Pot of Gold

LS003413

OK, this is strange.  I have discovered the equivalent of a pot of gold.  Seriously.  Turns out that I have a small annuity that I didn't know about.  It isn't a lot, but I sure wasn't expecting it.  Now, I could use it to put a new roof on the house or go on a vacation to Europe, or, duh, invest it.  But I am playing around with another idea.

Millenium
I have been doing a bit of research on long arm quilting machines.  Now, I certainly cannot afford one of those computerized $40,000 wonders.  However, what I have heard about the Millennium hand guided machines is pretty good.  I was hoping to get a bit of dialog going with those of you who have some experience with long arm quilting.  What sort of machine do you have?  What do you wish you had?  Did it take long to learn how to load it and use it properly?  What on earth do you do if you need a technician and you live two hours from any?  Are threading, tension and timing horrendously complicated issues? 

Most importantly, is it fun?  Boring?  Cost saving in the long run?  Do you need to add on an addition to the house to fit it in?  How long does it take to get good enough to start a small quilting business?  I know so many gals who have gone into their own long arm business and quit after a couple of years.  Is it just too tedious to quilt for others?

I would love to know your thoughts, Friends!


88 responses to “Pot of Gold”

  1. Hi Nicole, This is Pam in Chico…together with 3 friends we bought a Handiquilter Fusion. We love it. It is sturdy and easy to use and the learning curve is not as steep as you might think. Yes, it takes some time to step in and get over the jitters of putting something you spent hours piecing onto the frame and stitching those everlasting stitches. But that is what charity quilts are for! We have practiced on guild tops and humane society kitty/ doggie blankets…and are feeling so much more confident. The best thing about Handiquilter is they have awesome customer training in Utah. You go there hands on and learn a ton. Come on up and see ours! Chico isn’t that far! You can take her for a test drive and see what we’ve accomplished. If you email me, I’ll give you some other hints about purchasing, etc. You’ll love it!

  2. Hi Nicole, This is Pam in Chico…together with 3 friends we bought a Handiquilter Fusion. We love it. It is sturdy and easy to use and the learning curve is not as steep as you might think. Yes, it takes some time to step in and get over the jitters of putting something you spent hours piecing onto the frame and stitching those everlasting stitches. But that is what charity quilts are for! We have practiced on guild tops and humane society kitty/ doggie blankets…and are feeling so much more confident. The best thing about Handiquilter is they have awesome customer training in Utah. You go there hands on and learn a ton. Come on up and see ours! Chico isn’t that far! You can take her for a test drive and see what we’ve accomplished. If you email me, I’ll give you some other hints about purchasing, etc. You’ll love it!

  3. I bought a HandiQuilter 16. Since then they have released two bigger models. I’m now lusting after the HQ Fusion like Pam above. HQ has incredible customer service, a great product and super training. A stitch regulator isn’t terribly expensive on the HQ’s and they also have a computerized add on if you want. I would definitely urge you to try one out. And yes, there is a learning curve, but, like anything, practice, practice, practice.

  4. I bought a HandiQuilter 16. Since then they have released two bigger models. I’m now lusting after the HQ Fusion like Pam above. HQ has incredible customer service, a great product and super training. A stitch regulator isn’t terribly expensive on the HQ’s and they also have a computerized add on if you want. I would definitely urge you to try one out. And yes, there is a learning curve, but, like anything, practice, practice, practice.

  5. My best advise is to go to one of the big machine quilting shows and play with all the machines- see what feels good to you. I have a Handiquilter 16, and love it. I’m a piecer at heart, and never plan to go into biz. I figure once I quilt 53 quilts on it, it’ll be paid for! It’s fun, but could drive you crazy.

  6. My best advise is to go to one of the big machine quilting shows and play with all the machines- see what feels good to you. I have a Handiquilter 16, and love it. I’m a piecer at heart, and never plan to go into biz. I figure once I quilt 53 quilts on it, it’ll be paid for! It’s fun, but could drive you crazy.

  7. I have a Nolting PRO 24″ … love it. I only quilt for myself. At this time I’m not interested in quilting for money … too much pressure in my retirement.
    I would suggest that you join some of the longarm email groups, lurk, ask and etc. Also these 2 excellent forums, MQResouces and APQS.
    Consider buying used … people are selling all the time. Go to a big show and try all the machines available. The one that’s right for you will speak loud and clear. They all basically work the same it’s just what works for you.
    http://mqresource.com/forum/index.php?act=idx
    http://apqs.com/quiltboard/index.php
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nolting_longarm_quilters/
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MQSG/
    Remember buying the longarm is just a drop in the bucket … thread, bobbins, batting, templates and more will be on your “I want”. Good Luck … you’ll LOVE it, I promise.

  8. I have a Nolting PRO 24″ … love it. I only quilt for myself. At this time I’m not interested in quilting for money … too much pressure in my retirement.
    I would suggest that you join some of the longarm email groups, lurk, ask and etc. Also these 2 excellent forums, MQResouces and APQS.
    Consider buying used … people are selling all the time. Go to a big show and try all the machines available. The one that’s right for you will speak loud and clear. They all basically work the same it’s just what works for you.
    http://mqresource.com/forum/index.php?act=idx
    http://apqs.com/quiltboard/index.php
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nolting_longarm_quilters/
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MQSG/
    Remember buying the longarm is just a drop in the bucket … thread, bobbins, batting, templates and more will be on your “I want”. Good Luck … you’ll LOVE it, I promise.

