Just wanted to introduce my self. I'm a newbie. Only been piecing for about a year. I just started learning to do my own quilting, after a bad expericence sending my quilt top out. Are there any handi quilters out there? 8)

Welcome, Erma. Sorry about your experience with sending the top away; I think that would be my worst nightmare. Are you interested in doing all your quilting by hand now, by machine, or in finding a better quilter to long-arm stitch the quilt for you?

Hi Leslee, I just got a handiquilter16. I'm in classes learning how to use it.

Oh, that kind of "handi" quilter!!! :oops: See what I know?? I think I both hand pieced and hand quilted for years before I got a really great heavy-duty machine, but I haven't gotten to the point where I'm comfortable free-motion stitching yet. Could be because I just picked up the machine this past Wednesday... :lol: Haven't taken my classes yet. So tell me about the handiquilter 16. I didn't run across any of those in my search for a sewing machine...is it a long arm? I'm curious!

Hi, Hope the holidays are full of quilts :wink: The Handiquilter is a midarm machine. I'm really loving it

Erma

Please tell me more about the Hand Quilter. How big it is? Why you choose that one instead of maybe another. Was the cost a consideration? Do you have to take classes? How is it in comparasion to a long arm? What is the brand? I'm not familiar with it, as I'm not with alot of Machines. I do know how expensive a long arm is, so I would'nt even consider one, However I don't think I'm the only one that looks for alternatives. Thanks for your time.

Hi, The Handiquilter is a midarm machine with a sixteen inch throat. Hence the name HQ Sixteen and the other one is called Simply Sixteen. My machine came with front & rear handles, laser , bobbin winder, and a professional frame for about $5000.00 My husband got me a stitch regulator for Xmas. I have not tried it yet. As soon as I get something ready, I will be trying it out. Yes I did take classes, Am still taking classes(smile) I'm fairly new to quilting but I really love all aspects of it.

You'll find that the longarms cost much more. I would suggest that you try it out at your quilt shop or one of the quilt shows. Hope this helped a bit.