daniellern76

So I found a shop about 40 minutes away that has a private quilting room that you can rent with the HQ16 to use. It's $15 an hour. How long do you think it takes to get used to using this machine enough to actually work on your quilt? Is it a good deal? I've never used a long arm, so I'm worried I would have to rent it for like 75 hours to quilt my twin sized quilt! What do you think? My husband is going to take me up this afternoon to check it out. I'm really excited, they have a sewing machine store with new and used machines and an attached fabric shop! Can't wait!

quiltinghere

I've read of a quilt shop that rents out their machine BUT you need to attend (and pay for) a class to learn how to use it. it's over 2 hours away from me and wouldn't be something I could do.

Good luck.

sahm4605

wish i was with my parents this weekend at a wedding in Rochester. You are so extremely lucky to have a quilt shop/sewing machine shop that will do this. I so would have gone there. what city is it in?

pollyjvan9

That sounds like such a neat idea. I mentioned renting time on a long arm to the owner of the LQS where I go to a sit and sew on Wednesdays. She nearly had a heart attack! She would have to give lessons on how to use the machine (big bucks); she would need extra insurance in the event someone sewed their fingers to the quilt; it would take everyone so long to quilt anything it would be cheaper to send out to someone; she went on and on, I couldn't even get a word in to tell her I was just making conversation! I will be interested to hear how your experience goes. Will be watching for your observations.

sahm4605

what an awful women. she didn't even have to do it. you were just talking casually. even though it is a great idea, and she would really make more money that it would take to do that, she just didn't want to go through the hassle it sounds like. that is just awful that she reacted to you even bringing it up to her.

kathy

there would have to be a training class, like drivers ed, you wouldn't give someone the keys to your car if they said I've never driven before! For your first time it would be easiest to just meander. If you want something different I would buy a pantograph or you can draw your own and practice holding a pencil with both hands and trace it. Like everything else it gets easier with a bit of practice and when you get off the line don't jerk back to it, ease back, if it's to bad you can stop, cut the thread (or drag over) and start in the right spot and take out the wrong stitches when you get home. It takes me about an hour to get a quilt pinned on and ready to quilt, Ican quilt for but about 30 minutes at one time but figure it takes about 3 hrs for a twin. good luck and let us know how it goes, and I think that price is very reasonable.

athenagwis

Yes most stores have a class to learn to use it first. It does take a lot of practice, even if you just want to use a groovey board or panto. I was trying out some machines this weekend and even with a groovey board which you would think would be easy, my stitches did not look smooth at all. I’d say you’d need at least 2-3 hours to feel comfortable putting your stitches on a quilt, and even then it may not be completely smooth. But think of it this way, if you spend the $45 for 3 hours of practice, after that every quilt you do will be smooth sailing, once you know it you know it. :) Good luck and have fun!! I am buying an HQ16 soon and I cannot wait to play with it!

Cheers!
Rachel

ncsewer

There is a store near me that does this too and you do have to pay to take lessons on it before you can actully rent it. It would be a good way to see if you like it enough you want to invest someday.

ckcowl

when i purchased my machine 7 years ago that is how i was introduced to it..we were on vacation in Florida, went into a little shop where they had one set up and a sign about a 'certification class' it was a 4 hour class, cost $50 went in learned to thread the machine, oil it, wind bobbins and put them in, and quilted a 'practice quilt'
at the end of the class i went ahead and ordered the machine for at home...it was sent to me from the factory in Utah...DO NOT BUY A LONG ARM THIS WAY! now i do the same thing, i offer the certification class, and then rent time on the machine, I have had a couple people take the certification class, had fun doing it but decided they would rather pay me to do their quilts instead, and i have a couple people who took the class and come in every 2-3 months with a new quilt to do themselves.
the lady in Florida told me anyone can quilt a queen size quilt with a flowing meandering all over design in about 2 hours...i have never managed to get a quilt done in 2 hours, no matter how small it was...but you can get one done in a reasonable amount of time. if you are going to do this i would recommend you try 2 or 3 practice quilts before you actually take one of your pieced masterpieces to do. i used to just pick up a couple yards of muslin for the top and another couple for the backing...warm and natural batting and colorful thread (so i can see everything that's happening) and quilt away...some of the practice quilts have been my granddaughter's favorite quilts, some i have zig-zagged the edges and sent them to the humane society, some have been bound and sent to the fire department, and a couple i have kept. people seem to love to write their names when first trying it out which is fun a customer's practice quilt is theirs to do with as they please (after all they do pay for it)so, i say if it's within your budget it is worth it to at least give it a shot...that way if nothing else you will understand what your long-arm er has to do and just what it takes to complete a quilt. and if you love it...then you will know you need to start saving your pennies so you can buy your own

ncsewer

I'm originaly from the Syracuse area and visit every year. Where is the store, I'd love to visit it the next time I'm up that way.