Thinking of purchasing a long arm
 

I would like to get a longarm that I could do computorized quilting and free hand quilting. I don't know a whole lot about. Could any suggest ones to look at. What the best brands and the easiest to use? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

I have a Nolting Fun Quilter with the Side Saddle computer system. I really like them both. Easy to learn. Easy to operate. I've had them for a year. Check out the Nolting web site and look into the refurbished ones they have for a better price. They are made in the USA. Our rep came and set it all up for us and made sure we knew how to run it before he left. I use mine for my business as well as my own quilts so it gets a work out.
Sending you a PM.

Phyllis
QuiltingGrannie
Quilter's Pantry

I have a Gammill Vision 18/8 which I love. It comes with a 10 or 12 foot frame. I chose the 10 because of space limitations. I do not do computerized quilting, but I know a computer is available. They have been having a sale most of the year, so you might want to check their web site. I don't know if it will end December 31st or not.

I have an APQS Millenium but not the computerized option. I purchased the machine used and I know that I can always purchase the computer at a later date. I love the machine though, did a bunch of charity quilting this fall as I have only had it since last January so am still learning. Happy with the company as they are really good about answering questions and such. Good luck.

I have viking 18x8 with qbot, really like them both.

lol, okay, here's my plug ;-) I have the HandiQuilter Avante, and have had no problems learning on it. My quilting is all freehand, but I know they have a computerized setup as well. Good customer support if needed, but I haven't had to use it.

First of all: Take Your Time!!

Then do the basics: budget, space available, ease of use, and do you bond with it.

I'd love a Statler Stitcher but that would mean way too much of an investment and my space is limited quite a bit.

For my budget and space ... I have a HandiQuilter. I love it, it does what I want it to, it fits my space, it was used [but the computer part is new], and I'm not in a lot of debt!!!

There are some used ones available of most all quilting machines.

Have fun and good luck.

ali

I have a Nolting with the Intelliquilter computer. I would suggest talking to several mfg. before deciding. The most important thing to me is customer support after the purchase. Dan at Nolting is great. There is a learning curve and you need to have a good relationship with whoever will be helping you.

Anything with a 22 in. or bigger throat to do 12 in. blocks on pointand do king size quilts without turning, 12 foot table (so you can do king size quilts ) and stitch regulator
I would love an Innova 26 in.

I have a Tin Lizzie 18LS and love it. I purchased it last April and have never been sorry. I don't have Q-Bot or any other computer addition for it. Maybe some day. I mostly do free motion quilting with it. Once in a while I do a pantograph. There is a learning curve with any system, but I found with Lizzie that the learning curve wasn't that bad. It's a good idea to check out several different brands. The great thing is that there are several different brands, so there is something for everybody. What one person loves, another might not. It's a good idea to purchase from a dealer who is in your town, or relatively close. That way if you have a problem, you can go to your dealer for help. Good luck!