A few weeks ago, I received an email inviting me to join the Sizzix Design Team as their English Paper Piecing (EPP) blogger. I was excited at the offer since I love EPP, but I had never used a Sizzix die cutting machine before (affiliate link), though I’ve heard many good things about them. For those of you who don’t know, the Sizzix is a die cutting machine that has the ability to cut fabric (or paper and other materials) quickly, easily, and accurately with the use of stainless steel dies (basically like cookie cutters in a foam protective layer) rolled through a pressing machine. Sizzix sent me a Sizzix Fabi Starter Kit (affiliate link) and a few dies to try out, and I figured if it was as helpful, safe, and time saving as I’d heard, I would happily sign on as a Design Team member.
It didn’t take me long to be convinced at how big of a time saving tool the Sizzix machine was. It cuts eight (8!) perfectly even pieces of fabric at a time, including “fussy cut” shapes–of course I had to try to meticulously cut with the Fabi before agreeing to join as an EPP-focused Design Team member! While the meticulous cutting takes a bit more preparation to get lined up, it surely is faster than hand tracing and scissor-cutting, not to mention perfectly accurate in size and shape.
The biggest selling point for me was the safety of using the Fabi die cutting machine (affiliate link). As a mom of little ones, I can do all of the necessary cutting for a quilt with my kids around, even my very busy three year old son. In fact, my kids can even (eagerly) help turn the crank to cut the dies (with my direct supervision of course). There’s no way I would rotary cut fabric around my son and even scissors disappear off the table if my hawk watch falters, but the Fabi is definitely doable. Not only will I get more accomplished, but perhaps this will inspire my kiddos to try more fabric crafts as well.
So, it’s official: I’m a member of the 2015 Sizzix Design team! I’m excited to be joining the team, and will be sharing posts and projects soon. (Who doesn’t love an excuse to start new projects!?) In the meantime, I’m playing around with my Fabi, starting a few projects, learning the ropes of die cutting, and experimenting with ways to use the Sizzix with EPP. I can’t wait to show you what I’m making! Here’s a tiny little peek to hold you over:
Do you use a Sizzix or other die cutting machine to help speed up your quilting process? What’s your favorite aspect?
I’m linking up with Freshly Pieced’s WiP Wednesday.
Night Quilter 
Congratulations!!!! Someday I might be able to splurge and get a die cutter, until then, I’ll just watch your wonderful projects! 😀
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I’m looking into purchasing a die cut machine soon. I wondered if your readers and yourself could compare the Sizzix and the Accuquilt products.
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I’m sure it is a big time saver! Congrats on joining the team! I sometimes wish I had a die cut machine, but my rotary cutter will have to do for now!
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Look at you! Congratulations 🙂
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Its great you are part of the Sizzix design team. I have an Aququilt Go and Studio cutters and use them lots, I tend to mix and match my cutting with the rotary cutter for most of my projects. I am looking forward to more post about the EPP as it would be nice to be able to quickly cut the shapes in paper and fabric. Super blog.
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I had an AccuQuilt Go! cutter for a few years; I had to be really careful about the orientation of the fabric on the dies when cutting squares, but other than that it was pretty handy. I eventually just went back to manual cutting, though. I guess I’m a strip piecer at heart and didn’t really need too many specialty shapes. I can see how it might be great for EPP, though. Congratulations!
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Wow that is so cool!! Good luck with it!!!
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Congrats… that’s so exciting to be approached by a company to be on the design team! I really look forward to what you whip up. I totally understand about watching out for all sharp things like a hawk. I’ve never had it happen to me, but someone I know told me about her son cutting up a dress she was sewing. I don’t even want to think about the tears that she must have shed!
I just picked up a little bit of this AG fabric and can’t wait to start in on a little snip-snip.
Greetings from the other side of the pond!
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Congrats and welcome to the team! I am SO excited to see what you conjure up. And too funny that I’m playing with the same die right now! 🙂
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Kitty, how wonderful to be recognized as the fine quilter that you are! And. . . bunnies!!
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Congratulations! How fun is this adventure going to be for you! Can’t wait to see what you design in the future.
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I wll be using my Silhouette digital cutter to cut any shape or size of any shape for any project. I can use card stock, paper, freezer paper, or chipboard. Sadly for me, I have to buy a new motherboard and chipset for my PC first! I wish I could run the cutter from my tablet!
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Congratulations!! I’ve never used a die cutter but I’ve heard they are great for cutting shapes. Have fun.
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Congratulations!!! I’m really looking forward to seeing all the wonderful ideas you come up with, Kitty. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me.
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Congrats! I’m sure we’ll see some fun designs from you 😉
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Congratulations. Fun things to come from that set I’m sure. I can see the advantage of using it when the kids are about!
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