  9. I have a Gammill Premier with a stitch regulator. I just upgraded from a gammill home machine. It just takes practice to get good at it. I do quilt a bit for the public but mostly my own quilts. My dad owns a Gammill Classic and quilts for the public. I can say that we haven’t had a lot of problems with our machine. We have the tension set for 100% cotton thread and that is all we use so once the tension was set we haven’t had to do anything there. You do need a large room to fit it in. I have a 12 foot table and my room is 15×14 and it works. You are welcome to email me and I will answer any other questions you might have. I am definitely a Gammill girl, but I do know that there are other machines that are great and probably work just as well. Good luck with your search!

  10. I have a Gammill Premier with a stitch regulator. I just upgraded from a gammill home machine. It just takes practice to get good at it. I do quilt a bit for the public but mostly my own quilts. My dad owns a Gammill Classic and quilts for the public. I can say that we haven’t had a lot of problems with our machine. We have the tension set for 100% cotton thread and that is all we use so once the tension was set we haven’t had to do anything there. You do need a large room to fit it in. I have a 12 foot table and my room is 15×14 and it works. You are welcome to email me and I will answer any other questions you might have. I am definitely a Gammill girl, but I do know that there are other machines that are great and probably work just as well. Good luck with your search!

  11. We have a Handi Quilter at the Adult Ed class my BFF teaches. Nikki knows so much about setting them up, etc.. If I’m not mistaken, her rep lives in Hillmar, I will check. This one is certainly not as big as some of the more expensive ones so you are limited to the size of project you put on it. That is a consideration if you ever want to do quilting for others as a business. The quilting is easy to do. All we use it for is meandering and stippling. If we want something done fancier, we send it out. That’s not to say that you can’t learn to do more intricate designs on it, we just haven’t.
    So jump in and do your homework and CONGRATULATIONS! You are welcome to come on up and see ours. I’ll check with Nikki on the rep we have. A big WOO HOO!

  12. We have a Handi Quilter at the Adult Ed class my BFF teaches. Nikki knows so much about setting them up, etc.. If I’m not mistaken, her rep lives in Hillmar, I will check. This one is certainly not as big as some of the more expensive ones so you are limited to the size of project you put on it. That is a consideration if you ever want to do quilting for others as a business. The quilting is easy to do. All we use it for is meandering and stippling. If we want something done fancier, we send it out. That’s not to say that you can’t learn to do more intricate designs on it, we just haven’t.
    So jump in and do your homework and CONGRATULATIONS! You are welcome to come on up and see ours. I’ll check with Nikki on the rep we have. A big WOO HOO!

  13. put the roof on and buy something nice for yourself!
    most of my friends that bought the long arms and went into business , overworked and underpaid
    holiday time they were so overwhelmed with work they never enjoyed the holidays people called the week before Christmas and were mad when she said she couldn’t fit her in!
    they now just quilt for their immediate friends and themselves.
    or sold the machine….
    Kathie

  14. put the roof on and buy something nice for yourself!
    most of my friends that bought the long arms and went into business , overworked and underpaid
    holiday time they were so overwhelmed with work they never enjoyed the holidays people called the week before Christmas and were mad when she said she couldn’t fit her in!
    they now just quilt for their immediate friends and themselves.
    or sold the machine….
    Kathie

  15. I quilted full time and had a free standing studio, then a move and personal issues changed all that. I still quilt for customers but on a smaller scale. Please email me and I’d be very happy to give you lots of info.

  16. I quilted full time and had a free standing studio, then a move and personal issues changed all that. I still quilt for customers but on a smaller scale. Please email me and I’d be very happy to give you lots of info.

  17. Nicole,
    This is a wonderful post, I am enjoying all the comments. I’ve wrestled with this idea for the last 2 years. I’ve tried machines at the quilt shows and I really liked the Gammill. I also tried the HQ 16 at a local shop and was not happy with how the stitches looked. When the shop owner asked me if I was interested in buying it, I said no, I was not happy with how the stitches looked. She said either the tension needed adjusting or the machine needed a new needle. But she didn’t try either so I decided against that machine.
    I’ll be back tonight to read the rest of the comments.

  18. Nicole,
    This is a wonderful post, I am enjoying all the comments. I’ve wrestled with this idea for the last 2 years. I’ve tried machines at the quilt shows and I really liked the Gammill. I also tried the HQ 16 at a local shop and was not happy with how the stitches looked. When the shop owner asked me if I was interested in buying it, I said no, I was not happy with how the stitches looked. She said either the tension needed adjusting or the machine needed a new needle. But she didn’t try either so I decided against that machine.
    I’ll be back tonight to read the rest of the comments.

  19. There are several blogs out there that have information on long arms. I know that Judy Laquidara had done a series of blog entries about long arm quilting. . .her blog is: http://www.patchworktimes.com/
    My DH purchased a short arm frame 2 years ago but he hasn’t used it yet (guess he’s waiting for me to get disgusted & learn to use it so I can teach him!!) I don’t really have a desire to learn but since we have the thing set up I’ll probably start using it for charity quilts and the like.
    Good luck with whatever you decide.
    Sherry

  20. There are several blogs out there that have information on long arms. I know that Judy Laquidara had done a series of blog entries about long arm quilting. . .her blog is: http://www.patchworktimes.com/
    My DH purchased a short arm frame 2 years ago but he hasn’t used it yet (guess he’s waiting for me to get disgusted & learn to use it so I can teach him!!) I don’t really have a desire to learn but since we have the thing set up I’ll probably start using it for charity quilts and the like.
    Good luck with whatever you decide.
    Sherry

  21. I own a handiquilter 16 and really like it. It is easy to use and they have great videos/classes available to help you get going. I bought it with the intention of using it primarily for myself, but do a little business on the side. I have done this, but because I have a full time job and 2 little kids at home, I’ve found I haven’t had the time I need to perfect my quiltling skills. I can do the easy stuff and I attempt at doing custom quiltling, but because I’m still learning I don’t feel like I can charge big bucks for the custom part. So its a lot of time and not that much money. I have tried to stick with more of the stippling and loops for most people. I can do those quilts fairly fast and I feel I do it well. I think if you get a lot of your own quilts quilted and would like to do the project from start to finish, this is a great investment. I would think you need a few months of good pratice and a lot of practice before moving into the business side of things.
    I agree with others, go to a quilt show and try out a few. I have a friend who has the Tin Lizzie and loves hers. So I think you should just play around and see which one offers you the best for your money.
    Hope that helps!

