a quilting frame and machine? If so, who do you co-own with? friend? neighbor? How did you split finances. Did you write up a formal contract that is binding? I am curious as I want to approach a friend. She has more ROOM, less $$$ and I have more $$, less ROOM. Seems like a good combo. HOWEVER, I do NOT want to lose a good friend over a quilting frame/machine. Pro's or con's please !! Thanks!

I guess the first question I would want to know how available will it be for you. Will you be able to use it at your convenience??

i would never buy a joint machine.

in my eyes it would just complicate things in a friendship and i'm the type of person that can be pushed around just to avoid a sticky situation.

I would never buy a joint 'anything'. Money and friends do not mix. It might work for a while. I wouldn't take the chance. I'm not a gambler.

Can you convert your garage or build a small storage area on your property? Can you expand a spce you already have? That would be better than mixing freindship with a business relationship. It is true...they don't mix. Good Luck

I have heard of some people sharing a LA with a sister, or other relative. I think that's a special circumstance, because they're already used to sharing and working out differences within the family. Sharing with a friend or neighbor would be a different thing.

HOWEVER... all things are possible, if you both approach it with the right attitude and you both want it badly enough. I think a comprehensive contractual agreement is a must. It would need to cover all sorts of things, like what happens if one party moves, or has to sell her interest due to family emergency, illness, etc. Personally, I would not consider doing this, but that does not mean it would not work for someone else. Before you do it, think of everything that could go wrong and how you could account for that in your contract. And good luck!

Thanks all! You have confirmed what I was thinking all long! Just wanted some support to know if I was on the right track! Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

If she had an outbuilding that you could use (like having your own key for) that would be ideal. If the machine would be stored in her home, I wouldn't feel comfortable using it whenever I wanted or late at night etc.

I co-own a Gammill Classic Plus long arm with 3 of my sisters (oops with 2 sisters, one has passed away). We split the cost of the machine equally and we each buy thread and patterns etc on our own but everyone is allowed to use whatever ... we do not have a written agreement.

We do get together once a week for quilting so we know what each other is working on and when each will need the machine. We try to take turns but if one of us needs the machine out of turn we just ask if we can use it ... we haven't had any problems in 5 years.

my DD and I share and its at my house...she buys all the pre-wound bobbins and alot of the thread. we use it alot. of course she would dare yell at her mother LOL

Co owning can be sticky like others has said. My dad and our neighbor bought a boat together. They didn't enjoy the boat enough together as they thought. My parents moved and the neighbor bought my dads share of the boat. Dad said he'd never do that again.

It may sound like a good thing but there are more negatives than positives. Just my thoughts.

My sister and I planned to purchase a quilter and frame together. The more I thought about it I decided I would pay the entire price since it was going to be at my house. She bought several accessories. She comes over to sew when she wants as long as I don't have a quilt loaded. She does not drive so I either pick her up or she gets a ride and stays a few days. We are planning another sleep over soon. She is finnishing tops quicker than she can get over to quilt them.--- You may concider purchasing it your self and keeping it at your friend's house until you can make room for it.

I say go for it. You could write up a contract to save the both of you if anything were to happen. I share a long arm with a great friend and we have NEVER had any issues. I think it is a great idea!!!

I have to agree with most the board, I wouldn't do it. I think eventually it would lead to problems and potential loss of a friendship.

You must make sure that no matter whose house it is at that it is covered for replacement value on the homeowners insurance policy. I bought one with the help of two of my daughters. My oldest daughter gets the machine after I'm gone. (There is no interest from the other two girls.) My oldest daughter Jodi split the cost of thread when I bought the machine. If it's empty, it's fair game. I have a Gammill L/A and haven't had a problem with maintenance. Make sure you purchase the best surge protector that you can afford (mine was $40.00 on sale with a $200,000 guarentee - 8 outlet Belkin SurgeMaster). Above all, protect your equipment.

I agree with those who say 'go for it', especially if it's the only way either of you will be able to get a L/A or M/A. Maintain open and honest communication, what each of you consider 'deal-breakers', etc, be respectful of each other, and your joint adventure should be a fun one!