Dear all,
I was asked to bring in my Accuquilt die cut machine and do a brief demo at my guild this month. I consider it a success because I didn't melt into a puddle of nerves! I can sing and dance in front of children all day (who cares what they think of me, anyway!!), but when it comes to adults, ugh.

I offered to cut one members quilt for free. She chose the diamond star pattern. King size--over 2,000 pieces. Just finished cutting the binding for her last night.

I had several other inquiries and one member wants me to cut a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt for her. It was also suggested that I present at the other local guilds. So I guess it was a success in more than one way!

Here is the Diamond Star:

Glad you didn't melt into a bundle of nerves. I know how that is!
I keep looking at that machine, but cannot convince myself I need to spend the money for it.
Maybe I'll just hire someone to cut my pieces for me when I get the urge to start the Grandmothers Flower Garden. That would be the only reason why I would buy the machine because those pieces would drive me bonkers to cut.

But, glad you had a great experience!

Give me a holler when you want those pieces cut! I have two sized of hexagons now.
Rose

I'll let you know and gladly pay you for doing it for me! :)
It might be sometime after Christmas so that way, I can handsew <gasp> them while traveling cross country in the spring.

I figure that since I cannot hand sew really well, that a GFG would be the easiest thing for me to put together, don't you think?
Plus, if Rose is willing to cut the pieces for me, that makes it even better!
Guess I better get started collecting some fabric for it, huh? Wonder how much I need......let's see, a fat quarter is 18x22, so if I need....ugh! My head hurts! lol

I have also gotten addicted to hand sewing! My 2 yr. old likes me to sit and watch him play with his trains--heaven forbid I touch his toys--I don't make the right train sounds. LOL so I sit and applique while he plays and we are both happy.
Rose

how exciting for you. :D

I had another customer just send me a box of scraps and I cut all of them for her. She had about 2300 hexagons when I got done.!!

Rose

I don't have many scraps left. Have sent them to those in need.
How long did it take you to cut that many?

About 6 hours.
Rose

WOW!!!
to do it by hand would take 6 years!

Just saw this cutting thing on Alex Anderson's webpage. Interesting - very interesting. Bet it's pricey.

Rose, do you have the GO! cutter or the Studio Cutter??

I have the GO and I just love it but the Studio has many more different dies...

Congrats on standing up in front of people and showing them how to use the cutter. Yeah, I know, it's not difficult when you're in your sewing room but I have a feeling everything would go wrong if I tried to show a bunch of people.... :D :D

Sounds like you had a sucessful demonstration and a lucrative sideline started!!! :D :D :D

That looks like such a cool machine. I'm glad your demo went well. Sound like you could make some money doing this.

I had another customer just send me a box of scraps and I cut all of them for her. She had about 2300 hexagons when I got done.!!

Rose
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If you're getting paid for this, and I REALLY hope you are, you'll earn back what you paid for it. Just out of curiousity, how much do you charge?

Something we should all think about if we're hankering for one of the dern things!

I have the Studio. I had the Mark IV for years, but upgraded last year when I started my business.
Rose

If you're getting paid for this, and I REALLY hope you are, you'll earn back what you paid for it. Just out of curiousity, how much do you charge?

Something we should all think about if we're hankering for one of the dern things![/quote]

I used to charge custom pricing, but math is not my strong suit, so I simplified it and charge 10 cents/piece if the customer provides the fabric or 30 cents a piece if I provide the fabric. I do not charge extra for shipping, unless its overseas. I also cut paper with my machine--so I do special orders for scrapbooking and card makers. At craft fairs the shapes I cut and bag go really fast also.

Rose

[quote=Rose Hall]Wow! 2300 pieces x 10 cents each = $230! You'll pay for that Studio fast!
Does the paper dull the cutters faster than fabric? And is there a way to sharpen them?

The dies are guarenteed (sp?? sorry, its early here) for life and paper does not dull them. Originally Accucut was marketed to teachers etc. for bullentin boards etc. I know that is how I first discovered them years ago.
Rose

Boy this post started the wheels turning. As most of those who have been on chat know my 15 yr old grand daughter who lives with me has Autism. She is becoming an avid and very good (perfection is her goal) quilter. The school is working with us to help her develop this into some type of work which would earn income for her in the future. Perhaps we should be looking into this in order for her to be able to cut fabric for others. She has learned to use an engraving machine at school and of course has not settled for anything less than perfection.

Tlrnhi--I had no problems cutting hexagons--just cut strips with a rotary cutter and then cut around the hexagon with the rotary cutter as well. I have the metal hexagon templates from the Smiths in Poquoson, VA and they are wonderful templates. Also, as for the material, I chose the 1930's reproduction--that way I could keep going back for material and did not have to worry about "running out." It makes a beautiful GFG quilt. Will try to post one day. Sue