  22. I own a handiquilter 16 and really like it. It is easy to use and they have great videos/classes available to help you get going. I bought it with the intention of using it primarily for myself, but do a little business on the side. I have done this, but because I have a full time job and 2 little kids at home, I’ve found I haven’t had the time I need to perfect my quiltling skills. I can do the easy stuff and I attempt at doing custom quiltling, but because I’m still learning I don’t feel like I can charge big bucks for the custom part. So its a lot of time and not that much money. I have tried to stick with more of the stippling and loops for most people. I can do those quilts fairly fast and I feel I do it well. I think if you get a lot of your own quilts quilted and would like to do the project from start to finish, this is a great investment. I would think you need a few months of good pratice and a lot of practice before moving into the business side of things.
    I agree with others, go to a quilt show and try out a few. I have a friend who has the Tin Lizzie and loves hers. So I think you should just play around and see which one offers you the best for your money.
    Hope that helps!

  23. I have a Gammill Classic Plus. I would definitely suggest trying out different machines. If I was to do it over again I might still purchase the Gammill, but I would also look closer at the A-1 Elite. It has a lighter head on it and as I get a little older it might help in quilting longer without strain.
    I do quilt for others, but not too often.(about one a month) When buying my machine I did it for me and not a business. I did not want to get stressed out over working on others quilts and having to earn so much money to pay off my machine. For me, if I quilted more often for others I would have no time for my own projects.
    Good luck with you decision. Whatever machine you decide on I am sure you will love it!
    Richelle

  24. I have a Gammill Classic Plus. I would definitely suggest trying out different machines. If I was to do it over again I might still purchase the Gammill, but I would also look closer at the A-1 Elite. It has a lighter head on it and as I get a little older it might help in quilting longer without strain.
    I do quilt for others, but not too often.(about one a month) When buying my machine I did it for me and not a business. I did not want to get stressed out over working on others quilts and having to earn so much money to pay off my machine. For me, if I quilted more often for others I would have no time for my own projects.
    Good luck with you decision. Whatever machine you decide on I am sure you will love it!
    Richelle

  25. You’ve gotten a lot of feedback. I’ll add my 2cents. I have a Nolting 24″ Pro. I started with an 18″ Nolting, and upgraded a couple of years ago. I love my Pro. I seldom have problems with tension. Learning to load was very easy.
    I quilt for myself and as a small part-time business. I really love longarm quilting.
    http://web.me.com/grammys_quilting

  26. You’ve gotten a lot of feedback. I’ll add my 2cents. I have a Nolting 24″ Pro. I started with an 18″ Nolting, and upgraded a couple of years ago. I love my Pro. I seldom have problems with tension. Learning to load was very easy.
    I quilt for myself and as a small part-time business. I really love longarm quilting.
    http://web.me.com/grammys_quilting

  27. I think learning the machine would be time consuming but ultimately doable. The thing I think is the hardest is designing the quilting to be done on a quilt. You can be great at machine work but if you don’t know what to do with a quilt top, you’re lost.

  28. I think learning the machine would be time consuming but ultimately doable. The thing I think is the hardest is designing the quilting to be done on a quilt. You can be great at machine work but if you don’t know what to do with a quilt top, you’re lost.

  29. Hi Nicole, very interesting discussion here. I was in a similar “boat” as yours 🙂 and joined in to a longarm list years ago to follow their comments about their machines. I had only seen a Gammill before I ordered my machine and didn’t really like the set up of their table (nor it’s vibration problem). I ended up with an A-1 Elite and have been so happy I did. The machine threading, tension, and maintenance is rather straight forward and approachable.And the stitch regulator which comes standard…not requiring the $15000 computerized version…makes the learning curve short. They also have an excellent video to help with maintenance (and another one specifically for setting it up yourself, (if a sales rep isn’t the one who sets it up for you). I didn’t buy it to use in a business but did so for awhile before returning to my career in nursing. My customers were all wonderful so my experience was pleasant on that end…however, I am my own worst enemy when it comes to judging my work on others quilts:-( that is the one thing that wore me out. Oddly enough…on my own quilts, I am not so critical.
    Read some of the longarm discussion sites and you will get a boatload of info for doing your own research. email me for links…but having my own machine to complete my own quilts…priceless. I love having my own A-1!

  30. Hi Nicole, very interesting discussion here. I was in a similar “boat” as yours 🙂 and joined in to a longarm list years ago to follow their comments about their machines. I had only seen a Gammill before I ordered my machine and didn’t really like the set up of their table (nor it’s vibration problem). I ended up with an A-1 Elite and have been so happy I did. The machine threading, tension, and maintenance is rather straight forward and approachable.And the stitch regulator which comes standard…not requiring the $15000 computerized version…makes the learning curve short. They also have an excellent video to help with maintenance (and another one specifically for setting it up yourself, (if a sales rep isn’t the one who sets it up for you). I didn’t buy it to use in a business but did so for awhile before returning to my career in nursing. My customers were all wonderful so my experience was pleasant on that end…however, I am my own worst enemy when it comes to judging my work on others quilts:-( that is the one thing that wore me out. Oddly enough…on my own quilts, I am not so critical.
    Read some of the longarm discussion sites and you will get a boatload of info for doing your own research. email me for links…but having my own machine to complete my own quilts…priceless. I love having my own A-1!

