I am so appreciative of the ton of comments and emails I got yesterday when I asked for Longarm recommendations. Honestly, you have given me enough to research for the next six months! I can see first and foremost that not only do I need to do continue to do lots of reading up on the subject, but that I need to test out these machines in person. Maybe even take some classes.
So, yesterday I got lots of raves for various machines, which was enormously helpful. Here is what I am asking for today. I would like to hear some negatives. Just the facts–if you regretted your purchase, can you tell us why?
If you have had problems with a longarm you purchased, would you share with us? I am particularly concerned about any kind of technical issues or service problems. What I need to avoid at all costs is buying an expensive piece of equipment and once it is installed, to have the representatives of the company ignore me if I have a problem.
Should I buy local? Should I stick to the best known brands, such as Gammill, HandiQuilter, APQS, A1? What machine is the best value for the money? Have any of you sunk a ton of money into a machine and found that you paid for features you never or rarely used? Any features you feel are a MUST?
From the responses I got yesterday, it seems as if many of you out there share my interest in this subject, so let's continue the conversation over to today. We got a lot of recommendations, now let's hear some warnings!
50 responses to “Now for the Bad”
Nicole – you might want to check out this blog http://blog.heidikaisand.com/ It’s Heidi Kaisand’s blog. She’s the former editor of American Patchwork and Quilting and she now reps for Amercian Professional Quilting Systems http://www.apqs.com/
Good luck!
Karen L.
Nicole – you might want to check out this blog http://blog.heidikaisand.com/ It’s Heidi Kaisand’s blog. She’s the former editor of American Patchwork and Quilting and she now reps for Amercian Professional Quilting Systems http://www.apqs.com/
Good luck!
Karen L.
Hi Nicole . . .
I don’t have one . . . but did think about it . . . then figured out how many quilts I would have to quilt to make it worthwhile . . .
from what I’ve heard the 2 ladies who quilt for me say . . . they never have enough time now for piecing and being creative . . .
one of them has actually stopped using her machine because she misses the sewing part . . . and she says she wishes she had just saved the money . . .
for me . . . I WOULD GO TO EUROPE . . . especially to Provence . . . the fabric capital of the world !!
happy deciding . . .
p.s. I sent you a private email the other day . . . not sure if you got it . . .
Hi Nicole . . .
I don’t have one . . . but did think about it . . . then figured out how many quilts I would have to quilt to make it worthwhile . . .
from what I’ve heard the 2 ladies who quilt for me say . . . they never have enough time now for piecing and being creative . . .
one of them has actually stopped using her machine because she misses the sewing part . . . and she says she wishes she had just saved the money . . .
for me . . . I WOULD GO TO EUROPE . . . especially to Provence . . . the fabric capital of the world !!
happy deciding . . .
p.s. I sent you a private email the other day . . . not sure if you got it . . .
You might try contacting Judi, at Green Fairy Quilts: http://greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/
From reading her blog, she took the longarm plunge about a year ago. She seems like a very sweet, down-to-earth, practical young mom who would be able to give you first-hand advice.
BTW, her quilting is astounding.
You might try contacting Judi, at Green Fairy Quilts: http://greenfairyquilts.blogspot.com/
From reading her blog, she took the longarm plunge about a year ago. She seems like a very sweet, down-to-earth, practical young mom who would be able to give you first-hand advice.
BTW, her quilting is astounding.
