Helen6869

I am confused when I hear about quilting on a longarm. Does that include the machines that you move the fabric under or just those you place the quilt on the frame? I am considering one that I move the machine over the fabric while sitting down. I have arthritis and can't stand very long at a time. I have problems free motion quilting on my babylock machine. Things just bunch up so much and leave too many puckers. Could someone explain and tell what kinds you use and would recommend just for a home quilter quilting for her dgk's?? Thanks for all the input.

mighty

Longarms are on a quilt frame, the machine moves over the fabric.

dunster

A longarm generally has a head that is 18" or greater, and the machine moves over a frame. There are also shortarms and midarms that move over a frame. Some people sit at their longarms too. There are lots of options for you - one is machine quilting in sections with your current machine. (See the book Machine Quilting in Sections by Marti Michell.) I did that for a few years before buying a longarm, and I found it was much easier than trying to layer and quilt a large quilt in my sewing machine. The best thing is to try out all kinds of machines and decide which type is best for you. If you can go to a machine quilting show, there are usually lots of vendors with all the different types of quilting machines.

Helen6869

Thanks for the info and your feedback. I don't like the idea of quilting in sections. Since I've decided no more really large quilts for me, just making lap size from now on, that I would like to do my own quilting. I've paid laq to do 4 for me and it does get to be expensive when you are on a fixed income, a small fixed income I should say. So I was thinking of investing in one of the smaller types, like the babylock jewel (?) or the hq sixteen. It's hard to get to quilt shops and shows as I live in a very small town. would love to hear some more input on this type before spending days looking and trying. It might help me eliminate some options that would not be for me. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm also thinking of things like table runners, bed runners, or wallhangings. just small stuff.

woody

I have heard great things about the HQ sixteen, I would think that there wouldn't be any problems doing a large quilt in the HQ16

QuiltingGrannie

I have a Nolting 18" Fun Machine on a steel frame. It can be adjusted to use either standing or sitting. I love it and do quilts for myself and my business. The Nolting company has used machines that are not as expensive as the new ones.
They are easy to use. If at all possible I would suggest trying out one before you invest. If you have one in mind call the manufacturer and see if someone in your area has one and if that person would be willing to show you how it works and let you try it out.
I do that with the Notling I have.
Also if you can make it to any show. Not knowing where you are in Georgia, but we are having a small quilt show and the Nolting rep will be there for people to test drive the machine and talk with folks. It will be in Gray, TN at the end of April.

Phyllis
QuiltingGrannie

Helen6869

Thanks for the info and input Quiltingrannie. I live in southwest GA so TN is not an option right now. I do visit Tallahassee and also near Jacksonville. Probably can find a dealer there next time I travel that way. I definitely will try one out. I really appreciate everyone's opinions and advice. I think if someone has one and uses it they are well qualified to offer me advice and I will listen!! thanks to all

gayle bong

Read the thread with this label. "Why don't they make a plain quilting machine" from Feb. 9th.
It might offer some insight into what you are looking for.
I have back and shoulder problems and chose an APQS Lenni cause it is so lightweight. That is something you should consider if you want a machine to move over the quilt, whether sitting or standing. There are other brands as well.
good luck

Helen6869

Thank you Gayle. I will definitely be looking at all the discussions on these. Love to hear others opinions from their experience with them. That's the best recommendation I can get! appreciate all the input.