  31. Here’s my take – I can pay my long arm quilter pretty much forever and still come out ahead financially when compared to the cost of a quilting machine and all the tools/toys that go with it (not to mention the learning curve, space requirements, stress on my body from the physical demands of quilting, etc. etc. etc.). I’ve played on the machines at the show – but that is all I want to do. I love being able to send off a flimsy with its back and have a quilt come back to me – my quilter is wonderful to work with and I have NO desire to do the quilting myself. It is really all about what you LOVE to do … do you LOVE the quilting part? Then go for it. If not, stick to what you DO love.

  32. Here’s my take – I can pay my long arm quilter pretty much forever and still come out ahead financially when compared to the cost of a quilting machine and all the tools/toys that go with it (not to mention the learning curve, space requirements, stress on my body from the physical demands of quilting, etc. etc. etc.). I’ve played on the machines at the show – but that is all I want to do. I love being able to send off a flimsy with its back and have a quilt come back to me – my quilter is wonderful to work with and I have NO desire to do the quilting myself. It is really all about what you LOVE to do … do you LOVE the quilting part? Then go for it. If not, stick to what you DO love.

  33. I have an APQS Millennium that I absolutely love. The biggest thing to understand about longarms is that you need to look at longarm quilting as a totally different hobby. TOTALLY DIFFERENT. It requires different tools and skills. I like that about it but it does mean that it will take hours of practice to develop the skill level you currently have at piecing or machine quilting. If you like free motion quilting and feel really confident at that, you might consider something like the George. I don’t get as much practice time on my longarm as I would like but I love every single minutes that I spend with it.
    If you decided to go the longarm route, do not take anyone’s advice on which machine to buy. They are all good, but like cars, you need to test drive them to find the one that fits you best.

  34. I have an APQS Millennium that I absolutely love. The biggest thing to understand about longarms is that you need to look at longarm quilting as a totally different hobby. TOTALLY DIFFERENT. It requires different tools and skills. I like that about it but it does mean that it will take hours of practice to develop the skill level you currently have at piecing or machine quilting. If you like free motion quilting and feel really confident at that, you might consider something like the George. I don’t get as much practice time on my longarm as I would like but I love every single minutes that I spend with it.
    If you decided to go the longarm route, do not take anyone’s advice on which machine to buy. They are all good, but like cars, you need to test drive them to find the one that fits you best.

  35. I have a Nolting 24 Pro. It does fine, you can learn to fix tensions problems, or rather learn the changes you need to make to the tension to use different threads. I do not have a business, never will. I would urge you to look at a used machine. They are about 3/4th the cost of new. If it comes from the company, they have gone over it, and brought it up to factory standards. I haven’t given enough time to practice, but we are moving the machine to our house, and that should help inspire me to quilt more. All the toys are very expensive, some template sets cost around $500. If you want to quilt 12″ blocks on point all at once, you need a 24″ head. There’s a lot to think about. I would agree that you should check out the various yahoo groups listed by someone above. Good luck with whatever you choose.

  36. I have a Nolting 24 Pro. It does fine, you can learn to fix tensions problems, or rather learn the changes you need to make to the tension to use different threads. I do not have a business, never will. I would urge you to look at a used machine. They are about 3/4th the cost of new. If it comes from the company, they have gone over it, and brought it up to factory standards. I haven’t given enough time to practice, but we are moving the machine to our house, and that should help inspire me to quilt more. All the toys are very expensive, some template sets cost around $500. If you want to quilt 12″ blocks on point all at once, you need a 24″ head. There’s a lot to think about. I would agree that you should check out the various yahoo groups listed by someone above. Good luck with whatever you choose.

  37. I have too many UFOs now. Having a longarm sounds wonderful, but when I think rationally about it, what I really want to do is have the opportunity to PLAY on a longarm. You need to think seriously about the space requirement, your ability/willingness to deal with mechanical issues, your willingness to devote the time to practice (a lot), and even the wear and tear on your body mounting a quilt. And then there are the add-ons. Your expenses don’t stop with the purchase of the machine. Is your desire to longarm your own quilts, and perhaps pursue a business in that area, enough to push you forward? Is it something that will expand and enrich your quilting life?

  38. I have too many UFOs now. Having a longarm sounds wonderful, but when I think rationally about it, what I really want to do is have the opportunity to PLAY on a longarm. You need to think seriously about the space requirement, your ability/willingness to deal with mechanical issues, your willingness to devote the time to practice (a lot), and even the wear and tear on your body mounting a quilt. And then there are the add-ons. Your expenses don’t stop with the purchase of the machine. Is your desire to longarm your own quilts, and perhaps pursue a business in that area, enough to push you forward? Is it something that will expand and enrich your quilting life?

  39. Nicole heres my 2 cents. I have had my Millie for 5 years. I had never actually touched a longarm before it arrived. My 11yr old dtr helped me set it up and a friend of mine who has one came over and showed me how to load my first quilt. As far as service went APQS was awesome, I never had a dealer as my dad ordered it for me right from the factory. There were some parts that needed replacing and they shipped them and talked me through making the changes no problems there.
    I joined Longarmchat.com early on and that is how I learnt most of what I know, there are other sites now as well and like most quilters longarmers are also very sharing and supportive.
    I have a smallish studio in my basement that suits me just fine. I love quilting, I love finished my own quilts and I love the feeling of making my customers happy by finished their quilts for them.
    Will I ever be wealthy? I am a single mom of 4 and I work full time and quilt at night and weekends. It might be cheaper in the long run to hire others to quilt for you and I’m thankful that many let me do just that. But if you think you would enjoy doing your own quilts go for it, besides I doubt that it would take you very long before you were proficient and able to quilt for others.
    As far as my body goes, Longarming is great for my upper body 🙂 but like all things you need to balance what you do so that you don’t cause over use injuries.
    While I’m very happy with my Millie I agree with others its probably a great idea to test drive many machines and visit the websites as well.
    Good Luck!