If you currently send your quilts out to be quilted and spend an ave of $200/quilt, you need to quilt 75 tops to break even on the machine. But we haven’t covered the cost of thread, patterns ($20 each), tools, (rulers/templates/chalk/stencils etc) practice material (I went through 2 rolls of batting and 2 bolts of wide backed muslin before I touched a quilt top) any training/travel costs, dvd’s ($65 – $100+), and other incidental supplies. Now if you are used to having edge to edge patterns that are digitized put on your current quilts, many of these patterns are too intricate to do by hand guiding along the paper pantographs. A 60 x 80 quilt at 2 cents/inch is under $100 to get quilted, that ups your quantity to 150 tops to quilt to “break even”. So if you are thinking of buying this machine to “save” money on quilting, you need to do this kind of math. And do you have room to dedicate to a machine of this size? Note* I use a Nolting Pro 24, have never had an issue with it that wasn’t solved with a phone call to Nolting. I’ve had it since Mar 2005 and have NEVER retimed it or repaired it. It is so LOW maintenance, I absolutely LOVE my machine. I can run ANY type of thread, it’s user friendly, made in America, top notch customer service. Nolting company is the Pioneer company in the longarm machine business. *I have no affiliation to them, just a very happy Nolting owner*
If you currently send your quilts out to be quilted and spend an ave of $200/quilt, you need to quilt 75 tops to break even on the machine. But we haven’t covered the cost of thread, patterns ($20 each), tools, (rulers/templates/chalk/stencils etc) practice material (I went through 2 rolls of batting and 2 bolts of wide backed muslin before I touched a quilt top) any training/travel costs, dvd’s ($65 – $100+), and other incidental supplies. Now if you are used to having edge to edge patterns that are digitized put on your current quilts, many of these patterns are too intricate to do by hand guiding along the paper pantographs. A 60 x 80 quilt at 2 cents/inch is under $100 to get quilted, that ups your quantity to 150 tops to quilt to “break even”. So if you are thinking of buying this machine to “save” money on quilting, you need to do this kind of math. And do you have room to dedicate to a machine of this size? Note* I use a Nolting Pro 24, have never had an issue with it that wasn’t solved with a phone call to Nolting. I’ve had it since Mar 2005 and have NEVER retimed it or repaired it. It is so LOW maintenance, I absolutely LOVE my machine. I can run ANY type of thread, it’s user friendly, made in America, top notch customer service. Nolting company is the Pioneer company in the longarm machine business. *I have no affiliation to them, just a very happy Nolting owner*
One negative with the Handi Quilter I mentioned is the size of the quilt you can put on it. One of my friends cut off a border just so she could put it on the machine. But it’s a smaller size and doesn’t take up the room that the bigger ones do. Like the other ladies say, you have to do a lot of quilts for others to make it pay and then it cuts into your own sewing time. What would I do? Put part of your money into an interest bearing account to use to have your own quilts done by someone else. Take the rest of the money and do something fun – like Paris in the spring!!
One negative with the Handi Quilter I mentioned is the size of the quilt you can put on it. One of my friends cut off a border just so she could put it on the machine. But it’s a smaller size and doesn’t take up the room that the bigger ones do. Like the other ladies say, you have to do a lot of quilts for others to make it pay and then it cuts into your own sewing time. What would I do? Put part of your money into an interest bearing account to use to have your own quilts done by someone else. Take the rest of the money and do something fun – like Paris in the spring!!
The best thing I had added to my setup was hydraulic legs. They are wonderful especially if your short, bad back/shoulder and are standing for super long periods. AND my wonderful “M” size bobbin …. love it too.
The item I wished I had would be auto fabric feed. If I quilted for customers I’d buy it.
We’ve done timing once in 5yrs. Called on the phone and they talked DH through it. My dealer is 3hrs away, Nolting is a phone call or email. If I really needed Mike to come, he’d come. Any problem I’ve ever had (not many, honest) a phone call has taken care of it.
You’ll get a million and more opinions but in the end only you can decide.
Room … my quilt studio is a converted 2 car garage. I have lots of room. I have friends who use their master bedroom, living room, dining room or small bedrooms. It depends on how much you are willing to give up.
I don’t quilt for others, I don’t want to. I’ve read too many horror stories. What do you tell a customer when you used the wrong backing fabric … actually you have to tell 2 customers. How about a rip in the quilt all the way through? How about the lady who brings it back saying you quilted it wrong? And the list goes on. Don’t forget you have to carry insurance too.
For me I want to have fun, quilt when I want to, help my GC use the machine … I don’t want another job, I want to stay retired.
Most of the companies have payment plans so jump in with both feet and never look back.
The best thing I had added to my setup was hydraulic legs. They are wonderful especially if your short, bad back/shoulder and are standing for super long periods. AND my wonderful “M” size bobbin …. love it too.
The item I wished I had would be auto fabric feed. If I quilted for customers I’d buy it.
We’ve done timing once in 5yrs. Called on the phone and they talked DH through it. My dealer is 3hrs away, Nolting is a phone call or email. If I really needed Mike to come, he’d come. Any problem I’ve ever had (not many, honest) a phone call has taken care of it.
You’ll get a million and more opinions but in the end only you can decide.
Room … my quilt studio is a converted 2 car garage. I have lots of room. I have friends who use their master bedroom, living room, dining room or small bedrooms. It depends on how much you are willing to give up.
I don’t quilt for others, I don’t want to. I’ve read too many horror stories. What do you tell a customer when you used the wrong backing fabric … actually you have to tell 2 customers. How about a rip in the quilt all the way through? How about the lady who brings it back saying you quilted it wrong? And the list goes on. Don’t forget you have to carry insurance too.
