Okay - I need to lose weight and I want to make a deal with myself. For every pound I lose I want to be able to put $$$ towards a mid arm machine for machine quilting. Trouble is when I talk to my DH I want to know what I should say as a realistic amount.
Second question what is a mid arm and what is a long arm?
What brand would you consider. I can't afford the really expensive ones - looking I guess at used ones or lower $ ones. Maybe in two years I'll own it.
Thought about joining the weight loss group here, still thinking. I figured I'd be giving away my fabric to the winner. This way I win.

Has anyone ever done a deal with themselves like this and does it work - or do you not follow through with it.

Input wanted.
:lol:

Congratulations on your plan! Sounds like a win/win :D:D:D
Maybe talk to your doctor about what is realistic? For your age, bone structure, etc.

I made a deal to get myself something big that I wanted in order to lose the 50 pounds that I needed to lose. As I began to lose on weightwatchers, I totally forgot about the reward (can't even remember what I wanted) I felt so good, had so many health issued resolved and people really noticed that it was the reward I was looking for! I have kept it off for the most part- I just say Food does not control me! when I get ready to mess up! Good Luck! Do what ever it takes! Skinny feels so much better than any food taste!!!!!

There is a very active Yahoo group called homequiltingsystems that would be a good source of information for you. Check their "files" section; lots of comparison info about midarms and longarms, and some pricing info on different types of setups. Posters have everything from very basic systems to professional setups.

The rule-of-thumb advice from that group is to research for a year before purchasing. That would be a good time-frame for your weight loss too!

Good for you. Go for it. No help with choice.

From my own research, a mid-arm is generally anything from 13" to under 17". Anything 17" or over is generally considered a long-arm. Your average sewing machine is a 7" throat; there are some machines that have 9" throats that bill themselves as "mid-arms", but really, they're only slightly better than a regular sewing machine. The first machine I bought for frame quilting was a Juki with a 9" throat, and I found it impossible to work with; I know there are plenty of people that are able to work with machines that size, but I didn't enjoy it!

If you're looking for something affordable, check out the Bailey. They come in 13", 15", and 17". Even with a frame, you would come in under $3k if you bought a 13" or 15" new. Or, you can buy one used, as I did. There are always several people selling their machines/frames on the Bailey Yahoo Group.

Keep in mind that the Bailey is very much a no-frills machine; I find that it works great for pantographs, and there are plenty of people on the Yahoo Group that are doing much more complicated things with it. It just requires some patience and a certain amount of time put in for practicing :)

I like the plan you've come up with. It is always good to have a goal in mind. I might suggest also setting small goals that will get you to the Big goal. I've been a Weight Watcher for a while now. I like the program and the support at the meetings.