So.....(alot of soooooo's today)....so I went and got my scraps...and began to play.
and play...... and play....with this 4 1/2 square die
which also has the 2 1/2 inch square on the same die... (still playing) sorry for the blurry pictures.
decided to do some butterflies...12 to be exact. Took less than minutes, probably seconds...to cut these....from scraps ......
........ and still playing.
Then....
you guessed it...
another light bulb moment.
I was given some squares before I left to the states...I would guess they were about 17 inches by 24 inches, some smaller. That is why you get the odd number of 93...yes...I made 93 tumblers.....and I timed myself. It took me 23 minutes to make 93 tumblers.....can you do that with a rotary cutter or scissors? I think not....
Then I had scraps big enough to make 2 1/2 inch squares from the scraps of the tumblers....and I got what you see below....
How many you ask? Fifty-seven of those puppies in 17 minutes...you say that you can go faster by rotary cutter....maybe so if you are cutting from yardage, remember this is scraps.....you have to position the scraps just right....so I think this is awesome. I think it would go even faster if you had more fabric to cut from.
This is the left over scraps.....
my husband was impressed with the amount of scraps or least amount...he said that was good for what all I cut up. I agree with him. I think also, once I become better accustomed with the "GO", I will have even less scraps.
So....here are the pros
1. The "GO" cutter is light.
2. Easy to operate (no electricity needed)
3. The "GO" allows you to waste little time.....what do I mean? So you send your
die through the cutter, take your cut material off and you can put material on
right there and send it back through in the opposite direction. No having to
pick up your items and move them to the other side to cut again, so you are
working from side to side.
4. Exact cuts.
5. Fast
6. Fun
7. You can minimize your scraps by placement.
8. Great for multiple projects, like charity and sew groups.
9. What I found too was when I was cutting the tumblers...it was nothing to
just put a new die in and do the 2 1/2 squares. Normally, the scraps would
just go in the scrap bin for another day. It was fast and easy just to do it
at that moment...no unnecessary scraps.... Also.....I probably would have thrown those scraps away....they were so odd shaped and really amounted to nothing but....having that 2 1/2 inch die right there....presto....no odd shapes anymore.
10. Easy on the hands, no slipping of the ruler.
I am sure there are more pros....but for only playing for a few hours, I think 10 pros is awesome...and I will probably come up with even more later....but time is of the essence...we want to get on with the giveaway so one of you can have just as much fun!
Cons.....
I don't have any!!! Really, truly....I have none. I have the 2 1/2 strip die that I have not used yet but it will cut down on binding and borders...you name it.
Thanks you AccuQuilt and Carolyn....this truly is an amazing cutter.
Now for those of you who have read this completely (I really don't like doing long post)....I am waiting for Carolyn to tell me when I can do the giveaway. When she does....you will already have one entry for commenting on this post.
106 comments:
Looks like a good deal to me.
Barb, I read yesterday's post about receiving your GO. if you had said GO one more time I swear your keyboard would have gone on strike.
Now today I can see how fast one of these can clean up ALL THOSE LEFTOVER SCRAPS in are stash rooms.
I am so happy that if I didn't win that dang thing, I am so happy you did ! ! !
Looks like it's going to be lots of fun. [as long as your fabric lasts :^)]
Hugs & ♥♥♥s,
Gerry
I don't need an entry since I was extremely lucky and won a Go! on Facebook. However, I just had to say that you are having WAAAY too much fun with this. I can't wait to get mine and see what clever ideas I can post! (so don't tell them all, okay?)
That looks truly awesome, leave it to you to find a better way!!!! Yeah!!! Can't wait for the giveaway!
Do you think you can stop playing with it long enough to start sewing all you new shapes together (LOL)? Looks fantastic!
You certainly don't waste any time, lady! Let me know how the 2.5 strips go. The butterflys are cute. I see lots of machine applique in your future. Did you adhere them to a fusible before you cut them?
Looks like you are having lots of fun.
wow Barb, sounds like you are having fun with your new toy. Do you have any idea what they cost?
I love iat too, just really need one to get rid of all the scraps I have stasked through the years, hope I win it when you post. Have a great day my friend. So glad you made it home safely!!! Blessings and hugs, Marie
I've been drooling over this for a while. The one thing that has made me hesitate is that I've seen comments about waste fabric. Can you show us more about what you do to minimize scraps by placement (pro#7)? Thank you so much...I'm really glad that you won one!
So if I comment 100 times do I get 100 entries?
Looks like you are having fun! Feel free to make some butterflies for my row.
It sounds really good. The only negatives that I have read about it was in the sewing. Some folks have said that they did not find the cuts to be completely accurate when sewing them together. Of course that could be from the sewer themself too.
The one thing I've been concerned about was waste, but it sounds like that is minimal. My hands can use the rest!