For me I want to have fun, quilt when I want to, help my GC use the machine … I don’t want another job, I want to stay retired.
Most of the companies have payment plans so jump in with both feet and never look back.
I sent this to you privately but maybe others would be interested.
After you get signed up at MQResources.com check out the FREE videos.
http://mqresource.com/forum/index.php?showforum=68
There’s also the Premier Membership (fee about $26 (I forget how much)) which gives you access to other videos and discounts for online classes. I’d wait on that until you decide if you’re buying a longarm.
Innova is fairly new on the market …. nice machine.
http://maimin.com/Innova.aspx
26″ Innova with Pro frames starting at..$8,595.00
18″Innova with Pro frames starting at…$6,495.00
Gammill just came out with a new smaller machine called Vision
http://www.gammill.com/
Nolting also has a new 20inch one out with a better stitch regulator
http://www.funquilter.com/
But again there are lots of used ones on the market …….. don’t be afraid to buy used. You don’t need a dealer in your backyard or even your city …. most of us get help on email groups or call the factory direct. I can’t answer for others but Nolting always answers and helps me when I call ….. I live 3hrs from my dealer.
Oh oh almost forget …… usually at big shows discounts will be offered. I use to have a Nolting 18″ but I wanted more room and a better stitch regulator …. 2yrs ago at NQA http://nqaquilts.org/ I upgraded to the 24″ and got lots of goodies including free shipping/delivery. Most dealers and the actual manufacter have used machines for sale.
Be sure to get zippered leaders … they’re worth their weight in gold. Someone previously mentioned templates costing $500 … that’s true if you buy the Circle Lord http://www.loriclesquilting.com/ but look at what you can do with that little jewel. By the way I bought mine used.
http://circlelordchallenge.blogspot.com/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/circlelord
I could go on and on …. but I’ll stop now. Although I love my Prince Charming (Nolting 24″) I’m sure most if not all the true longarm machines on the market are just as good …. it comes down to what feels good to you. You can even ask on the forums and email groups if anyone lives near you and would let you have a go at their machine. I live in West Virginia along the Ohio River … you’re welcome to come over anytime. AND some quilt shops rent out their machines after you take a class.
Feel free to email me, I’m happy to help. It’s a big big decision …. one you’ll enjoy for years.
I sent this to you privately but maybe others would be interested.
After you get signed up at MQResources.com check out the FREE videos.
http://mqresource.com/forum/index.php?showforum=68
There’s also the Premier Membership (fee about $26 (I forget how much)) which gives you access to other videos and discounts for online classes. I’d wait on that until you decide if you’re buying a longarm.
Innova is fairly new on the market …. nice machine.
http://maimin.com/Innova.aspx
26″ Innova with Pro frames starting at..$8,595.00
18″Innova with Pro frames starting at…$6,495.00
Gammill just came out with a new smaller machine called Vision
http://www.gammill.com/
Nolting also has a new 20inch one out with a better stitch regulator
http://www.funquilter.com/
But again there are lots of used ones on the market …….. don’t be afraid to buy used. You don’t need a dealer in your backyard or even your city …. most of us get help on email groups or call the factory direct. I can’t answer for others but Nolting always answers and helps me when I call ….. I live 3hrs from my dealer.
Oh oh almost forget …… usually at big shows discounts will be offered. I use to have a Nolting 18″ but I wanted more room and a better stitch regulator …. 2yrs ago at NQA http://nqaquilts.org/ I upgraded to the 24″ and got lots of goodies including free shipping/delivery. Most dealers and the actual manufacter have used machines for sale.
Be sure to get zippered leaders … they’re worth their weight in gold. Someone previously mentioned templates costing $500 … that’s true if you buy the Circle Lord http://www.loriclesquilting.com/ but look at what you can do with that little jewel. By the way I bought mine used.
http://circlelordchallenge.blogspot.com/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/circlelord
I could go on and on …. but I’ll stop now. Although I love my Prince Charming (Nolting 24″) I’m sure most if not all the true longarm machines on the market are just as good …. it comes down to what feels good to you. You can even ask on the forums and email groups if anyone lives near you and would let you have a go at their machine. I live in West Virginia along the Ohio River … you’re welcome to come over anytime. AND some quilt shops rent out their machines after you take a class.
Feel free to email me, I’m happy to help. It’s a big big decision …. one you’ll enjoy for years.
