Cheery Lynn Designs S179 Little Sister Die Cut & Emboss Machine

Not sure what the deal is but it doesn't seem like a lot of crafters have this particular die cutting machine and it seems like the Big Sister has possibly been discontinued.....(Don't quote me on this. I'm simply going by the scarcity of info out there regarding this machine). As I'm writing this, there are only three other reviews. Which brings me to my next point.Since there were so few reviews, I had this in my cart for weeks because I was so hesitant to buy it. After seeing it was the only one left and nobody had bothered to buy it after sitting in my cart for so long, I took it as a sign of destiny and took the plunge.So now here I am wondering why didn't I get this before I bought my CuttleBug and BigShot! In fact, it's probably the only one I would have needed.I love the fact that you can adjust the pressure. I cut with thin and thick dies, as well as thin and thick card stock and this is what I've been needing all along.I found it to be about the same weight as my CuttleBug with a thinner profile.It comes with two extended plates. However, I purchased the metal shim, just in case for those intricate dies but so far I haven't had to use the metal shim.Another thing I love about this machine, is the flexibility. You can use sandwich plates that are made for the CuttleBug and the BigShot since the pressure is adjustable. This is something you can't do with the other die cutting machines. I can't use my CuttleBug plates in my BigShot and vice versa but with the LittleSister, I can.I was surprised at how easy the handle turned when cutting dies. I was waiting on that point where you crank the wheel and the die starts going through so you have to crank with a little more force. Not with this! This cuts smooth like butter. In fact, so smooth, I thought it didn't cut at first but boy was I surprised!Very pleased with the quality and results. Also, kicking myself for not buying this first!Five stars for the adjustable pressure. Five stars for the flexibility of using other die cutting machine plates. Five stars for the ease of turning the handle when running a die through.Someone mentioned warped plates. With all die cutting machines, the clear plate will always get scratched. So you have to flip the clear plate over or around to alleviate one side taking all the scratches.Also, if you're using a metal shim for this machine, make sure it's inside the sandwich, beneath the clear plate and not on top of the clear plate or it will curl up. The cutting side of your die needs to bite down into the metal shim. Hope this helps!Also for those wondering, it comes with a rubber shim that's typically used for embossing. Everything you need is included. You don't have to purchase the metal shim unless you're cutting thick 120lb cardstock or with very intricate dies like I do. And even then, you still probably won't need it because you can adjust the pressure.Also, this is perfect for those 3D embossing folders. I've run into problems embossing with those 3D folders on my CuttleBug and BigShot because those 3D embossing folders are so thick. But with the Little Sister.....No problem!

This $35 machine is super compact and large enough for any die. I have used every brand of die out there and it has never let me down. You can tighten the rollers to get a better cut. You can’t do that with pricier machines.I waited years to purchase one of these machines because I didn’t want another huge appliance on my work table but this has a handle and I keep it on the floor next to my feet. It’s easy to grab. I roll out the die and put it back on the floor. I know if I bought a plug in machine that I would not get it out as much but I literally grab this for most projects like it’s a pair of scissors or something. It’s super convenient. My favorite buy in a long time!

Prob user error but the plastic template cracked in the first few uses. It still works well though. Also , I'm new to this so a step by step user manual would have been great, because the user manual is not very informative for ( me) the newby...

It’s very affordable, sturdy and I use it all the time. No using a sandwich system. You can use the knob to adjust the size so very convenient. I notice that doing one at a time is better then filling a whole bunch on a plate.

Wish I would have known it was a used unit (didn’t say that anywhere in the description). The clear plate has random designs embossed on it - which is not a design feature as they’re layered on top of each other in a blob - and the white plate is bowed a bit, but for the price I can make it work.Arrived quickly, so that was a plus! I gave it three stars: one for price, one for fast shipping, and one for the ease of ordering through Amazon.

This product is a perfect die cutting tool that I am thrilled with as it does everything, if you read the specific guidelines for how to do each thing you are trying to cut. This company does everything perfectly.I could believe how it did sizzles,without a problem and it puts a different light on those machines that seem to be a focus, with only a reputation without exploration.Thankyou cheery Lynn....

I own a gemini and an ellison side kick. They both work very well but.....toooooo many sandwich options for me.I like the fact that I always use the same plates every time. Spin the wheel and I can go from cutting to embossing folders with just a spin of the dial. No sandwich guessing or trying just run it through again a little tighter. I have strength problems with my hands and turning this has never been stressful or hard on my hands.Great size and folds up for storing. Love this Little Sister Die cut & Emboss machine.

Well with the lowest setting and 3 shims i could not get it to emboss. It sounded like a good idea ,adjustable so no sandwich required but youve got to start low enough to do something. Bigger adjustments dont help at all.