Dolphyngyrl

I never had a sit down but did use my DSM for quite some years to practice and had several classes using sit down long arms so it was a tough decision for me to chose between a sit down and standing long arm. Several of the reasons I chose standing longarm you can work both standing and sitting, you can do pantographs, no basting prior to quilting, ability to add computer at future date if wanted. I have had my HQ Avante about 2 months and thought it would be a huge learning curve since i was used to sit down but I find the muscle memory is the same. I haven't had any issues with designs I was previously comfortable with. I do find attaching the quilt tedious but I am currently looking to purchase an add on to make attaching quilts quicker and less stress on my back ( basting is hard on my back so I see this as a better solution to sit down basting). I do have a saddle stool and sit in front and use mostly my microhandles and am waiting to purchase the precise pantograph so I can sit in the back to do pantographs. I really enjoy practicing on my longarm and don't regret my purchase. I did choose my model because I adore my dealer and it is the brand he sells and since I have't had any issues with him I haven't strayed, but there are lots of wonderful brands out there.My dealer has been around a long time so don't see them closing as so many quilt shops have. I have a quilt shop I love but dealer support is super important and I worry about her being in business 10 years from now since most of my quilt shops tend to be owned by older ladies and they all keep retiring and closing down. The pros of the sit down to me is the comfort level and you don't have to look under machine to check tension, it takes up a lot less space, there are not as many components to be concerned with, less accessories to buy(ruler base, microhandles, pantograph supplies, channel locks, batting hammock), less cleaning( you have to clean frame and track to keep smooth, sit downs cost a lot less money overall compared to many longarms. I got a good deal on mine because they came out with a new model so mine was discounted a lot for this reason. Pros for long arm you can both stand and sit giving you multiple positions to get comfortable, no basting, can be a lot faster to get quilts done. I feel its less stress on shoulders and back than moving quilt around. Have more options for doing quilts other than just freehand. Both are great IMHO and if I had space and money I would own both.