Made half doz tops now. Is it silly to want a HQ Sweet Sixteen to learn to quilt on?
 

Hi ladies. I've now made half a dozen tops and am eager to getting them quilted. I've watched so many videos and been to so many QS and now have this desire to buy a HQ Sweet Sixteen before I take the plunge into the world of quilting.

In your opinion - should I FIRST learn to quilt on my Janome P6600?

Cheers,

I would learn first on whatever machine you have. You might change your mind about what you want after that. That said, I tried the HQ Sweet Sixteen at a quilt show and loved it! It is a big expense though. I am looking at a Juki now. They get good reviews and are under $1000, which is more in my affordability range. Ideally, I'd love to have a machine/frame, but I live in a small mobile and will never have room for one here.

Oh my! Do you have room for set up? The cost too. And I have seen results of those asking for thing to practice on...breaks my heart all the piecing done and a bad job on quilting. I think if you have time to practice on fabric first, room for once set up and keep up then enjoy. Save your tops for after your practice time. Good luck deciding on this investment. Have you checked out for used equipment..think this is from those that gave up.

I just wonder if learning on HQ will hasten my experience in achieving successful FMQ technique. Learning on my Janome 6600P is obviously doable but would I having learnt on that, and once I upgrade to the HQ SS say, "Oh, I wish I'd learnt on this in the first place!"
I've played on the HQ SS and have a large sewing room - my former master bedroom. I have recently been on an eBay spree and have sold heaps of stuff I didn't use anymore, so have the funds.
Sensible advice is so appreciated.

NO you do not have to first learn how to quilt on your Janome as quilting with a long arm is so different. Good luck and have a ball.

I tried the HQ SS16 and bought the HQ16 - so I would not have to sandwich the quilt top. Sandwiching the top prior to quilting it on the Sweet Sixteen was my determining factor between the two machines. You don't have to sandwich when you use the HQ16. I have been very happy with the HQ16. Using the Janome 6600 for FMQ is also a bunch of fun - I purchased the quilting foot for the 6600 and it is wonderful. Good Luck!!!

Ladies, would a HQ Sweet Sixteen hold it's resale value?

and so, is a HQ Sweet Sixteen considered a long arm?

ohstr, do you use Acu Feed when piecing on your 6600P?