  40. Nicole heres my 2 cents. I have had my Millie for 5 years. I had never actually touched a longarm before it arrived. My 11yr old dtr helped me set it up and a friend of mine who has one came over and showed me how to load my first quilt. As far as service went APQS was awesome, I never had a dealer as my dad ordered it for me right from the factory. There were some parts that needed replacing and they shipped them and talked me through making the changes no problems there.
    I joined Longarmchat.com early on and that is how I learnt most of what I know, there are other sites now as well and like most quilters longarmers are also very sharing and supportive.
    I have a smallish studio in my basement that suits me just fine. I love quilting, I love finished my own quilts and I love the feeling of making my customers happy by finished their quilts for them.
    Will I ever be wealthy? I am a single mom of 4 and I work full time and quilt at night and weekends. It might be cheaper in the long run to hire others to quilt for you and I’m thankful that many let me do just that. But if you think you would enjoy doing your own quilts go for it, besides I doubt that it would take you very long before you were proficient and able to quilt for others.
    As far as my body goes, Longarming is great for my upper body 🙂 but like all things you need to balance what you do so that you don’t cause over use injuries.
    While I’m very happy with my Millie I agree with others its probably a great idea to test drive many machines and visit the websites as well.
    Good Luck!

  41. I just have a Hinterberg Voyager 17″ and the Stretch Frame. I did not pay very much for the set up and absolutely love it. But, I do not quilt for pay, only for myself and for gifts or my etsy shop. My set up is only 7 feet, but wish that I would have gone with 8 feet.
    I just do freehand quilting, but with a little practice you can get pretty good. The set up does not take up too much space in my sewing room. I really enjoy making my quilts from start to finish and not having to wait on busy longarmer’s schedules. Mine would be an example of a longarm setup for under $5000. I hope this helps if you were thinking of not having all the bells and whistles. One quick note, I had a used Nolting Hobby Quilter first, but like my Hinterberg so much more!
    Cathy

  42. I just have a Hinterberg Voyager 17″ and the Stretch Frame. I did not pay very much for the set up and absolutely love it. But, I do not quilt for pay, only for myself and for gifts or my etsy shop. My set up is only 7 feet, but wish that I would have gone with 8 feet.
    I just do freehand quilting, but with a little practice you can get pretty good. The set up does not take up too much space in my sewing room. I really enjoy making my quilts from start to finish and not having to wait on busy longarmer’s schedules. Mine would be an example of a longarm setup for under $5000. I hope this helps if you were thinking of not having all the bells and whistles. One quick note, I had a used Nolting Hobby Quilter first, but like my Hinterberg so much more!
    Cathy

  43. I have had my HQ16 for two years now and I wouldn’t part with it for anything! I love it!! I started out just wanting to do my own quilts but, I have taken on a few for customers. I limit how much I will do for others. My hubby and I sat down and figured it would pay for itself after about 100 quilts, even if I never did any quilting for hire. I do a lot of quilts for charity and gifts and it is so rewarding to make them my own creations from start to finish. I agree with everyone else, test drive several to see what you want. But, unless you want to make it a business, I wouldn’t buy one with that intent. I don’t do a lot of custom quilting, I am most comfortable with pantos and stippling. I don’t really care for the overly custom quilted quilts. So that is probably something I will never invest the time in learning to do. As far as the extra expenses others have mentioned, you don’t have to buy those extra things. The pantos are less than $20.00 each and have unlimited times they can be used. I don’t feel that I have invested much at all, above and beyond the machine itself. Good Luck!

  44. I have had my HQ16 for two years now and I wouldn’t part with it for anything! I love it!! I started out just wanting to do my own quilts but, I have taken on a few for customers. I limit how much I will do for others. My hubby and I sat down and figured it would pay for itself after about 100 quilts, even if I never did any quilting for hire. I do a lot of quilts for charity and gifts and it is so rewarding to make them my own creations from start to finish. I agree with everyone else, test drive several to see what you want. But, unless you want to make it a business, I wouldn’t buy one with that intent. I don’t do a lot of custom quilting, I am most comfortable with pantos and stippling. I don’t really care for the overly custom quilted quilts. So that is probably something I will never invest the time in learning to do. As far as the extra expenses others have mentioned, you don’t have to buy those extra things. The pantos are less than $20.00 each and have unlimited times they can be used. I don’t feel that I have invested much at all, above and beyond the machine itself. Good Luck!

  45. When I was looking into buying my longarm I calculated how many quilts of my own it would take to pay for itself. For what I was paying others I could pay for my machine in 5 or 6 years. I also had 20+ tops waiting for quilting that I didn’t have time to do myself, were too large to do myself or didn’t want to pay someone elst to do. Good luck with this. I bought my longarm used 6 months ago and have no regrets. I do some quilting for others but only a limited amount as I have a full time job.

  46. When I was looking into buying my longarm I calculated how many quilts of my own it would take to pay for itself. For what I was paying others I could pay for my machine in 5 or 6 years. I also had 20+ tops waiting for quilting that I didn’t have time to do myself, were too large to do myself or didn’t want to pay someone elst to do. Good luck with this. I bought my longarm used 6 months ago and have no regrets. I do some quilting for others but only a limited amount as I have a full time job.

