madamepurl

I got a Sweet Sixteen and loved it, but then decided I wanted a stand up to just put some pantos on. So the husband came home and announced he bought me an Avante. 3 months later I added the Pro-Stitcher. Now I'm really quilting up a storm. Have been very happy with HQ, but like the others I would go to a show where you can try them all. They've come out with a new machine - the Infinity... the husband said wear this one out and I can have that one. It's all a very slippery slope. LOL.

Future Quilter

LOL sew faster.

Cam's gram

I'm with everyone else - try them out! I did at a national quilt show. Bought it later from a dealer that set it up for me. Does your husband realize how much they are? About ten years ago my DH order a Harley Davidson motorcycle. I told him I wanted a new sewing machine. He agreed. Later, my DSIL told me he was telling his brother about the wonderful deal he made with me. He gets a new big motorcycle and two or three hundred, I'd get a new sewing machine. Can not tell you how much we laughed about that! I got a Bernina 440QE with the embrodiery unit - a little more than he thought. I still have that sewing machine and he sold the motorcycle two years later.

oldtnquiltinglady

All these wonderful stories about our LAs today. I love it. I have a Gammill Classic because we (DH and I) got lost on our way to Branson one time and ended up going through the town where the Gammill factory is located; right on the side of the road (I saw those letters up on the side of that big building and screamed "Gammill, we have to turn around and go back and look at them" and got this rolled-eye look from him "what are you talking about"....we went back, went in, they treated us like royalty, showed me all their machines on the showing room floor, and sent me to the person in GA previously mentioned as being a Gammill distributor/sales facility. Two weeks later, they drove in with mine, set it up, showed me how to run it and service it, and for the most part, I have been a happy camper ever since.

My son is my quilter though. He taught himself how to manage the big machine, service it, make sure the tension is right, what thread to use, loads the quilts with ease and quilts one out while I sit there piecing another one for him. We have done some quilting for others, but mostly I use mine for family/friends and loved ones.

Do take some of the advice regarding shopping around, if you are not familiar with quilting machines. They are another animal compared to your Singer/Elna/Bernina (whatever). And you do need lots of extra space--so if your sewing room isn't so big, be prepared for a remodeling job for your present home, or a new one with lots more room than you currently have.

Best wishes.

caspharm

I'm with you, feline fanatic. However, I also agree with feline fanatic's comment that you should take a class to see if you like using a LA, then test drive. I learned on a Nolting and then used a Gammill at my then LQS (class and then renting). I personally wasn't impressed with the Gammill when I was renting time(too heavy, too much maintenance - including worrying about getting oil on my quilt).

When we moved, I ended up with room for a LA and started test driving other brands (Tin Lizzie, HandiQuilter), but fell in love with the Innova after it was recommended by a member of my new guild. I went to the dealer/distributor near my home and test drove it. It also included a 3 day training class and is low maintenance. I am 5'2" and I have a 26" Innova with the Lightening stitch (the higher end stitch regulator - no computer). I like do on point blocks sometimes and it is easier to fit the whole block in the space, because I get about 22" of quilting space with the 26" machine. I would suggest you get the largest quilting space you can handle, especially if you plan to add a computer. With the Innova, it is also easier to do add ons and upgrades without buying a new machine each time.


Other considerations, is he planning on you going into business or is this just for you?

Wanabee Quiltin

The one thing I would inquire about is training on your selected machine. Even if you go to several shows and check out the machines, you will still need to learn how to use your 'special' machine. Each dealer decides how much training they will give you, some give 8 hours and some 2 hours. Get as much training as possible, you need to know how to use your machine.

Jannie

Also, does he realize the amount of room it will take when set up? I was surprised how much room they really do take.

paoberle

Start doing your homework. Take a class, try out all different types, TAKE YOUR TIME, and enjoy the journey. In the end, go with your gut. Wish I had the money and room. I am jealous.

Misty's Mom

We have decided to look and take classes together. (Who woulda thought?). He's actually doing more research than me. Whether we buy one or not, this is an exciting adventure with him that I will always treasure. He's definitely a keeper.

oldtnquiltinglady

Good for you. The years get better the more you do stuff like this together. It took me something like 45 years to get to this point in our marriage (we just celebrated our 48th); the newly-wed feeling does come back when you start doing stuff like this "together"......