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longarm considerations . . .

longarm considerations . . .

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Old 10-03-2012, 04:10 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by Yarn or Fabric View Post
I thought that the Babylock one is made by Handiquilter. The machine is identical. I'd look at the HQ then. I couldn't remember which one was made by which company.
i just read somewhere that they are made by brother.
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Old 10-03-2012, 05:25 PM
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I almost bought one instead of my Gammill: however, the deal killer was that the shop expected ME to take it home, set it up, and educate myself on it while they banked my money. With the Gammill, the sellers were with me all the way; they brought it to me, set it up, instructed me, didn't leave until I was as comfortable as I could get with it and have continued to support me to this day. They also offer free classes but I have not been able to get to them yet...but I will.
So, I guess what I'm saying is that there is a LOT to consider when buying a LA, not just the kind of machine...
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Old 10-03-2012, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by fabricluvr View Post
not seeing long arm info, just embroidery info at that link?
That's because I posted the wrong link! So Sorry
http://r.b5z.net/i/u/10076798/f/shop...or_longarm.pdf
let me try again
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Old 10-03-2012, 06:08 PM
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Iam getting ready to buy an A1 Longarm...I love that machine. Check it out.
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Old 10-04-2012, 05:20 AM
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Originally Posted by momto5 View Post
I almost bought one instead of my Gammill: however, the deal killer was that the shop expected ME to take it home, set it up, and educate myself on it while they banked my money. With the Gammill, the sellers were with me all the way; they brought it to me, set it up, instructed me, didn't leave until I was as comfortable as I could get with it and have continued to support me to this day. They also offer free classes but I have not been able to get to them yet...but I will.
So, I guess what I'm saying is that there is a LOT to consider when buying a LA, not just the kind of machine...

Dealer support should be one of your top 3 considerations when considering a LA. Dealer support makes all the difference between a great LA ownership experience and a nightmare. I had the same experience as momto5 with my Innova. Believe me, having a dealer come to your home, set the machine up, train you make sure you understand how to thread it, adjust tension, pin a quilt on, offer unlimited training etc is worth a LOT. The peace of mind you have by having a knowledgable, reliable dealer is invaluable, IMHO. Don't set your heart on ANY brand until you know up front what kind of dealer support you are going to get.

When I was buying I tried out the HQ (which is who manufacturers the babylock LA) and the Innova. The two were very close in price points however I found the Innova was a much better machine and the dealer support was just so much icing on the cake. I never even considered dealer support when I started shopping but it sure came into play the closer I got to actually taking the plunge.
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Old 10-05-2012, 06:47 PM
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I'm thinking about selling my tin Lizzie - but there aren't any LA dealers close so customer service always a problem for me -
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Old 10-05-2012, 09:06 PM
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I bought a Tin Lizzie 26" last spring from a dealer 3 hours away from me. I couldn't ask for a better dealer, even if she is 3 hrs away. I've been thrilled with the machine, too! Wow, it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'! I'm still a beginner so it's been through a few 'user errors' shall we say? LOL
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Old 10-06-2012, 03:35 PM
  #18  
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I have had a Crown Jewel for over a year and absolutely love it. I have had no problems and have done 23 quilts on it. I do not have the Quilt Motion but did use it at my 4 day class put on by Baby Lock.
The Crown Jewel is the same machine as the HQ Avante.
If it is possible for you to go to the Baby Lock class on the Jewel in St. Lewis, do it. It was wonderful. I felt so comfortable with the machine and frame after that.
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Old 10-06-2012, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by An Arm Long View Post
I have had a Crown Jewel for over a year and absolutely love it. I have had no problems and have done 23 quilts on it. I do not have the Quilt Motion but did use it at my 4 day class put on by Baby Lock.
The Crown Jewel is the same machine as the HQ Avante.
If it is possible for you to go to the Baby Lock class on the Jewel in St. Lewis, do it. It was wonderful. I felt so comfortable with the machine and frame after that.
thank you for that information. i put some money down on it today. i'm going to look at some APQS machines on monday, but will probably call the dealer on tuesday and have him go ahead with the babylock. i can't imagine anyone beating the price and he threw some more stuff into the package today while i was there!

while i was out and about enjoying some of the local shops, i had several comments made when they asked what i am buying. i'm convinced that everyone likes their own brand . . . one got kinda snotty with me and wrinkled up her nose and said i should look at the noltings. i'm tired of looking . . .
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Old 10-08-2012, 06:35 AM
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One more thing, Patty. I insisted on putting my frame together by myself. I wanted to know how it worked and be able to take care of it myself. It is true that they send it to you directly, but my local dealer would have helped me if I had asked.
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