Taking the Plunge
#11
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As far as the rest of the OP's question goes...
Definitely get the extra cutting "mat/pad" (this is the part that goes on top of the fabric after it's on the die). These do wear out fairly quickly. When using them, be sure to "stagger" how you place them across the die - if you keep placing them the exact same way, the die will cut into them deeper and deeper, eventually cutting all the way through.
If you're an applique person, they have numerous dies that are perfect for applique.
Definitely think about the shapes you use the most. For example, it seems that Bonnie Hunter uses the "tri-recs" triangle in a square rather extensively, especially in her Mystery Quilts. The corresponding Accuquilt die was a lifesaver for me on this (Accuquilt actually has 3 sizes of this die). The HST dies are awesome as well, and of course the strip dies.
Before you buy one of their "block" sets, look to see just which dies that entails, and THINK about how you would (or would NOT) use them. It's not a bargain if you only use one particular die from the set.
I agree with the remark about using a Sharpie on the foam to better differentiate where the blades of the die lie. Most of my dies are older (before they started doing the "two-tone" effect), so this was critical for me.
Last edited by letawellman; 01-16-2017 at 01:46 PM.
#12
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I have a bunch of dies, and have used most of them. However, the ones I use most frequently are the strip dies. I really think they are the bread and butter of the dies. You can use the strip dies to cut sashing, borders, bindings, squares and diamonds. The other dies I use the most are the quilt block dies, like the Hunter's Star. I would never have tried to make a Hunter's Star quilt without the GO die. No ways was I going to cut all those little triangles and strange shapes by the hundreds with my rotary cutter and hope I cut them true enough to make all the little pieces fit together properly. With the GO die it was so easy, and all the little pieces fit together perfectly. I hope you end up loving your GO as much as I love mine
#14
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Homosassa, FL
Posts: 2,267
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Decide if you want the 6", 8", 10" or 12" boxed dies in a book form. I bought the 8" and I usually make a 12" block but I have not used them enough to know what I really want. Some new and used dies are for sale on ebay and you can trade with or use friends' dies also. I have the Go Big and I am glad I purchased that one. I had both shoulders operated and right now have lots of pain. Pills every day. It's tough getting old.
Had a vet, now gone, and he used to say"getting old is NOT for the weak", Boy was he right.
#15
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,529
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]565940[/ATTACH]
The foam side is the top side, not the under side. You put the fabric on top of the die, the cutting mat on top of the fabric, then put it through the cutter, which presses down on the mat.
Last edited by Peckish; 01-17-2017 at 10:03 AM.
#17
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Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 383
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Julie, thanks for the advice! Someone else has just mentioned that their best purchase was the strip die. Would you recommend the 2.5"? I have a budget to still care for...
I have a bunch of dies, and have used most of them. However, the ones I use most frequently are the strip dies. I really think they are the bread and butter of the dies.
I have a bunch of dies, and have used most of them. However, the ones I use most frequently are the strip dies. I really think they are the bread and butter of the dies.
#18
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Neuras,
The 2 1/2 inch strip die is probably the one strip die that I use the most. I use it for all my bindings, I make jelly rolls with it and I cut all my 2 1/2 squares for 9 patch quilts. I definitely use this one the most. In fact it was one of the first strip dies I bought.
The 2 1/2 inch strip die is probably the one strip die that I use the most. I use it for all my bindings, I make jelly rolls with it and I cut all my 2 1/2 squares for 9 patch quilts. I definitely use this one the most. In fact it was one of the first strip dies I bought.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
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Julie, thanks for the advice! Someone else has just mentioned that their best purchase was the strip die. Would you recommend the 2.5"? I have a budget to still care for...
I have a bunch of dies, and have used most of them. However, the ones I use most frequently are the strip dies. I really think they are the bread and butter of the dies.
I have a bunch of dies, and have used most of them. However, the ones I use most frequently are the strip dies. I really think they are the bread and butter of the dies.
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