Originally Posted by
Watson
I used to rent time on long arms and then I bought a Mega Quilter on a Grace-type frame as I thought this would be a good way to ease into buying my own long arm. Having this set up taught me that I really need to be closer to the fabric. Moving the machine, for me, just wasn't enjoyable. I bought a Babylock Tiara midarm and I love it.
Watson
I think you and I are on exactly the same page, Watson! When working on my friend's longarm I would stand completely bent forward at the waist, with my face in front of the needle, hanging on to those handles for dear life! She told me I'd ruin my back quilting like that, but I couldn't SEE if I stood up. I just don't like the weight and momentum of moving the big machine head around over the quilt. I'd much rather sit down right in front of the needle, and move the fabric. There is so much room and visibility in my sit-down setup! I'm so glad I got to try stand up and sit down quilting to be able to know this about myself.
People say having to sandwich a quilt is a drawback of a sit down machine... but I can sandwich with spray baste and a few pins faster than I could load a quilt onto a big frame. Also, once your quilt is in that frame, it's there until it's done. Whereas on the sitdown, I can work some on one quilt sandwich, remove it and work on another one if it becomes more of a priority. I like that freedom.
So this is why I say, "Find out
how you like to quilt", before jumping into a long arm purchase. It may be perfect for you, or maybe not. You don't know until you try.