Someone mentioned Judi of GreenFairy … yes oh my she is very talented.
Check out Carla who teaches online at MQResource and locally.
http://featheredfibers.wordpress.com/
Back to laundry. LOL
Someone mentioned Judi of GreenFairy … yes oh my she is very talented.
Check out Carla who teaches online at MQResource and locally.
http://featheredfibers.wordpress.com/
Back to laundry. LOL
After much deliberation I decided not to purchase a machine. A shop about one hour from me allows you to take a lesson on how to use their machine and then you can rent time on it for the day. That is what I have decided to do
and will be taking a class next month.
That seems to be the wisest choice for me.
After much deliberation I decided not to purchase a machine. A shop about one hour from me allows you to take a lesson on how to use their machine and then you can rent time on it for the day. That is what I have decided to do
and will be taking a class next month.
That seems to be the wisest choice for me.
Nicole, my advice is to testdrive every brand you can before you decide. This way, you will know which model works for you and your body.
I did this before purchasing my longarm machine and I am glad I did. This is the only way to be sure of your purchase.
By the way, I ended up making my decision on the very last brand I tried. I knew within 30 seconds that it was the machine for me.
That is probably the best advice I can share with you. I do not represent any one brand of machine, so my advice is completely un-bias.
regards, Carla of Feathered Fibers blog at http://featheredfibers.wordpress.com
Nicole, my advice is to testdrive every brand you can before you decide. This way, you will know which model works for you and your body.
I did this before purchasing my longarm machine and I am glad I did. This is the only way to be sure of your purchase.
By the way, I ended up making my decision on the very last brand I tried. I knew within 30 seconds that it was the machine for me.
That is probably the best advice I can share with you. I do not represent any one brand of machine, so my advice is completely un-bias.
regards, Carla of Feathered Fibers blog at http://featheredfibers.wordpress.com
You wanted the negatives – Last year the day before Christmas eve, I was madly trying to do two quilts. The first one went great, loaded the second one, did well half way through, and then it started making thread bunnies on the bottom. Frustrating! Some bobbins wind tighter than others, and it can play with your tension. I usually don’t have problems when I use pre-wound bobbins, but some say that would be more expense. I bought the circle lord giant spirals, because my freehand and pantograph skills did not develop very well. Once I had the templates, I could turn out beautiful quilts that all of my extended family raved about. If you love to doodle, or already do a lot of free motion, you may catch on quickly. I thought it would be easier that it has turned out to be. I share a machine with another quilter, and that can cause difficulty trying to set it up new each time. I’m buying her out, so I should have less problems with keeping the tension problems to a minimum. Good luck. You might want to check out House of Hanson – they have a guide for what you need to know before buying a long-arm. I’m spoiled by my DH with my quilting toys, if money was tight, I would still be sending them out, and not making all the charity quilts I now do. Good luck.
You wanted the negatives – Last year the day before Christmas eve, I was madly trying to do two quilts. The first one went great, loaded the second one, did well half way through, and then it started making thread bunnies on the bottom. Frustrating! Some bobbins wind tighter than others, and it can play with your tension. I usually don’t have problems when I use pre-wound bobbins, but some say that would be more expense. I bought the circle lord giant spirals, because my freehand and pantograph skills did not develop very well. Once I had the templates, I could turn out beautiful quilts that all of my extended family raved about. If you love to doodle, or already do a lot of free motion, you may catch on quickly. I thought it would be easier that it has turned out to be. I share a machine with another quilter, and that can cause difficulty trying to set it up new each time. I’m buying her out, so I should have less problems with keeping the tension problems to a minimum. Good luck. You might want to check out House of Hanson – they have a guide for what you need to know before buying a long-arm. I’m spoiled by my DH with my quilting toys, if money was tight, I would still be sending them out, and not making all the charity quilts I now do. Good luck.
I have a Pfaff Grand Quilter with a Next Generation Frame. For the most part, I like it. I bought it two years ago for only about $3000 which is cheap compared to now prices. BUT…I can’t do panto designs because there isn’t enough space…BUT that has forced me to learn to free hand which I LOVE to do. I would not recommend the frame at all. I have broke two of the four clamps and two of the four ratchets. I have considered getting a new frame but for now, I am living with it until I win the next lottery.
Others have said that you don’t quilt as much because you can’t piece as much….true but for me, I previously had a pile of tops waiting to have the $ to get them quilted. Now I can just quilt them. A huge advantage is not having to wait for them to be quilted. I am always running my deadlines close..finishing a quilt a few days before a wedding…and the never works out if someone else is doing the work for you.
