I bought a GrandMARK die cutting machine in August 2007. I am a beginning quilter...started about two years ago. I was becoming frustrated with my inaccurate cutting resulting in wasting fabric and pieces that didn't fit together well. I was ready to give up quilting as I just wasn't happy as to how my projects were turning out. I began looking for a die cutting machine as I had seen some die cut fabric on some websites. I found accucut's website and found the customer representative to be very pleasant and helpful. I bought the grandmark machine along with the 8" quilt block starter set. You can also buy a 10" or 12" quilt block set. With any of the three quilt block starter kits you can make 36 different blocks with the dies you get with the machine. This is a link to a two page pdf on accucut's website which shows the dies included in the set and the blocks that can be made with the dies. http://www.accucut.com/images/documents/2006/MMQD.pdf I am very pleased as it is a real joy to use. i find that I waste very little fabric. The pieces fit together so beautifully. Some of the current quilting magazines have coupons which I believe can be used for up to 20% off on your order. I agree it may seem a little pricey but for me it is an investment which has made my quilting hobby far more enjoyable. I hope this is helpful, Kind regards

Linda - absolutely make sure you cut on the straight of grain with the selvage edge running parallel to the side of the "GO". This is especially important for the 6/2" square and larger dies. The squares will be slightly smaller if you cut with the selvage edge parallel to the roller. I cut 48 squares, using Kona, before I discovered they were not accurate. I contacted Accuquilt who informed me this was operator error (ME). I am disenchanted with my Go as a result. There is a Yahoo group you should join for more info you can read in a lifetime~lol~ also sign up for the Accuquilt newsletter on the Go site. I am anxious to see how you use it.

I am still on the fence about this. The dies are expensive especially the ones I would want...like the alphabet. Some of the others are not too bad, Amazon has some of the best prices. I don't have a problem cutting strips with my ruler and rotary cutter, I don't use "shapes" much in my quilting or sewing for that matter. I guess I will just wait and see. If I come across a project that calls for a specific shape and a lot of them, I will look again. Thanks for the input. Now, do any of you have that bias tape maker???? From the reviews, it doesn't work so well for the tips not included with the machine. I think I would get more use out of that than an accuquilt. It does pay to stop and consider whenever you get a "wild hair" about something you see! :) I am glad I have learned this.

Start checking garage sales, thrift shops, estate sales and even post a notice on your local store bulletin board, if you wish to give your phone # out. If you go to any craft shows, ask around as some may have extras, or downsizing. If you are near the Amish area, check that out also. Look at dollar stores, discount stores, but watch the quality. Some are pure junk. Check ebay, but since i have never sold/bought there others may have better information