Here's the deal.. I've been eyeballing this machine for some months. Yes I've read the reviews and even though the bad out weigh the good, I broke down and purchased it. Yup I made sure I could return it if I wasn't satisfied with it. Last nite, I again read the reviews, tips, tricks and watched a couple of videos. Seems like it will take a little getting use to but with all new gadgets and gizmo's isn't that always the case? I haven't had time to sit and even take it out of the box but that is my plan for this evening. Of course, I will start with fabric that I won't cry over if I ruin it or they come out lopsided. I'll give an update either later tonight or tomorrow on what my impression on this machine is and whether or not it's worth the time to purchase and learn to use.
Anyone else tried this machine? I'm always up for a little help with trying to cut back on the time it takes me to cut my strips. Standing kills me after a while and I'm hoping this little machine will allow me to sit and cut. We shall see!!
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Debbie thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to invest in a gel mat to see if that will help any. And in the meantime will take my sewing chair to my cutting table and see if I can find a comfortable position.
Aida..I've seen the tables at JoAnn's and I'm going there on Friday so I'm going to look closer at the table while I'm there. I do have a stool and will also give that a try. All you ladies have great suggestions! I'll just have to play around and find the one that works for me.
And yea the simplicity cutter like I said is not worth the time, effort, money or hassle. I have looked at the Accuquilt Go! just wasn't sure about that one either or the money to invest in it. Again I'll give it a good looking over while I'm at JoAnn's on Friday. I think if I can find the right cutting table, mat, etc and get it to the height I need then hopefully alot of my back pain I have while cutting will be reduced.
Regarding back pain...I bought a cutting table and matching cutting mat at JoAnn's when it was on sale about 5 years ago. It is about 35 inches high with the casters on. I'm barely 5' tall so the table was way above my waist and when I am cutting my elbows kind of splay out to the side although still in bent position making me hunch up my shoulders (which didn't help at all). I removed the casters, lowering the table to 32-1/2 inches height and that has made all the difference. I don't have to bend too far forward even when getting to the middle of the table.
Ideally, when you are standing to cut, the height of the table/counter should be such that your arms are bent at the elbows, just like when sitting at a desk working on the computer. One trick I have read sometime ago, was to have a 4-6" height stool, and occasionally rest one foot on it while standing, switching foot every now and then.
As for the Simplicity cutter, I know of some people who bought them and they were very disappointed too. Also it can only cut strips in just 2 sizes.
A good friend of mine, however, bought the Accuquilt Go! and she was very happy with it - she has scoliosis (spine curvature) and cannot stand up for long periods of time. She told me that it was worth the price, and she even bought all the shapes that come with it. (It's on sale at JoAnn.com- just happened to glance in there, also the cutting table is on sale).
Yea it was a huge disappointment for me but like I said I had read more bad reviews than good but had to find out for myself.
Shannon.. I should know something in a couple of days..will keep you posted. Thanks for asking hun!!
Prairie Quilter, The concept is great just needs some improvements and would benefit lots of quilters! I was able to sit and "try" and use it.. And hadn't thought about giving the manufacturer my review but will definitely do that. I'd love to give it a try again IF they make some changes.
Carol.. you're very welcome. I keep thinking at any moment I would be able to get it to cut right. LOL But alas I just gave up. And I was going to ask you where you had purchased your gel mat.. thanks for letting me know Home Depot has one.. they are right down the highway from me so will get by there sometimes this week.Maria, thanks so much for the review. I'm as disappointed as you are with the shortcomings of the cutting machine. I'm not sure I could have lasted for 2 hours. So I guess I'll continue to stand on my gel mat with my rotary cutters, cutting mat and rulers.
p.s. i got the mat at Home Depot for about $30. There are WAY more expensive ones out there, but this one does the trick.
Carol Ann/CA
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