which Cricut? help! Newbie looking into first machine!

[fireofmarajade]

Hi!
I have come across all sorts of great inspiration for wedding/shower/scrapbook things associated with the cricut and i guess i finally have to bite the bullet and pick one up.... But now i don't know which one!!!

I am familiar with designs and have the disney brother embroidery machine and have been debating the paper machine purchase since it came out...

Wedding planning is giving me the excuse since it could help a lot with various things! I like the EXPRESSION due to the sizes that it can do - decorations and things.

I am looking to mostly do paper things - scrapbooking and favors...

LOVE the vinyl for cups and things too!

Interested in how it could help for shirt designs...

I have a macbook and want to know what software would be good too.

Hopefully this initial investment is not going to break the bank...
thanks for reading!

 

[Reddy]

I have an E - love it
but when it breaks - I"m going to get the sillotte Cameo (sp??) since it will use SCAL (software called Sure Cuts Alot)
if you like the carts that comes with the cricut machine & would be happy with basicly just them, get the E -- if you go with a smaller size you would wish for the larger like alot of us did.

if you want to make your own things like I do (or want my cuts) then you will have to get a machine that can use SCAL or MTC(make the cut - another software program) -- provo craft sue the software makers & the new cricuts can't be used with their programs

 

[fireofmarajade]

Thanks for the response. E meaning Expression correct?

What are the differences between E and E 2 ?

Is there a better machine for the DISNEY stuff out there???
I am looking for the best one for that stuff! lmk thanks

 

[Reddy]

E is expression
don't knowthe different in E & E2 - I haven't looked into the upgrade since it won't work with SCAL

would you be happy with just the carts that provo craft makes for the E
or would you rather have the stuff that I post in my blog (or stuff you make yourself with time)

 

[fireofmarajade]

YOUR blog is AWESOME!
I am looking to create my own things. The cartridges may be good for some simple things but not later.
Will the Expression 1 still work with SCAL?
or other programs?
... I am on a mac... does that complicate things???

 

[Reddy]

you would have to find SCAL1 or 2 -- 2 is better
SCAL 3 won't work due to law suit,
I know there is a MAC program in SCAL not sure about MTC, you would need an older version of it it for E

when mine E breaks, I"m thinking of getting the Cameo - it works with SCAL (all versions) - it is suppose to be in JoAnn's or Micheals

 

[fireofmarajade]

After a lot of research..... CAMEO is SUPER intriguing....

So... Question- any font, image or whatever??? can be cut out???
using INCLUDING software
easy peasy on my mac!!!!

i think i understood that.
there are a few things that i like in the carts but....
id love more create-ability

only using the brother stock images holds me back from using the machine avidly....