Babylock Solaris - Tiara vs Coronet
 

I just purchased the new Babylock Solaris Embroidery/Sewing machine. I mainly embroider, piece and quilt, and occasionally mend (very little-too busy with the others-ha).
Any thoughts about this machine?

I also am still trying to decide on a Tiara vs Coronet or something comparable. Any thoughts?

For the Tiara vs Coronet, I would recommend trying to quilt something larger than a throw-sized piece on both. That might give you an idea of whether you prefer to "move the pen" or "move the pencil". When the dealer gave me a larger quilt to try, it didn't take me more than a couple of minutes to make up my mind. I much prefer moving the machine than the fabric! You do know these BabyLock machines are made by HandiQuilter?

Thank you pchp. I appreciate your input. I am so torn about what I need, want, and want to spend money on. I definitely will test drive both. Thanks for the information about HandiQuilter.

Enjoy your Solaris!

Congrats on your new machine! Love the new features they have added for this model. I think they finally got the foot box right. Do you like using the snap hoop? That looks nice too.

Have you tried ITH quilting on your machine using the built-in designs? They can be adjusted to size and hoops so that might be another option for you.

I tried ITH quilting recently on a table runner 24x48 and found it fairly easy to do.

Best wishes on your new machine. Hope you have lots of fun!

I'm an oddball, because when I worked on a long arm a few times, it just wasn't for me, I felt I was too far away from the fabric, but when I tried out the sit down it was perfect, so I bought a Tiara.
I don't have any trouble with a larger quilt myself, but you do have to baste the quilt when you use a sit down, as opposed to the long arm where you have to load it.
You really need to give both a reasonable trial. It really comes down to whether you want to move the machine or the fabric, as noted above and whether your skills transfer.

Watson

On the Coronet the OP is considering, if you opt for the (standard) 5' frame (aka the Little Foot frame from HQ) you do need to baste the quilt as well.

Thanks for clarifying that, mkc!

Watson