically right on top of each other so there may be lots of copies around now. If you join The American Quilters Society you can get a really nice discount on software if you buy it thru them, the discount is especially great if you buy 6 or more books or software packages. |
what is EZ7 quilt
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Originally Posted by gollytwo
I think I'd use it for fabric and books.
If I had to choose - I'd go for the Accuquilt. |
I have EQ6 and like it a lot, but it was helpful to me to take a 2-day workshop to learn all the "ins and outs" of the program. It's not hard, but just not always intuitive. Be sure to buy the guides that are available. It's a good product. I'd probably buy the AccuCut only if I were planning to do a lot of applique, although various threads here make it sound wonderful...may have to consider getting one someday! The big drawback for me on it is the ongoing cost of buying more dies and then storing them.
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Originally Posted by LastGrandma
I have accumulated some cash to spend on quilting this holiday season. And can't make up my mind as to what I want to buy. I have enough to get the EQ7 or the AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter or the Simplicity Fabric Strip Cutter. What to do? What to do?
I am not an artsy quilter, but love to make all kinds of quilts and things. Don't know that I would use the EQ7 to it's fullest, but would it help me that much with original quilts -- photos turned into quilts or landscape quilts? (I am very computer literate and am married to a guy that can help me if I get stuck; so no concerns there.) AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter would be helpful with accurate cutting of triangles and other applique shapes, but I see the dies as a real budget killer. The Simplicity Fabric Strip Cutter does not seem to be real sturdy or stress free. And I usually can cut my strips accurately. So now that I have written this out, it appears that my choices are really between the EQ7 or the AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter. Which would you chose and why? I am so torn. Thanks for any help you can give me.... |
Just buy fabric!!!
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Open Office is a free downloadable package with word processor, spread sheet, design and draw program, etc. Design to your hearts content, have a good time, it's easy. However, nothing I've tried compares with the EQ programs. (I have several draw programs which I use for other things too,) The learning curve is awkward, but well worth the time spent playing with it. My Sizzix cuts fabric too, but I found a lot of waste associated with it, and elected against the Accucut devices on that account. The strip cutter is OK, but by the time I get it set-up and adjusted, I'd be through cutting with the rotary cutter.
My vote is cast for you to get the software. |
I spend hours on the computer on my quilt programs, and probably an equal amount of time on my Accuquilt cutting out those patterns! Sorry, not much help, lol!!!
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Everything I have read about the EQ7 sounds good to me, I have been thinking about that one myself. I would be leaning to pick that one.
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it comes down to do you like to make YOUR quilts, or just make copycat (cookie cutter cut outs) quilts?
I have the die cutter and dies, and the EQ7 and I still prefer the EQ7...for many reasons! one more thing to consider, is that Ellison, the makers of sizzix, is bringing out 2 cutters for quilting that are going to blow Accuquilt out of the water....#1- they are easier to use, #2- they are cheaper to buy, #3- they will take any and ALL makes of dies...Accuquilt can not even interchange its own dies within their machines.... |
Originally Posted by LastGrandma
Originally Posted by featherweight
The only thing I can say is cross the Simplicity cutter off your list. Check the threads about this machine.
So now that I have written this out, it appears that my choices are really between the EQ7 or the AccuQuilt Fabric Cutter. yeh, money better spent on fabric. |
Originally Posted by LastGrandma
I am not an artsy quilter, but love to make all kinds of quilts and things. Don't know that I would use the EQ7 to it's fullest, but would it help me that much with original quilts -- photos turned into quilts or landscape quilts? (I am very computer literate and am married to a guy that can help me if I get stuck; so no concerns there.)
do just that. Have fun. :D http://www.vam.ac.uk/microsites/quilts/patchwork |
I would choose the EQ7, it has a LOT of possibilities. There is so much I could do from my computer with that one. And I can cut with a rotary cutter
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If it were me I would go with the Accu Quilt. The EQ7 may take some committment to learn to fully use, and strips are the easy part of cutting. Definitely the AccuQuilt.
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I personally would not get the Accuquilt cutter unless I was willing to put aside money for purchasing new cutters. Unless you have the cutters you like it wont get used. Are you computer savvy? EQ would not be the best purchase for someone who does not like to use the computer. If you are still unsure of what to buy then maybe you shouldn't buy anything, yet. You could put the money aside until something catches your fancy. Its nice to have options isn't it?
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Have you looked at the QuiltCut2 Fabric custting system by Altos? www.sewEZquilting.com. I sure like mine and 2 of my friends also have this system and like it. Carol Bledsoe is the Rep for our area (Oregon) and she has wonderful customer service.
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If you like to design your quilts, I would think you would get more use out of EQ. I just bought Alto's Quick Quilt Cutter and I love it. It is good for strips, squares, triangles etc. You use your rotary cutter so yo don't have to buy any dies. It does not cut flowers, bears and odd cuts like the Accuquilt.
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you have great idea's. just depend on your needs.
1) i prefer to cut my own fabric. i like the idea of making my quilts from the get go..just me..i guess.. 2) prefer quilt books,magazine. love looking at pictures and ideas. plus they great instructions. so i wouldn't use the computer much.. 3) fabric (never have enough) altho i am trying to use up what i have. 4) thread, batting, needles, etc.. Happy shopping and i know you will buy what you need and feel best suits you.. :-D :-D :-D |
I agree - buy fabric. Personally none of the options here would be my desire. I would purchase good - I mean REALLY good scissors - new blades - good irons - and more fabric! Especially now with all the sales. EQ 7 is not cheap!
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Originally Posted by JulieM
I have a quiltcut2 and love it.
JulieM |
forgot about the Alto cutter, if you are not into shaped, then this would be better than the accucutter!
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Thanks to all the opinions and with limited funds my choice has been made easy. Can do a lot more with sewing machine upgrade. Appreciate the input.
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Originally Posted by gollytwo
I think I'd use it for fabric and books.
If I had to choose - I'd go for the Accuquilt. |
It's a hard decision. I also look for classes to take that teach techniques and special quilting styles.
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Originally Posted by roxannebcb
I agree - buy fabric. Personally none of the options here would be my desire. I would purchase good - I mean REALLY good scissors - new blades - good irons - and more fabric! Especially now with all the sales. EQ 7 is not cheap!
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I hear you on that one. Good thread is even a big expense now.
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