Even with my troubles, I love having something I can do my own quilts on. I hope to upgrade at some point and this thread has been interesting.
Good Luck
I have a Pfaff Grand Quilter with a Next Generation Frame. For the most part, I like it. I bought it two years ago for only about $3000 which is cheap compared to now prices. BUT…I can’t do panto designs because there isn’t enough space…BUT that has forced me to learn to free hand which I LOVE to do. I would not recommend the frame at all. I have broke two of the four clamps and two of the four ratchets. I have considered getting a new frame but for now, I am living with it until I win the next lottery.
Others have said that you don’t quilt as much because you can’t piece as much….true but for me, I previously had a pile of tops waiting to have the $ to get them quilted. Now I can just quilt them. A huge advantage is not having to wait for them to be quilted. I am always running my deadlines close..finishing a quilt a few days before a wedding…and the never works out if someone else is doing the work for you.
Even with my troubles, I love having something I can do my own quilts on. I hope to upgrade at some point and this thread has been interesting.
Good Luck
In my humble opinion, the big name machines are great, but so are some of the smaller guys. I have a Nolting and I love it. I can get help when needed by picking up the phone or emailing. I was very limited on what I could spend on a machine and the Nolting machines fit quite nicely in my budget. I started out with a Hobby Quilter that didn’t have stitch regulation. I just upgraded and now have stitch regulation on a more current Fun Quilter. My frame is a Hinterberg. I don’t quilt for a living nor do I plan to, but I can produce quality quilted items. I can also quilt for others which I have been doing more frequently. When I decided I was really ready to take the leap, I went to several big quilt shows and played with every machine available to get a feel for what I liked and what I didn’t. That’s my two cents worth. 🙂
Good Luck!
In my humble opinion, the big name machines are great, but so are some of the smaller guys. I have a Nolting and I love it. I can get help when needed by picking up the phone or emailing. I was very limited on what I could spend on a machine and the Nolting machines fit quite nicely in my budget. I started out with a Hobby Quilter that didn’t have stitch regulation. I just upgraded and now have stitch regulation on a more current Fun Quilter. My frame is a Hinterberg. I don’t quilt for a living nor do I plan to, but I can produce quality quilted items. I can also quilt for others which I have been doing more frequently. When I decided I was really ready to take the leap, I went to several big quilt shows and played with every machine available to get a feel for what I liked and what I didn’t. That’s my two cents worth. 🙂
Good Luck!
My long-arm quilter has an A1 that she loves. Actually, she and her sister whose home is 30 min. away went into business together 5 years ago with one A1 machine. Two years ago, my quilter bought an A1 for herself since the driving time to her sister’s home became tedious and their business had grown. Both love the A1s and say they are a breeze to load and use, move side to side with fingertip ease, and each machine has its own personality. BTW, these women are both in their early 60s.
Choose wisely!
My long-arm quilter has an A1 that she loves. Actually, she and her sister whose home is 30 min. away went into business together 5 years ago with one A1 machine. Two years ago, my quilter bought an A1 for herself since the driving time to her sister’s home became tedious and their business had grown. Both love the A1s and say they are a breeze to load and use, move side to side with fingertip ease, and each machine has its own personality. BTW, these women are both in their early 60s.
Choose wisely!
Like you I thought that I wanted a long-arm machine. I had rented a machine and had meandered a quilt. It was fair. I knew that it would take alot of practice if I was good at it.
Two years later I went and rented from a women who rented out time on her gamill. It was an bad experience I practiced making feathers on an eraseable board. In other words I did all the things they tell you to do to get ready to quilt. The machine stalled and the women had told me if it did that to give it a little push. Well I gave it a little push and watched it eat a hole in my quilt! She charged me for what I had done. I never came back to finish the rest.
From now on I know of a delightful store that does quality work at a very good price.
I am a piecer not a machine quilter.
Like you I thought that I wanted a long-arm machine. I had rented a machine and had meandered a quilt. It was fair. I knew that it would take alot of practice if I was good at it.
Two years later I went and rented from a women who rented out time on her gamill. It was an bad experience I practiced making feathers on an eraseable board. In other words I did all the things they tell you to do to get ready to quilt. The machine stalled and the women had told me if it did that to give it a little push. Well I gave it a little push and watched it eat a hole in my quilt! She charged me for what I had done. I never came back to finish the rest.
From now on I know of a delightful store that does quality work at a very good price.