  47. My $.05…After much searching (soul and internet), last year I bought a New Joy frame with a Janome machine and stitch regulator. Not a long-arm. Paid $2500, new. It does everything I want…I’ve even done a king-size on it. (I just got it up and into my new sewing room in September…after moving into a new home.) So…since September, I’ve quilted 8 quilts…I figure it’s paid for and I’m happy! Good luck!

  48. My $.05…After much searching (soul and internet), last year I bought a New Joy frame with a Janome machine and stitch regulator. Not a long-arm. Paid $2500, new. It does everything I want…I’ve even done a king-size on it. (I just got it up and into my new sewing room in September…after moving into a new home.) So…since September, I’ve quilted 8 quilts…I figure it’s paid for and I’m happy! Good luck!

  49. I too have a Handiquilter 16. I really like it and the learning curve was short, although the intimidation factor was tough for me to tackle! For what I want to do (my own quilts and perhaps some for a couple of friends) the price, quality, customer service and “made in Utah, USA” did it for me! Several months ago, HQ came out with 2 other models, and 18 inch arm and a 24 inch – I thoought that I may want to upgrade, but I don’t really feel the need to do so as I am able to accomplish everything I want with my 16 inch model.

  50. I too have a Handiquilter 16. I really like it and the learning curve was short, although the intimidation factor was tough for me to tackle! For what I want to do (my own quilts and perhaps some for a couple of friends) the price, quality, customer service and “made in Utah, USA” did it for me! Several months ago, HQ came out with 2 other models, and 18 inch arm and a 24 inch – I thoought that I may want to upgrade, but I don’t really feel the need to do so as I am able to accomplish everything I want with my 16 inch model.

  51. I have an HQ Fusion, and I really like it. I got it last fall and have quilted more customer quilts than I can count. I looked very seriously at the Millinium but every time I tested it, I just HATED how it handled. The rate I am going, I will pay it off in a little over 1 year, but I just LOVE having the ability to quilt when the whim hits me. I had enough quilts sent out to other quilters that came back and I just cringed at what they had done to my tops. I’d hit the end of the road with other’s destroying my work. This is not a decision you’ll regret! Shop and test drive away. Drive, drive and drive more. Then decide and buy.

  52. I have an HQ Fusion, and I really like it. I got it last fall and have quilted more customer quilts than I can count. I looked very seriously at the Millinium but every time I tested it, I just HATED how it handled. The rate I am going, I will pay it off in a little over 1 year, but I just LOVE having the ability to quilt when the whim hits me. I had enough quilts sent out to other quilters that came back and I just cringed at what they had done to my tops. I’d hit the end of the road with other’s destroying my work. This is not a decision you’ll regret! Shop and test drive away. Drive, drive and drive more. Then decide and buy.

  53. I don’t own one, but I rent time on a Millenium and I love it. I wish I had the room for one and am hope to buy one in 2 years when I retire (ok, really in 1 year, 3 months and 21 days). It’s easy to use and fun, fun, fun.

  54. I don’t own one, but I rent time on a Millenium and I love it. I wish I had the room for one and am hope to buy one in 2 years when I retire (ok, really in 1 year, 3 months and 21 days). It’s easy to use and fun, fun, fun.

  55. I bought a used Millennium from a quilt that went out of business.I only quilt for myself. I have had my machine for 5 years and only sent it back to Iowa once, when I first got it to have it serviced. The shop who had my machine quilted about 350 quilts a year for three years before she sold it. I am not very creative with fancy designs, though I can do some flowers, leaves and a few other simple designs, it is perfect for me – I quilt about 50 tops a year, all sizes. I use the same brand of thread on every quilt so I don’t have to worry about the tension. I suggest you buy a used machine so you don’t feel as though you have to start a business to pay for it. If after a bit you want to quilt for others, go for it. I am grateful that I have my own machine as I wouldn’t be able to afford to pay to have them quilted.
    APQS has really great customer service and can talk you though most repairs over the phone.
    My machine is 14 feet long (plus room is needed to walk around it) and I need about 5 feet from front to back. You can get some tables that are only 10-12 feet long.
    Enjoy your new toy!

  56. I bought a used Millennium from a quilt that went out of business.I only quilt for myself. I have had my machine for 5 years and only sent it back to Iowa once, when I first got it to have it serviced. The shop who had my machine quilted about 350 quilts a year for three years before she sold it. I am not very creative with fancy designs, though I can do some flowers, leaves and a few other simple designs, it is perfect for me – I quilt about 50 tops a year, all sizes. I use the same brand of thread on every quilt so I don’t have to worry about the tension. I suggest you buy a used machine so you don’t feel as though you have to start a business to pay for it. If after a bit you want to quilt for others, go for it. I am grateful that I have my own machine as I wouldn’t be able to afford to pay to have them quilted.
    APQS has really great customer service and can talk you though most repairs over the phone.
    My machine is 14 feet long (plus room is needed to walk around it) and I need about 5 feet from front to back. You can get some tables that are only 10-12 feet long.
    Enjoy your new toy!

  57. Wow, this is a popular post! I have a HQ16 that I bought used a year and a half ago. I really like it, but I agree with all the comments about it being a totally different skill and requiring lots of new tools. I have done 23 quilts/table runners in the time I’ve had it and just now am feeling quite comfortable with loops and meandering. I have done a few pantos and a few custom projects with rulers, but need a lot more practice on those to make them look really good! I agree with the comments to price it out to see if you’ll really come out ahead and you also have to be willing to put 1/2 (or more) of your sewing time towards the longarm. I don’t regret my decision – my only wish is that I had one space where I could keep both my regular sewing stuff and my HQ. Good luck!

