After viewing all the responses I received about different long arms, sit-downs versus frames, I am leaning towards long arm and frame. I just finished a queen on my Janome, and, that if nothing else has swayed me to the machine and frame. The Tin Lizzie 18 DLS is quite appealing for the price. I can test drive it about 1.5 hrs drive. The shop owner is very nice, I used to know her when I had my own quilt shop. The other option is the Lenni, which a shop 6 hrs away is having a APQS rep come in on Apr 15. He says there will be deals if you are ready to buy that day. So, now I am looking for pros and cons of the two machines. I realize having a dealer close by is not as important as with your DSM, but, I would rather travel 1.5 hrs - not 6. Any feedback would be appreciated.

we tested almost all models at a quilt expo and got an Innova.it is all personal choice for different reasons.APQS has a small bobbin and was heavy to move around while quilting.A large bobbin means less stopping for a bobbin change.most brands are all good just depends what features you want-we live in the boonies-no reps close for any brand

When is the next large quilt show in your area? That would be the best time to test drive and compare.

I bought a Tin Lizzie 18DLS in December. I have done 6 quilts on it so far. It is my first long arm and I was on a budget and I got a really good offer on the price so that was the deciding factor for me. It is similar to Handi Quilter. They are both very easy to move around. I am liking my Tin Lizzie so far. I am mostly going to be quilting for myself so I couldn't justify spending a lot more money for a long arm--as long as it works sufficient--I figured I might as well get the one with the best deal--which was the Tin Lizzie. Good luck with your decision. I did go to a big Quilt show last fall and looked at and tried many of the brands. I would recommend you do that if you have time to wait.

There is one. The APQS rep will be near Hamilton (6.5hrs away) for one day in April. I can test drive the Lenni but not George. I can go to a shop 1.5hrs away, she is a Tin Lizzie rep and test drive her Tin Lizzie DLS. I could also drive 5.5hrs and pickup a HQ Sweet Sixteen with no test drive. Ontario has only one quilt show that has longarms and that is in May. Although that might be an option, they usually only have APQS, Nolting, and Gammill, all highend machines. I will continue to look for feedback from my fellow board members. I really appreciate all your input to this important decision I am trying to make.

I think having a shop close by for a long arm is just as important.

I purchased mine from a dealer about 3 1/2 hours from me. I could have gone to dealers closer, but I talked to everyone I could find locally. I really like the dealer I purchased from, because he was more experienced and could answer all of my questions without having to think about it and find the answers. He also delivered my machine, set it up, showed me how to load a quilt and run the machine without charging me. He also did the first service free of charge. There is a local dealer 25 miles from me, but she just doesn't have the knowledge and experience he has. I also liked supporting a state right next to me where the machine was made. They also have awesome customer service.

that is all great info

I'm quite happy with my Tin Lizzie. I bought it used and don't have a dealer nearby, but I haven't had any problems, either. I haen't tried the other machines so I can't compare them, but the Lizzie is a nice machine for the price.

[quote=aborning][quote=I bought a Tin Lizzie 18DLS in December. I have done 6 quilts on it so far. It is my first long arm and I was on a budget and I got a really good offer on the price so that was the deciding factor for me. It is similar to Handi Quilter. They are both very easy to move around. I am liking my Tin Lizzie so far. I am mostly going to be quilting for myself so I couldn't justify spending a lot more money for a long arm--as long as it works sufficient--I figured I might as well get the one with the best deal--which was the Tin Lizzie. Good luck with your decision. I did go to a big Quilt show last fall and looked at and tried many of the brands. I would recommend you do that if you have time to wait.[/quote]
What is the size of your setup? How much space do you need at either end of the frame.? Now that I've narrowed it down to a Tin lizzie LS, I'm not sure my room will be big enough!