Need advice about a mid-arm machine pending purchase!
 

Hello everyone & thanks in advance for any advice you provide to me.
I have an opportunity to purchase "Design-A-Quilt" quilting machine & frame with a 13 ft table. Plus lots of bobbins, extra needles, & external bobbin winder. For approx $500.
Apparently there is nothing wrong with it & I have no idea how old it is.....the lady needs the room space back.
Would this be okay to start with? I don't think I could ever purchase my dream machine @ $9000.!
Cheers
Maureen

Can you try to out, alittle practice with her there so you get a feel for it, if its something you can do? Put in practice piece on top plain fabric, batting and backing. With that just try it out. Yes I wish I had the money to get a longarm but what I have works for me.

As long as it works properly I would go for it. Have her give you lessons on it if you can. 500 is a good deal for just about anything to get started with. If it looks good, runs good, get it.

I've never heard of it before. If it's as old as I suspect it is, make sure it's in good, working condition.

After looking them up on the net, it appears this company has been out of business since 2005, so there would be no support if there are any problems. So definitely make sure the machine is in good working order.

Thank you all for your comments. Caspharm, that was my biggest dilemma....the lack of support. I think I'm going to let this go & consider something else come the new year.
Maureen

I was curious about this machine so googled it and was surprised to have the following come up. Apparently it has been discussed on this board in the past. I haven't followed the link suggested in that post, but you may if so inclined.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ne-t47846.html

Pam

I have a friend that had one. It is very heavy. the company is out of business, long story there. Knowing what I do, I would not by it, but good price. It is a short arm, in other words the quilting space is smaller than a mid arm or long arm. google it and see what you find.

I've never heard of them before.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ne-t47846.html

I'd steer clear of this one.