  58. Wow, this is a popular post! I have a HQ16 that I bought used a year and a half ago. I really like it, but I agree with all the comments about it being a totally different skill and requiring lots of new tools. I have done 23 quilts/table runners in the time I’ve had it and just now am feeling quite comfortable with loops and meandering. I have done a few pantos and a few custom projects with rulers, but need a lot more practice on those to make them look really good! I agree with the comments to price it out to see if you’ll really come out ahead and you also have to be willing to put 1/2 (or more) of your sewing time towards the longarm. I don’t regret my decision – my only wish is that I had one space where I could keep both my regular sewing stuff and my HQ. Good luck!

  59. What a great question! I feel I have a lot to learn about quilting and have enjoyed reading all the comments on this topic of longarm quilting machines. Nicole, I wish you well as you research and decide what to do about this possible purchase.
    Beverly in WA

  60. What a great question! I feel I have a lot to learn about quilting and have enjoyed reading all the comments on this topic of longarm quilting machines. Nicole, I wish you well as you research and decide what to do about this possible purchase.
    Beverly in WA

  61. I have a Gammill Classic Plus. Bought it in 1995, had it retro’d with regulated stitch 3 years ago. LOVE IT! and I love using it for my quilt tops as well as other people’s. Never boring but I don’t do pantos. I use threads from Superior Threads.com. No, it’s not a problem learning to load, and just practice to feel comfortable with the machine. I bet you’ll LOVE it too!

  62. I have a Gammill Classic Plus. Bought it in 1995, had it retro’d with regulated stitch 3 years ago. LOVE IT! and I love using it for my quilt tops as well as other people’s. Never boring but I don’t do pantos. I use threads from Superior Threads.com. No, it’s not a problem learning to load, and just practice to feel comfortable with the machine. I bet you’ll LOVE it too!

  63. Hi there, Look at the Babylock “Jewel”..Very smooth and easy to run…Iam on a longarm forum, and found a lady that paid 7200$ in Turlock. Thats the cheapest around…Have fun, it IS alot of work, but I like it!
    Gael

  64. Hi there, Look at the Babylock “Jewel”..Very smooth and easy to run…Iam on a longarm forum, and found a lady that paid 7200$ in Turlock. Thats the cheapest around…Have fun, it IS alot of work, but I like it!
    Gael

  65. Hey there! I just bought a Hinterberg Stretch frame, Voyager 17 with stitch reg. and I LOVE it. I paid $3950 for everything. Great investment if you’ve been paying and waiting on a LA quilter. I does take up 5′ by 11′ though. I had to re-arranged quite a bit. Love it though. Amie in Tn.

  66. Hey there! I just bought a Hinterberg Stretch frame, Voyager 17 with stitch reg. and I LOVE it. I paid $3950 for everything. Great investment if you’ve been paying and waiting on a LA quilter. I does take up 5′ by 11′ though. I had to re-arranged quite a bit. Love it though. Amie in Tn.

  67. Nicole — One of my blog friends just bought a Millenium (sp?). She had an HQ16 for about a year prior to that which I think is still 4-sale. Anyway — she has ever kind of Bernina you can imagine including the newest one. She may have some advice for you on machines and/or starting up a business. Just another resource to consider — Here is her link …
    http://www.createdbycj.com/

  68. Nicole — One of my blog friends just bought a Millenium (sp?). She had an HQ16 for about a year prior to that which I think is still 4-sale. Anyway — she has ever kind of Bernina you can imagine including the newest one. She may have some advice for you on machines and/or starting up a business. Just another resource to consider — Here is her link …
    http://www.createdbycj.com/

  69. Nicole, I have yearned for a longarm since I took my first quilting class, just two years ago. My problem was two fold. Justifying the expense AND room!!! I only have one room in my home where I could put a 14′ quilt frame and still have room to just barely squeeze around it. I wouldn’t have near the room I should have to move around the set up on all sides, but I still considered it. Then I began to think about how ready I am to get the finished tops out of my way and move on to something new the minute one is completed and ready for the quilter. Now, whenever I think I might like to have a longarm, I remind myself that I could pay to have stacks and stacks of quilts done by an experienced, wonderful quilter, for the thousands of $$$ I would have to invest in the machine. I would probably lean toward a Gammill if I was looking but there are so many great machines, I would just have to do what you are doing…research and serious comparison shopping. It is a big decision and I can’t wait to hear what you decide. Whew, so many great machines to choose from and so many things to consider. Good luck and keep us posted. OH, as far as if it is fun, I can’t speak for myself, but my sis in law in Oregon won awards for her custom longarm quilting. She has had a studio in her home for over 10 years now and loves it. Though it really cuts into her own quilt making time, especially during the holidays and when the big quilt shows are coming up. She has a top of the line Gammill

  70. Nicole, I have yearned for a longarm since I took my first quilting class, just two years ago. My problem was two fold. Justifying the expense AND room!!! I only have one room in my home where I could put a 14′ quilt frame and still have room to just barely squeeze around it. I wouldn’t have near the room I should have to move around the set up on all sides, but I still considered it. Then I began to think about how ready I am to get the finished tops out of my way and move on to something new the minute one is completed and ready for the quilter. Now, whenever I think I might like to have a longarm, I remind myself that I could pay to have stacks and stacks of quilts done by an experienced, wonderful quilter, for the thousands of $$$ I would have to invest in the machine. I would probably lean toward a Gammill if I was looking but there are so many great machines, I would just have to do what you are doing…research and serious comparison shopping. It is a big decision and I can’t wait to hear what you decide. Whew, so many great machines to choose from and so many things to consider. Good luck and keep us posted. OH, as far as if it is fun, I can’t speak for myself, but my sis in law in Oregon won awards for her custom longarm quilting. She has had a studio in her home for over 10 years now and loves it. Though it really cuts into her own quilt making time, especially during the holidays and when the big quilt shows are coming up. She has a top of the line Gammill

