Congrats! I've been debating whether or not to get one and so far haven't convinced myself to write the check.

First?????? Lucky you! When you are ready for your second, keep me in mind. I have not made the plunge yet.

Did you purchase your machine from Carry? Is that who will be teaching your class? If so, she is a very good teacher. I bought an Innova 18" and didn't get to take my class till about a year later. It was a good class.

Congratulations, you will enjoy yourself.

Congrats! I just bought mine (HQ Avante) in July, and I'm having a great time with it. Already finished 4 quilts, #5 is about half-done. Enjoy!

Congratulations!!!

I love the idea of a longarm machine, but I don't have the space and they actually intimidate me a little bit too. So much to learn! Doesn't stop me from watching a lot of YouTube videos and telling myself, "Some day...." though!

Good for you for taking the plunge! I hope you and your new baby have lots of productive and happy years together!

How much room does this machine require? I have considered one lately and wonder where would I put it. Thanks for sharing and congrats!

Good for you. I don't have any room for one. I use a 9" throat machine and have quilted lots of quilts. I don't do fancy stitches, just large stipples. Have fun learning how to use it, take notes.

I bought a used HQ16 off Craigslist. It did not take me long to get good on it. I started with charity tops from my guild. I had no lessons and just watched Utube stuff. Assume you will learn quickly and you will.

You are going to be so happy with your new toys. Considering what you paid for quilting services, you will break even very quickly and the best part is that the quilt is totally your creation from start to finish.
If you don't have a stack of charity quilt tops for practicing your techniques, buy a bolt of muslin and make quilts for the local animal shelter. The dogs won't care if your stitching isn't perfect and by the time you finish the bolt, you will be amazed how much you have improved.
I just upgraded from an HQ16 with PCQuilter (which I used for 7 years) to the Crown Jewel with Prostitcher. What a difference in the machines and software!! Less noise, smoother movement, and the stitching is more consistent when using the robotics.
Ifstamper - I have a 12 ft table and if one end is pushed against a wall, you need a minimum of 18 inches to walk (squeeze) around to the back side. I took over the living room as my studio. We also have a great room and didn't use the living room except for company. Now the room is used every day instead of being just a dust collector (well, ok...it collects a lot more dust with all the fibers but I don't have to clean an area that was under-used.)