Sandra-P

Finally the Studio came back on sale and I got the go ahead from hubby to order it! When I told him I needed the dies for it too he said "Get what you need" Well....I wanted so many and still don't know which ones to choose. I know I will use the 2 1/2 strip cutter, and some of the applique shapes, but other than those which ones do you use or love the most? There is a big I want vs I need, and I want to get them while they are on sale then slowly accumulate them. Have you purchased the bundles with several different dies or do you find that getting them individually is better? Oh, and hubby does not know how much they cost so I am sure he was thinking to himself "how much could the dies really be?" :-)

patricej

i do mostly 12" blocks so the 2-1/2" half-square triangles and squares get used a lot.
i bought the dies that have lots of them on each die.
i also bought the 17-1/2" double wedding ring dies.
i am working on my 3d DWR top. would likely never have done even one if i'd had to paper piece it or cut all those little pieces with a rotary cutter and template.

PaperPrincess

They have dies on sale for 40% off several times a year. I know you want to just jump right in, but I would get the ones you need this first go around. I would also look at dies that work well together, such as the 2 1/2" strip and the 2 1/2" triangles. They also sell bundles for finished 8, 10 and 12" blocks with generic shapes that can be used for many different blocks. Instead of some 'want' dies, I would purchase the accessories first. You will need the extended tray for using the long strip dies:
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/studio...-1-4-x-27.html
you will also need the extended cutting plastic.
I would also invest in the larger GO! adaptor
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-die...o-10-x-24.html
Although the go dies cut fewer layers they are less expensive and might be a better choice for those 'want it' dies that will get less use.

ManiacQuilter2

I agree with what you need over what you want. Think of what you have planed to make in the next year. There will always be another sale. The 2.5" strip cutter would be a must for me. He sounds like a keeper. Enjoy.

Candace

The strip dies are the most used in my house. I'm getting all the sizes over time.

ClairVoyantQuilter

Depends what you enjoy most. My focus is on piecing and the strip dies are invaluable. Not only for strips, but squares diamonds and rectangles.

In my quest to rush into getting various sized shapes, I bought dies that cut a single square, rectangle, etc. total waste of money. They waste fabric and time.

If you like to strip your fabric stash . . .the 1.5", 2.5" and 3.5" are perfect. Additionally, I have many patterns that call for 3.5" squares, so the 3.5" strip is used often.

I made this top a couple of weeks ago . . .i started with a jelly roll and white yardage . . .but all the jellyroll strips were subcut and all the white cut and subcut using various strip dies. Whole thing took an hour to cut out and because the pieces were more precise than my rotary cutting, it went together quick.

KalamaQuilts

I can't remember if it was here or on Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville Studio group, but a member had a special die made that was brilliant making the most useful Scrap Savers System cuts out of one full machine size of fabric.

Were I to get one that is the one I'd get. That die must be listed on their site because I know others ordered it.

nannyrick

That is one pretty quilt. I love it.

Sandra-P

Robin, beautiful quilt, makes me happy just looking at it.

Annaquilts

I would get the bundle to make 12 inch blocks and then get additional dies so you can make 6 inch blocks or whatever size else you make. Get the 2 1/2 strip cutter and any BOB you like, winding ways or other rounded shapes.