  71. I’ve been lusting for a longarm machine myself. I’m waiting for my kids to move out so I can take over their bedroom for my sewing room. They are 20 and 17 so it shouldn’t be too much longer. 🙂

  72. I’ve been lusting for a longarm machine myself. I’m waiting for my kids to move out so I can take over their bedroom for my sewing room. They are 20 and 17 so it shouldn’t be too much longer. 🙂

  73. I made the choice of George and I’m sooooo happy with him! I love free motion quilting and have been doing it on my husqvarna Sapphire for a couple of years so switching to George was easy.
    He takes less space that a long arm on frame. I don’t have everything to learn again. and I feel my quilting is still “handmade” – see what I mean? I’m not ready to “drive” for quilting! I want to touch the quilt, feel the fabric!
    And I do quilt for customers who see my quilts on my blog and contact me so I can quilt theirs! I didn’t think it would be such a success! I do try to keep things slow enough though as this in not my job! I can only quilt on my free time!
    hope this helps!
    Nat, in France

  74. I made the choice of George and I’m sooooo happy with him! I love free motion quilting and have been doing it on my husqvarna Sapphire for a couple of years so switching to George was easy.
    He takes less space that a long arm on frame. I don’t have everything to learn again. and I feel my quilting is still “handmade” – see what I mean? I’m not ready to “drive” for quilting! I want to touch the quilt, feel the fabric!
    And I do quilt for customers who see my quilts on my blog and contact me so I can quilt theirs! I didn’t think it would be such a success! I do try to keep things slow enough though as this in not my job! I can only quilt on my free time!
    hope this helps!
    Nat, in France

  75. I have the new Gammill Vision and am a Gammill Girl thru and thru, you can see some of it’s features on my Blog as I have been a BETA Tester for Gammill. http://www.rondabeyer.wordpress.com
    I have owned and different machine and got rid of it due to poor Customer Service and poor quality. I recommending going to a Machine Quilting Show and playing with each machine, give some thought to what you want to accomplish with it, when we first purchase we really don;t know what direction we wish to go, my journey is more towards show quilting, and a machine that out performs others enabling me to do smooth and precise work… There is a show http://www.hmqs.org coming up in Utah in May if you could make that one I would recommend it. Keep an open mind, try the machines at the show then get ahold of someone near you who will let you come into their home and try it, remember the Dealers are like Car Salesmen, they want to make their commission but will they be there when you have problems??? My Dealer comes to California and he is the absolute best…

  76. I have the new Gammill Vision and am a Gammill Girl thru and thru, you can see some of it’s features on my Blog as I have been a BETA Tester for Gammill. http://www.rondabeyer.wordpress.com
    I have owned and different machine and got rid of it due to poor Customer Service and poor quality. I recommending going to a Machine Quilting Show and playing with each machine, give some thought to what you want to accomplish with it, when we first purchase we really don;t know what direction we wish to go, my journey is more towards show quilting, and a machine that out performs others enabling me to do smooth and precise work… There is a show http://www.hmqs.org coming up in Utah in May if you could make that one I would recommend it. Keep an open mind, try the machines at the show then get ahold of someone near you who will let you come into their home and try it, remember the Dealers are like Car Salesmen, they want to make their commission but will they be there when you have problems??? My Dealer comes to California and he is the absolute best…

  77. I have owned a few mid arms and longarms. I presently own the Gammill with statler Statler. I have quilted for customers off and on part time for about 7 years. I would say Quilting for a business is hard work. My latest machine is 2 1/2 years old. Trying not to quilt for anyone but myself I have it half way paid off with all the extra supplies(lots to buy!). If you are willing to put in the hours, you could pay if off for real! I don’t add any new customers if I can help it (I do still take occasional referrals) but my old regulars keep coming back just when I think I did their last quilt. I won’t sell this machine because I would miss it. These machines are so fun and such a hassle, I still love mine. It was so expensive I still shake my head, but over time the cost does average out and they last and last because they are so sturdy and well built.
    The larger the throat space the better, because moving the quilt forward is the most tedious and time consuming. This is what I have found. Even with a 30″ throat, it still time to move the quilt too quickly, lol

  78. I have owned a few mid arms and longarms. I presently own the Gammill with statler Statler. I have quilted for customers off and on part time for about 7 years. I would say Quilting for a business is hard work. My latest machine is 2 1/2 years old. Trying not to quilt for anyone but myself I have it half way paid off with all the extra supplies(lots to buy!). If you are willing to put in the hours, you could pay if off for real! I don’t add any new customers if I can help it (I do still take occasional referrals) but my old regulars keep coming back just when I think I did their last quilt. I won’t sell this machine because I would miss it. These machines are so fun and such a hassle, I still love mine. It was so expensive I still shake my head, but over time the cost does average out and they last and last because they are so sturdy and well built.
    The larger the throat space the better, because moving the quilt forward is the most tedious and time consuming. This is what I have found. Even with a 30″ throat, it still time to move the quilt too quickly, lol

  79. Hi! I have an APQS Millennium and they just came out with the Bliss and it is by far, hands down the BEST machine on the market! It takes the practice time for beginners down to less than half. There is no other machine on the market that moves like it! Trust me, the rest will be copying it as soon as they can!

  80. Hi! I have an APQS Millennium and they just came out with the Bliss and it is by far, hands down the BEST machine on the market! It takes the practice time for beginners down to less than half. There is no other machine on the market that moves like it! Trust me, the rest will be copying it as soon as they can!