I am a piecer not a machine quilter.
After 6 months of use, I have brought mine in for a servicing. It needed a slight timing adjustment. This time it is under warranty. Check on warranties as they vary./ I highly suggest having a rep close enough to visit if need be. Two hours away would be disruptive. With that said, I quilt 2-3 hours almost every day, so my machine gets much use. Pitfalls or regrets?…none really. I quilted saleable quilts within 2 weeks of having mine installed. My husband did the install in about 4-5 hours, and he is not overly handy 🙂 I have heard that they are all persnicketty in their own way about which threads they like and dislike, in terms of tensioning. For me, this was the hardest hurdle to jump, but once you understand how to adjust tension, it is not hard. I have a hand guided HQ Fusion and I like it. It controls well if you keep it free of dust. This is true of all machines. If you have a good rep, that is half the battle. I heard thru the grapevine recently that HQ is having some harder times, and may not be responding as rapidly as some may like. Still, they just introduced the Avante. The 16 is being phased out. I have a machine with a 24″ throat. I can easily quilt an 18-20 inch design, whereas some of the smaller machines would be limmiting. For me, to go down to an 18″ machine such as the Avante or others would be too small. If I had to pick a gripe, I dislike the way the Fusion advances the fabric – manually. But in the big picture, this is miniscule. The stitch regulator is great. I stand behind what I told you last night – do more than test drive. FInd somewhere that you can rent time. Bring a sample quilt and PLAY. You won’t get the feeling of the machine on a frame that is 18″ wide.
After 6 months of use, I have brought mine in for a servicing. It needed a slight timing adjustment. This time it is under warranty. Check on warranties as they vary./ I highly suggest having a rep close enough to visit if need be. Two hours away would be disruptive. With that said, I quilt 2-3 hours almost every day, so my machine gets much use. Pitfalls or regrets?…none really. I quilted saleable quilts within 2 weeks of having mine installed. My husband did the install in about 4-5 hours, and he is not overly handy 🙂 I have heard that they are all persnicketty in their own way about which threads they like and dislike, in terms of tensioning. For me, this was the hardest hurdle to jump, but once you understand how to adjust tension, it is not hard. I have a hand guided HQ Fusion and I like it. It controls well if you keep it free of dust. This is true of all machines. If you have a good rep, that is half the battle. I heard thru the grapevine recently that HQ is having some harder times, and may not be responding as rapidly as some may like. Still, they just introduced the Avante. The 16 is being phased out. I have a machine with a 24″ throat. I can easily quilt an 18-20 inch design, whereas some of the smaller machines would be limmiting. For me, to go down to an 18″ machine such as the Avante or others would be too small. If I had to pick a gripe, I dislike the way the Fusion advances the fabric – manually. But in the big picture, this is miniscule. The stitch regulator is great. I stand behind what I told you last night – do more than test drive. FInd somewhere that you can rent time. Bring a sample quilt and PLAY. You won’t get the feeling of the machine on a frame that is 18″ wide.
too many comments…but this is good.
The HQ’s have a M-class bobbin. This is the bigger of the two. It is fantastic, and quilts a nice length of time. Nothing more frustrating than having to redo a bobbin in the middle of quilting. The entire time I was comparing the HQ’s and the APQSs’, APQS kept trying to tell me that the larger bobbin would cause “backlash” problems. They have the smaller bobbin, holds nearly half the thread. What they said is totally not true. Be careful because each supplier will try to say things about the other to sway you into buying theirs.
too many comments…but this is good.
The HQ’s have a M-class bobbin. This is the bigger of the two. It is fantastic, and quilts a nice length of time. Nothing more frustrating than having to redo a bobbin in the middle of quilting. The entire time I was comparing the HQ’s and the APQSs’, APQS kept trying to tell me that the larger bobbin would cause “backlash” problems. They have the smaller bobbin, holds nearly half the thread. What they said is totally not true. Be careful because each supplier will try to say things about the other to sway you into buying theirs.
If you have time to put into practicing and you have some kind of art/drawing talent you will enjoy it. I do find that I don’t sew as much as I use to when quilting for others. That is something to think about. I love that I have a machine so I don’t have to wait to have it quilted, but I’m not getting the designs I would be paying for if I was taking it out. I do much simplier designs then most quilters.
In my stage of life I would maybe rethink buying it and putting the money I paid for it aside to pay for the quilts. But once I’m retired and kids were out of the house, I’d probably make another go at it.
