Yay Marebear I'm glad you got your BigKick and are enjoying it! I'm hoping to start doing more applique too...there are so many possibilities!

Yes Lynne that was one of the advantages of the Sizzix brand machines....they are able to use other brand dies including the Accuquilt dies as long as they are not more than 6" wide. I haven't bought any other brand dies yet but will keep my eye out for any cute ones on sale!

Pamstone I have some of the original "red" dies too....they work just fine and have some really nice patterns. Some of the BigZ dies might be a little large for applique depending on your project. Lots of the smaller red, yellow and green dies are available on Ebay at good prices too.