This is sweeeeet. I had know idea it was that easy to get the results you did Barb. I definitely wouldn't turn this down if luck was on my side ;o)
Carolyn
So glad you got your baby! That was a great review, always nice to hear if these gizmos work or not! I want one too! Sharonj.
Thank you for going through the way to Go works. Now I understand and the to-way cutting (forwards and back) will be a great time saver. But just how do you place scraps and know that the cutter will cut at that place?
I think I sent a comment and forgot to hit publish. Will try again. Thank you for making the GO clear as to its operation. Especially telling about the back and forth action. When you place the scraps, how do you know that the die will cover the scrap,in other words how do you place the die over the material to make sure it fits? Try the binding strips and tell us how that works. Appreciate what you are teaching us about this marvelous machine.
I know I would love to have the ability to cut precise pieces. Worth having for the tumbler cuts alone! Happy cutting! :-D
Sounds like fun!
LOL, Barb you were going so fast you didn't even slow down to focus your pictures! Thanks for the play by play, I had no idea how the GO works. I just got home from a yard sale with a bag of quilt fabric scraps to die for. It would be fun to have a GO to play with, glad you are enjoying yours.
Oh, long posts of wonderful information is okay. Especially "Go"ing towards the GO Cutter! Great giveaway!
Oh my goodness that looks like great fun too! You are so lucky!! I can see some pretty scrappy projects in your future!
I need one but will have to wait for Christmas and a sale...;-)
Enjoy,
Lola
Looks like you're having fun! Thanks for the chance!
Have you been cutting more than one layer of fabric at a time? Seems like its already saving a lot of time, but if multiple layers are possible you could save even more.
Like Susan, I'm also interested in the 2.5 inch strips. I have such trouble getting mine completely straight and would love an easier way to cut the strips.
Wow! I am impressed. This works just like the paper die cut machines apparently. Can't wait to see how you assemble all these pieces you have die cut. I should have one of these for all my scraps! Nola
I think you made good time with your scraps! I know I am tired of looking at all my scraps piling up. I've spent time cutting 2.5" squares from scraps for a 9 patch quilt. Took me loads longer to cut those than it did you.
I think your Samoan scraps will make beautiful butterflies :)
I can think of a "con" for you.....you won't want to stop cutting with your AccuQuilt GO! When you first get it, you may find you stay up all night using it! LOL.
Did you know on your applique dies you can have it cut fabric with your backing (e.g. steam-a-seam, etc.) already applied? Really helps to expedite cuts. I also love cutting scraps with the strip die, and using them for scrap/strip quilts.
Enjoy!
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
HOW FUN...this is going to have to go on my Christmas list :)
I've been wondering what all the hub bub was about the Go, I didn't think it was all that great, or maybe I just didn't think that you cut anything other than things like the butterfly. But after reading your post I must admit that I'm becoming intrigued. Any way I'm glad your enjoying it, I know you really wanted one. Have fun playing.
Glad to see you are enjoying the GO
this is just the thing I need to get my stash under control....
Hey, throw my name in the hat girlfriend :) I had to buy mine and I'd love to give it to the charities here so I can actually say I won one too :)
Have fun with all the comments...perhpas you should give someone extra entries for responding to the hundreds you will get. And I'm not volunteering for that job ... LOL
Smiles,
Kelly
Thanks for all of the pros. I would not have thought about cutting the scraps right away. Great tip!
Wow, that does look fun. It would have taken a whole afternoon to trim all of those scraps down to usable sizes by hand. I can see how cutting could become addictive.
Wow~ I guess the only drawback is that you can't sew as fast as you can cut! ;-) sounds great!
Dang! You're making me really want one of these!
Wow I love the idea of cutting one size and then cutting a smaller right away!! You are sure having fun!!! Enjoy!! Put a movie on for your guests and hubby and sneak away to play!!
Wow that was fast cutting!!
Okay...here is why I am just now commenting. Today was a sewing day and I had to CUT things....the old-fashiong way...with NO Go Cutter to use....so it took me a LONG time...and I wasn't able to look at blogs until tonight because of all that darned cutting. Now...if I can win the cutter on your blog, I can have more time to keep up on blog-reading. So that is another PRO.....the Go cutter gets you done faster so you can get chatting and sharing ideas about it with your blogging friends!!! So add THAT to your list!!! :)
Barb, you are amazing!!
SheilaC
Oh Barb, You are having a wonderful time playing with your "Go". I have come up with a con--- You'are soon going to run out of fabric and scraps from your stash because this makes cutting so easy.lol
have Fun
hugs,Faye
Hey Barb... glad you are having a great time with the GO Cutter! Love the butterflies! ...Karen
I've been wanting one...now I have to get one...need to get my rolling suitcase for my new machine (on order at the quilt/Bernina store)and then it's next on my list.
