Baby Lock Tiara 16" throat quilting machine
 

Those that know/use this machine....what are your likes/dislikes?
I googled it and learned some things but would appreciate your insights.

I got an e-mail from a quilt shop this morning and they will be having this machine come in this week. That 16" throat is a plus. Says it comes with its own table and stitch regulator if you want it.

Unfortunately, I live about a 4-5 hour drive from the shop. Also, being in Canada ups the price quite a bit. I have e-mailed for an estimate.
I would love to go and may be able to arrange the trip if a friend can go with me to share gas expenses.

To go or not to go...that is the question?
If I can get an idea of its advantages/disadvantages, it will make the decision easier.
I look forward to your replies.

i'm interested in this machine, too, so will check back for replies.
i did find these reviews, though
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi...ns/topic/71885
http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/73023

I test drove it a couple of weeks ago.
And yes, a wonderful machine. You will not be disappointed in what it can do.

Keep in mind that it is only going to be a quilting machine ... and not for piecing!
If you are wanting to do straight lines, you are still doing it via FMQing.
You can use rulers to get those straight lines!!
And can use templates to stitch around for perfect shapes such as hearts, circles, etc.

You can do your quilting much easier than on a DSM (not fighting with the hole!) or the need to send out to a LAQ. Sit down is a plus, if you cannot stand for long times.

Only you know if you can justify the cost, for the usage it will get. Another negative that I saw, was that I would still have to sandwich my quilt (LAQ somewhat does that for you as part of the process).

It is the same machine (except for paint!) as the HandiQuilter Sweet 16, so if by chance you have an HQ dealer that's more local, check with them. Plus, I found that the S16 was considerably less than the Tiara which makes sense, being that there's one extra company to make $ on this!

That being said, check the other threads on this board about the S16, as it's all applicable to the Tiara.

Another advantage that I noticed was that S16 has a great 1-800 support service to the end user. I phoned them several times while I was doing my research. The people at CC KNOW the machine and can help you thru most anything, which is a plus as you could easily advance beyond your dealers knowledge.

BabyLock (at least in Canada) does not have any user support, and all you have is your local dealer, as good or bad as they may be for the support. I found that the HQ dealers here had represented the S16 since its inception, so "knew" the machine. The BL dealers are all just getting them, so they do not have historical knowledge, and are somewhat learning with you. Of course, all this depends on the interest of the dealer and how much they are working with the machine vs. letting it sit on the floor, and them "talking" about the machine.

Both BabyLock and HandiQuilter websites allow you to check who your nearest dealers are.

I wouldn't let your distance to your dealer deter you, if you see the value in your having it. It's a pretty basic machine ... and the results are going to come from you getting to know the machine and the age-old pratice-practice-practice! With the practice pieces I did, I felt hopeful that I could master it with that practice!!! :)

Is it worth the 4-5 hour drive? Yes ... make it into a girls getaway and FART ... The least that can happen is that you learn about the machine, and have a mini-holiday! :)





I am "sold" on the machine ... though I did not purchase ... and went for a larger throat DSM for now.
I felt I could not justify the cost, for the amount of time it would sit idle in my home.
I'm going to be paying attention to these machines, and with more FMQ skills developed with my new machine, someday I may have the S16 or comparable.

I say go!! You will not be dissapointed!!!

I think this is the machine I tried last week. I know it was a sit-down mid-arm. It was nice, but be prepared for the price. The one I looked at cost $5000 plus (US price). If that's no where near your budget, don't spend the gas and the disappointment.

I just brought mt sweet sixteen home last weekend. It is a considerable expense - I had to save for quite a while and then had a hard time letting go of the money!

I love it. Have been practicing this weekend and krnow it was the right decision. I have been doing free motion on my little machines but it is hard on my arms and shoulders to do that. So I am not too far from beong pretty good on the 16.

Only you know if it is worth the drive but if you go you will love it!

I have the Babylock Tiara and I love it. It has made quilting so much easier. I also got the two side extensions for the table and have no trouble dealing with a king size quilt. It is one of the best quilting investments I have made.

Thank you all so much. I appreciate it.