If you have time to put into practicing and you have some kind of art/drawing talent you will enjoy it. I do find that I don’t sew as much as I use to when quilting for others. That is something to think about. I love that I have a machine so I don’t have to wait to have it quilted, but I’m not getting the designs I would be paying for if I was taking it out. I do much simplier designs then most quilters.
In my stage of life I would maybe rethink buying it and putting the money I paid for it aside to pay for the quilts. But once I’m retired and kids were out of the house, I’d probably make another go at it.
My quilter has an HQ and told me that she has to adjust the tension very frequently. Also the stitch regulator does not work if you quilt fast. I was very close to buying a longarm and then decided I didn’t want the pressure of learning something I wasn’t sure I would like and didn’t want so much space taken. Also, I can quilt anything from twin size down on my regular sewing machine. Larger quilts can go to a quilter.
My quilter has an HQ and told me that she has to adjust the tension very frequently. Also the stitch regulator does not work if you quilt fast. I was very close to buying a longarm and then decided I didn’t want the pressure of learning something I wasn’t sure I would like and didn’t want so much space taken. Also, I can quilt anything from twin size down on my regular sewing machine. Larger quilts can go to a quilter.
Wow, I hate to add my comments, you have enough reading to keep you out of trouble for a long time. I have an APQS Millie. My only regret, I wish I had a smaller head, however, mine doesn’t have the quilt glide…which I have tried and love! And I wish I had a hydralic lift. As someone else mentioned, I have not had time in the last 6 years to piece my own quilts, but I am not as organized as I should be. If I would focus I could get more done.
Wow, I hate to add my comments, you have enough reading to keep you out of trouble for a long time. I have an APQS Millie. My only regret, I wish I had a smaller head, however, mine doesn’t have the quilt glide…which I have tried and love! And I wish I had a hydralic lift. As someone else mentioned, I have not had time in the last 6 years to piece my own quilts, but I am not as organized as I should be. If I would focus I could get more done.
I didn’t post yesterday, but I will tell you that I have a Gammill Premier Plus, purchased in July 2007. The table was a bit warped and they replaced it within 2 weeks, but besides having a wheel replaced, I haven’t had a bit of trouble. I let friends quilt their quilts for a reduced price and the learning curve is so slight that it just takes minutes to get them going. Of course, I’m always in the room with them, doing hand binding or cutting or something. The only downfall, if there must be one is the limited amount of quilting space…..13″ is about the max, so I cann’t do a 12″ block on point without advancing the quilt. I have done quilts as large as 120 x 120. I went to the Chicago quilt shjow and Paducah that year to try out all the machines, and for $10,000 this was my choice.
I didn’t post yesterday, but I will tell you that I have a Gammill Premier Plus, purchased in July 2007. The table was a bit warped and they replaced it within 2 weeks, but besides having a wheel replaced, I haven’t had a bit of trouble. I let friends quilt their quilts for a reduced price and the learning curve is so slight that it just takes minutes to get them going. Of course, I’m always in the room with them, doing hand binding or cutting or something. The only downfall, if there must be one is the limited amount of quilting space…..13″ is about the max, so I cann’t do a 12″ block on point without advancing the quilt. I have done quilts as large as 120 x 120. I went to the Chicago quilt shjow and Paducah that year to try out all the machines, and for $10,000 this was my choice.
There are lots of options you can get on any machine – just like cars every brand is bound to have a lemon.
You will want a stitch regulator, power advance and a large head so you won’t have to advance as often.
If you are quilting for yourself you won’t need a lot of tools to start with, just some batting and a roll of 90 inch muslin. Load the machine ( which you will master in no time) and then just free quilt, meander, try flowers, swirls, you will want this time without any gadgets to get use to the weight of the machine and how it rolls, it does take a bit of practice to make your curves rounds instead of squares. It is all a learning curve.
Once you decide what type of quilting you want to do then buy some tools, pantos, classes, etc. If you go to a big machine quilters show it is so tempting to buy everything you see, don’t do it as you will end up with items you will never use. Just buy a little at a time. A panto here, a ruler there.
After you try out the machines and pick your favorite look for a used one. The APQS website is a good place to look as there are many different brands for sale.
Also you can look for someone close to your area that has the same machine and she can become your mentor. Just remember that to quilters who this this as a job – time is $.
I have nothing negative to say about my machine. I bought used and would do it all over again. I do not quilt for others.
There are lots of options you can get on any machine – just like cars every brand is bound to have a lemon.