Totally awesome!
My gosh, girl, do you ever sleep? Now I know why your pictures were all blurry...you were going so fast on your GO..cranking out those butterflies, squares and tumblers, you couldn't take the time to focus your camera. Thanks for enticing me to want one too!
I wish someone would say somethign negtive about it, it just sounds too good to be true. This may go on my Christmas list!!
I'm so glad you're enjoying the Go! cutter! We have one at work and I've found that the cuts are cleaner if the fabric is pressed; have you noticed the same thing?
How many layers are you cutting at once?
(You're going to LOVE the strip cutter!)
I havent been bitten by the GO bug yet but I think the more I see it the more likely I will be!
You make it so tempting to run out and get one for myself! Hmm...I wonder if my husband would notice if I had a new toy..I mean tool!
I am so delighted that you are enjoying your GO!
That looks really useful. I was a doubter until now. BUt, I bet I could even get family members (read young son and husband) to see value in this and maybe even have fun "playing" with it not realizing that they are helping Mom get more quilting done.
New Toys I like new toys and I can see your having LOTS of fun. Well enjoy your new Toy
Okay - One con for my home, should Greg or I ever win/receive or Buy a GO cutter --- Greg will have run all our stash through it and there will be no fabric and yardage left!
It looks like it makes everything A LOT of fun though.
I'm watching all the fun you're having and, yes, I'm a little jealous. Okay, not a little... I think I could find room for a GO in my life, so bring it on!
What a great way to clean up the scrap bin! I really like the idea of cutting the scraps from a new project into usable pieces for future quilts right away. Scrap management made easy! Loved the pink butterfly!
I want one now more then ever. Have fun cutting fabric
Sounds like something I might have to save up for. GO girl... you deserved this!
I'd love to give a try to the cutie patotie, it sounds such much fun! <3
I have only this to say: I want it!
I'm soo impressed!
What a great stash-buster.
esther
OK-you got me with those butterflies! WOW! I expected squares and all but butterflies!
I have always wanted to do a tumbler quilt, but did not want to have to cut all those tumblers. What a time saver. Like your butterflies also.
That is really a time saver. I think that I would actually save scraps if I had a Go! Cutter. Right now they just pile up, but most of the time, they get thrown away.
Came over here to have another look after reading today's (1st June) post. Not sure if I get an entry by commenting here - golly, if I can't follow your instructions how will I cope with a GO!? Anyway, entry or not, this is a very interesting post, good to have all the pros of the GO! cutter and very good if I end up having to buy one that you found no cons!
Wow,You are going to have fun withall those scraps and your new toy. Please add my name to your list.
You "GO" Girl!!
Faye
No more cutting out 2.5 in squares (my favourites!) and 2.5 in bindings. Even for that alone it would be bliss, but look what you have done with your scraps, and in such a short time. It looks wonderful!!
Looks super easy! I hope you have fun playing!
It looks like you are already having fun with you GO! I also want to mention that Pam from Delware sent me. You said to pick out 3 dies we would like: Go Strip cutter 21/2"
Go Applique feather cut.
Go Tumbler 6/12"
More over I just would love to have one because I have trouble cutting.
Elaine
Hi Barb,
Back again, I posted a link to my blog to yours. If you check you might have to click show all posts. I don't know why my posts don't show, I wish someone could tell me how to fix it!!!~
Elaine
Kewl! Great that you could get so much done in so little time. I saw one of these at JoAnn's. Only in the box though. They did not have one set up as display.
If only I could win..........
luverlie@gmail.com
Is there an "after" photo of that scrap basket? From my experience, the after pile is sometimes as big as the before! But it looks like with this fantastic toy, that may not be the case. Don't forget to squeeze some sleep in between cutting and sewing!
I've been dreaming about these for a while, winning one with be great. Thanks.
Barb, This would make it so much faster to get charity kids quilts finished. Looks like so much fun.
Looks like so much fun! And a real timesaver too.
This looks like so much fun!!!! I'm (almost) dying to get my hands on one of them! LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea and the ease. Have FUN!
Gosh, the Go is awesome! and fast, a real timesaver!
I want a GO!!
wow! you are so lucky to own one of those..
it looks like life is so much easier with that!
i wish......
What a nice and easy way to cut tumbler blocks and strips. I want one!!!
Barb,
This looks like you are having a great time with the Accu go- I am amazed how fast you can cut the pieces into perfect shapes--- One can dream of more quilts with that cutter..
Regards,
Anna
Wow! What a wonderful site. My friend Brooke Bryson asked me to come to your site and check it out. There are a lot of quilters in my family. I love all Accu products, but am more of a paper quilter. I will definitely have to come back and check it all out when I can really look longer.
Love people who are so creative.
