Cutting Fabric with Silhouette SD, Cricut Imagine (& other models) AccuQuilt Die Cutters, and more!

I am beginning to wonder if I should seek help for my obsession with die cutting systems!  Perhaps I should form a self-help group: DCA - Die Cutters Anonymous.  LOL

This past weekend I made a list of the die cutters I now own and was astonished to see how long it was!  

AccuQuilt Go!
AccuQuilt Studio
Sizzix Big Shot
Cuttlebug (Original)
Cricut Personal Cutter
Cricut Create
Cricut Expression (2)
Cricut Imagine
Silhouette SD
The Slice
Pazzles Inspiration (on order - can't wait for it to arrive!)




Since I have thousands of bolts of fabric, it is my intent to use these cutting systems to make fabric appliques (w/ Heat n Bond Lite) that can be used for sewing, scrapbooking, and general crafting items.  I plan to list dozens of these die cuts in my ebay store at http://www.woollymoose.com/. 

I also plan - as time permits - to put together some tutorials on the various systems.  I know there are lots of tutorials on the Internet for cutting fabrics with these types of systems, but I have yet to see anyone with the variety of systems I own.  Each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.  I'm still learning about each of them, but I'd like to share what I learn with you as I go. 

Please stay tuned.  My business has grown by 2,000% in recent months, so I have been VERY BUSY!  It's a good problem to have. :)

As a teaser, I am posting photos of a few items that I just cut yesterday with my new Silhouette SD.  I first adhered Heat n Bond Lite to 3 different types of fabrics (100% Cotton, 100% Polyester, & Mesh).  Next, I placed the fabric (paper backing to mat and fabric facing up) onto my fresh (sticky) Cricut mat (cut to fit the Silhouette machine) and cut using the following custom settings: 

SPEED: 2 
THICKNESS: 33 
PINK (3 mm) Blade
Double Cut (Except for Mesh)

They all cut BEAUTIFULLY!  I didn't try the cotton or polyester prints with a single cut, so a single cut might have been sufficient. 

I will post more when I get a chance! :)

 100% Cotton Valentine Fabric

 100% Polyester Easter Fabric (on Left WITH paper backing - on Right WITHOUT paper backing)

Mesh Fabric without paper backing

Polyester & Mesh Appliques Pressed to a plain sheet of copy paper using my Clover mini iron.  I think the mesh flower would be really cute with a child's face in the center.  I couldn't believe how nicely the mesh cut!.  What a great surprise!!

In case you were wondering, I did a quick search on the Internet and Heat n Bond Lite IS acid-free.  Check out the following link, where someone contacted the manufacturer a few years ago to ask that question:  http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/bookarts/2008/01/msg00149.html