clsurz

I opted for the Sizzix Big Shot Pro Westminster Edition cutter over the Accuquilt Studio one for a couple reasons...... 1) price - Accuquilt Studio is $549+ and 2) it uses only it's dies in it.

My Westminster cutter 1) price was half of the studio 2) uses ALL dies from all name brands... yes even the accuquilt one's with the exception of the jumbo and extra large accuquilt dies.

I've been using most of the Accuquilt studio dies with exception of above mentioned sizes, the Go dies, Sizzix dies, Ellison, etc.

I paid $280.00 for my Westminster compared to over $549 for the Studio.

Another reason I went with that machine is not just to cut fabrics but also other type materials from paper, cardstock, chipboard, vinyl, etc although I have other cutters for that. It also is an embossing machine.

I am however using it only for fabric right now.

clsurz

You can cut mulitples in one shot compared to cutting one at a time with templates. Saves a whole lot of time and also gives more accurate cuts especially if you have unsteady hands for whatever reason.

I bought the Sizzix Westminster one in lieu of the Accuquilt Studio due to pricing however if I had not had another choice I would have gladly invested in the studio one. With all it does you would get your money's worth and than some back saving lots of time in preping to applique or piece to sew.

I can cut 8-10 deep with my machine in one pass easily. So say you need 40 of one you only need to cut 5 times versus 40 by hand with a template.

jaciqltznok

for those with the GO and accuquilt products, you do realize that their website has FREE patterns you can download right?
there is also a yahoogroup called accuquilters and they are forever taking a designers pattern and remaking to make it accuquilt cutter friendly.(not sure if it is legal though)

there are also 2 books out with patterns.

clsurz

Yes dies are expensive but if you shop around you can get them for literally pennies on the dollar. eBay is a good place to find them.

I just acquired 20 of them in bundles on eBay all for less than $300.00 which averages out to about $15 each and these retail from $34.99 to as high as $60.00 for one's I got. There were a couple or so that were lower than $34.99 retail and those I got for about $12. and some change. My averaging cost also included shipping if there was such in the auction.

Dolphyngyrl

You don't really need one, its more of a want, an expensive one at that for something you can do with a rotary cutter and scissors for much cheaper. I personally probably won't get one until i have arthritis and its hard for me to cut. Can't really justify the price for something i can already do myself, now if i get one as a gift, thats a different story

Robin M

I have the first quilt cut that came out. I love mine also. Sometime I would like to upgrade to the 2nd version.

Candace

This is a misconception that I keep seeing here. The Accuquilt Studio/Grande Mark sells a special tray adaptor for other manufacturers dies!!! I don't know why people keep saying Ellison and other manufacturers dies don't work with the STUDIO, they do. The GO and Baby GO are the only ones that won't take other manufacturer's dies...

Here is the link http://www.accucuteducation.com/Gran...ter-P2954.aspx the adaptor is $25 and clearly states Place adapter in the base of an AccuCut GrandeMARK die tray to use with Sizzix(R) and Ellison(R) AllStar(R) dies. Also compatible with retired AccuCut Zip'eSlim dies.

Robin M

I have the first one that came out. Sometime I would like to get the upgraded Alto's quilt cut. I find them to work really well.

Linda1

I bought a Go cutter.off Ebay. I did not like it and sold it. It was a new toy. I am faster with the rotary cutter. I know I have read that a lot of people love theirs. I guess it is just a matter of what a person gets used to and enjoys.

The Creative Seamstress

I love my GO and do everything with it that I can to make my quilts and appliques. Sometimes the die cuts are a great starter point to make squares/triangles etc that I cut further down by hand or rotary to make particular pieces. Bottom line it saves soooo much work. As for the cost - I knew I wanted it for ever and found some really good deals on EBay. The store that I have found with some of the best deals on individual dies, die sets and GO! Machines (and almost always with extra freebies like a bottle of Best Press etc) has been the Seller/Store: QuiltingWithCricket2010. (No Affiliation - just sharing my experience for your benefit).

The sales she has sometimes as well - are just stellar! Several months ago she had EQ7 up for around $150 brand new, and specials come up with her all the time, usually a massive selection as well. When I got my GO from her - I paid $220 and got a free bottle of Best Press along with it... far cheaper than you can buy the GO almost anywhere else, so you might want to check out and see what they are offerring now. Seriously - buy the GO! it was the best investment I made to support my sewing/quilting addiction!

Explosive blessings, abundance and inspiration to you all!
- The Creative Seamstress