A Letter to Ashish Arora, Cricut Product Development And My Followers

Dear Ashish and Cricut Product Development,

Just a note to let you know that I finally had a chance to use my ipad Cricut Design App and I love it!You and your products are much appreciated!  I have been a loyal Cricut customer since the original Cricut came out and have had as many as five Cricuts (before my Explore).  I hesitated to buy the Explore because, I had several Cricuts I was very happy with and money was tight.  I was also not sure about the power of the first versions of the Cricut Design Space software. So, I waited and thought things had moved far enough this Christmas for me to invest in a new Cricut Explore.  Since January, I have used the Cricut Design Space on my computer only, but today I tried the iPad app and I cannot say enough about how much I love it!  I may never use my Gypsy again (and I love my Gypsy)! 
In my career in fashion, I have had a chance to work with electronic cutters as early as 1989.  These cutters were used in apparel production with industry specific Computer Aided Design software to cut fabric in long lengths and multiple layers.  So, when I saw the original Cricut, I was so excited to use a professional machine at home for my paper crafts!  I have worked with many Computer Aided Design and Computer Illustration software programs, including AutoCAD and cannot get over the quality of the Cricut Design Space App!  It is easy to use and is so intuitive!  I know from my Facebook groups that people have complained that you are moving away from supporting the Gypsy, but if they had a chance to try the app on an iPad I don't think they would miss their Gypsies at all!  The Gypsy is a much slower, cumbersome device than the new app. I also love that I can use my iPad when every computer in the house is in use!  I look forward to using this app at a Crop.
I actually did my master's thesis on computer anxiety and it's relationship with designer's creativity.  Human nature leads many of us to fear the unknown, or change and want to cling to our first experience with Cricut.  Please don't be discouraged by the negative comments, you are on the right track!  I will continue to use and love Cricut products. 
I have yet to try the print and cut and so have not actually filled out a customer survey.  I will fill one out after I try this feature too.  But while I wait, I wanted to let you know, you and your work are appreciated!
To give my blog followers an idea of the quality of the cut, this card is 5 1/2" large, was made by combining the image from the Damask Décor cartridge four times.  I copied and mirrored the motif and then welded it.  After welding, I copied it again and rotated it, 90 degrees.  Using the align tool made this cut accurate and precise!  Creating the card base with the mirror was a breeze! Now if I can just find a glue to live up to the fine detail!  I made this card for a St. Patrick's Day birthday card using the Cricut Design Space app and Damask Décor.  I am entering this card in the Bitten By the Bug 2:  St. Patrick's Day Challenge and St. Patrick's Day Challenge at Cut It Up Blog.  Stamps are CTMH and My Pink Stamper.
If you've been waiting to purchase the Explore because you are unsure of it's quality, I can tell you the it beats my Cameo for fine detail and is more quiet.  The paper loading feature on the Cricut's side guides keeps the mat straight and accurate, while on the Cameo has no guides.  This leads to inaccurate print and cut or reloading and cutting a partial cut paper piece on my Cameo.  The Cricut Design Space software is easier to use and I love the iPad app option!  So much easier for the Crop than bringing a Cameo and a laptop. 

P.S. Please tell product development that I love the elegant designs Cricut is offering (like items via Anna Griffin) and you should offer as many of these options as your "cute" designs!
P.S.S. I miss still miss the message boards.  I know that usage fell off and there were many people spamming the boards.  I loved finding help any time of day or night and all the Cricut friends I made.  The Cricut Facebook groups are just not the same.