You will want a stitch regulator, power advance and a large head so you won’t have to advance as often.
If you are quilting for yourself you won’t need a lot of tools to start with, just some batting and a roll of 90 inch muslin. Load the machine ( which you will master in no time) and then just free quilt, meander, try flowers, swirls, you will want this time without any gadgets to get use to the weight of the machine and how it rolls, it does take a bit of practice to make your curves rounds instead of squares. It is all a learning curve.
Once you decide what type of quilting you want to do then buy some tools, pantos, classes, etc. If you go to a big machine quilters show it is so tempting to buy everything you see, don’t do it as you will end up with items you will never use. Just buy a little at a time. A panto here, a ruler there.
After you try out the machines and pick your favorite look for a used one. The APQS website is a good place to look as there are many different brands for sale.
Also you can look for someone close to your area that has the same machine and she can become your mentor. Just remember that to quilters who this this as a job – time is $.
I have nothing negative to say about my machine. I bought used and would do it all over again. I do not quilt for others.
The one thing that I probably regret is that I purchased my machine based on the closest dealer. I have found that a dealer really is not that important. I have only called once to get help and found out I was putting my needle in backwards. No other machine problems what so ever. Now this does not mean I would not purchase the same machine again, I just think that if I would have found a machine I liked better and discounted it because the dealer was not close by I would have lost out.
I would go to a show and try them all out and besides trying them all hang around the booths to see if the dealers keep messing with the machines to get them in top working order. I took my husband with me and he was great asking all sorts of questions I would have never thought of.
Whatever your choice I am sure you will be happy. Most longarmers recommend their machine brand to others because they are happy with their choice. Very rarely do they bad mouth their machine choice.
Enjoy the process and enjoy your new toy!
The one thing that I probably regret is that I purchased my machine based on the closest dealer. I have found that a dealer really is not that important. I have only called once to get help and found out I was putting my needle in backwards. No other machine problems what so ever. Now this does not mean I would not purchase the same machine again, I just think that if I would have found a machine I liked better and discounted it because the dealer was not close by I would have lost out.
I would go to a show and try them all out and besides trying them all hang around the booths to see if the dealers keep messing with the machines to get them in top working order. I took my husband with me and he was great asking all sorts of questions I would have never thought of.
Whatever your choice I am sure you will be happy. Most longarmers recommend their machine brand to others because they are happy with their choice. Very rarely do they bad mouth their machine choice.
Enjoy the process and enjoy your new toy!
Thanks so much for bringing this up Nicole – I’ve been thinking just the same thing as you. It has been very helpful reading everyone’s views and made me realize that I would never manage to make enough quilts to make it worthwhile. now I just need to find someone in Switzerland or hereabouts to send tops out to be quilted!
Thanks so much for bringing this up Nicole – I’ve been thinking just the same thing as you. It has been very helpful reading everyone’s views and made me realize that I would never manage to make enough quilts to make it worthwhile. now I just need to find someone in Switzerland or hereabouts to send tops out to be quilted!
Negative about my Voyager 17, Hinty Stretch.
1) the Frame is perfect.
2) Getting the tension just right takes time. I’ve had my set up for about 5 weeks or so. I’ve knocked it out of timing twice si I had to learn how to set it myself.HUGE accomplishment!! Using King Tut or Essential’s thread on top and the same thread in the bobbin has helped. Bottom Line doesn’t work as well.
3) I prefer to quilt without the stitch regulator! That thing gets on my nerves but I will have to use it for pantos and rulerwork.
My entire system was only $3950 used. It came with everything including threads, needles, bobbin winder, bobbins, zippered leaders and more. The lady even came over and put it together and showed me how to use it.
Houseofhanson.com and longarmuniversity.com are helpful sites!
Amie in Tn.
Negative about my Voyager 17, Hinty Stretch.
1) the Frame is perfect.
2) Getting the tension just right takes time. I’ve had my set up for about 5 weeks or so. I’ve knocked it out of timing twice si I had to learn how to set it myself.HUGE accomplishment!! Using King Tut or Essential’s thread on top and the same thread in the bobbin has helped. Bottom Line doesn’t work as well.
3) I prefer to quilt without the stitch regulator! That thing gets on my nerves but I will have to use it for pantos and rulerwork.
My entire system was only $3950 used. It came with everything including threads, needles, bobbin winder, bobbins, zippered leaders and more. The lady even came over and put it together and showed me how to use it.
Houseofhanson.com and longarmuniversity.com are helpful sites!
Amie in Tn.