Barb, That "AccuQuilt Go" cutter looks awesome. I'am really impressed at what you did with it so far. Sounds like the sky's the limit using it. I mainly make scrap quilts, and also make a lot of scrap quilts, and also for charities. I've been a quilter for many many years, and I still teach quilting. How wonderful it would be to also get a chance to work with it, and see the various things it can do. It sounds "fantastic", Barb. I posted a link on my blog about the "AccuQuilt Go" cutter. I would also like to work with it, and would consider it a priviledge. Happy Quilting!
Sounds good to me. Jofrid
I've seen the GO demonstrated and love what it does. Now I want one! GerryArt sent me your way. She's the greatest...and you are too!
This is wonderful! Looking at the dies I would love Go Applique,2 1/2" strip cutter, and the Go Arabesque #3! I LOVE applique, Baltimore Album style and Hawaiian...what a assist this cutter would be. Thanks for the chance, I don't have a blog- but will email those friends who do- andsend them on over! Mary sent me, Sandy
I have been drooling over the Go! Cutter for so long, but I haven't known anyone who had one to ask them if they like it. This was a great review!
I would just adore the Go! 2 1/2 strip cutter, the Go! Funky Flowers and Go! Stars.
I think I would have oodles of fun with these!
Both SewCalGal and Pat Wys sent me over to enter.
I have blogged on my site: http://anotherhatchettjob.blogspot.com/2010/06/amazing-giveaway.html
Thanks for offering us this giveaway!
Jan Hatchett
I hope I'm not too late to enter.. What I could do to my stash with the GO.... 2.5 strips or squares here I come.
Thanks for a chance
What absolute fabulous fun! Boy, would one of these come in handy with all of the charity quilting that I do! My poor recuperating broken wrist would get a break from the constant scissor and rotary cutting,too! Love this idea and sure wish I had one!!!!
What fun and how quickly I could go thru my stash.
Enter me please...
thanks for the chance
This sounds too good to be true for a busy Mum like me, the idea of cutting accurate shapes in seconds is like a dream really. I think the dies I would most likely get are the hexagons, the circles and the 2.5'' strips. I love sewing hexies but the prep work is longish, cutting accurate circles with scissors is nearly impossible and 2.5'' strips are so versatile.
I was sent to your blog by Vicki from Tozz's Corner and I am so glad I have found it. Your octopus quilt in your banner is awesome.
Celine in UK
You are having way too much fun!!! Can't wait to see what quilt comes out of the scraps.
Thanks for the chance to win. Love it.
wow Vicki from Tozz's corner sent me and I had a look at those dies and they are to die for.....ha weak joke.
But fall medley, floral and hearts would have my first vote but then I remember critters.......oh dear Off to post.....
Hey, looks truly awesome and looks like you are having lots of fun...Can't wait for the giveaway!!
I would love to use the go cutter for strips, rectangles as well as triangles perfect everytime and saves time for more quilting....thanks for the giveaway!
I have blogged about your giveaway now... fingers crossed now until next week!
Celine
I would choose the drunkard's path, circles and round flowers–all shapes I love but hate to cut!
What an amazing give-away. Thanks.
Oh yea, Celine sent me ;-)
I've read some very positive feedback on these cutters.
I think it's a wonderful thing that you are doing here. Looking at the projects you've accomplished so far, I can see you are a very talented lady. You said that we should list the 3 dies which would make our lives easier. As I do a lot of donation quilts and cutting seems to take me the most time, a GO! would be the perfect assistant in getting more quilts done more quickly. The dies that I would choose are:
1) GO! Rag Square 8 1/2"
2) GO! Rag Square 5 1/4"
3) GO! Star-2", 3", 4"
Thank you again for the wonderful thing you are doing as well as all the informative information given in your blog =)
I was referred to your blog by Micki at Irish Muses
Wow . This looks amazing. All those scraps and that is what you get. Lovely.!!!!
Wow . This looks amazing. All those scraps and that is what you get. Lovely.!!!!
This looks awesome! I'll cross my fingers!
Joanne Lendaro sent me to you :-)
My top 3 dies are circles, triangles in square, and 3" triangle. I never use circles because I dread cutting them, and I love triangles - so versatile!
I would love to have this as we do quilts for kids at Church and we have a lot of fabric but it takes so long to cut it. Think how many more quilts we could make! I have lots of scraps I'd use it on too as well as the others could use it. This could be a blessing to the ones of us in this ministry as we try to keep children warm.
How many quilts will you be making with this wonderful tool!
Isn't the GO fun!! I have one but haven't used it very much yet. There is a basket of scraps in my sewing room that is calling out for it and you've spurred me on to get them done.
You've just inspired me to dig into my scrap heap again!!! I don't have a Go yet but would certainly love one - and you made it look so easy to deal with scraps with the Go!!
Post a Comment