Computer quilting....how many have a computer assisted Long Arm
 

I have an Avante 18 and have been thinking about getting the Pro Stitcher, do you have one? Is it worth the expense?
I only quilt my own tops, but have a large family and do plenty of quilting.

I wish I had one!

I'm glad I don't have a computer on my LA! I take a lot of pride in my hand guided FMQ. To me it is art. When it is computer guided in my mind it ceases to be "art". The human element is removed and it becomes cookie cutter quilting like all the other digitized designs that look exactly like every other computer generated quilting done with the same design. There is no longer any uniqueness or individuality. Even a hand guided panto looks different because no one can perfectly stay on that line every time. But a computer can. That is JMHO. I know many feel differently and want the perfection and symmetry that can only be acheived by a computer guided set up.

Me, I would spend the 10 to 20K on other things and stick with guiding my machine myself. Every quilt makes me better at what I love to do. Why would I trade that for anything?

to me the ProStitcher is worth every penny!!! I also quilt my own tops for family and get tops from charities. The ProStitcher allows me to be creative and does the work while I'm making more tops. The computer screen allows you to see exactly where you are stitching and the adjustments you can make are amazing. Some of the charity tops I'm given are often "wonky" and on screen you skew the design to fit. I do a lot of machine embroidery and with ProStitcher I can do echo quilting perfectly.

Go to the Handiquilter site to watch the videos and webinar on ProStitcher. You will be reaching for your checkbook before the video ends.

I recently got a Qbot, still learning how to use it. It was a very simple set up. Since I'm still learning, I don't know yet what all can be done using Qbot. If you are on a slim budget you may want to check out Qbot.

feline fanatic, I totally understand what you are saying, but, I don't have any artistic ability when it comes to longarming. I have done pantos, get to nervous and uptight, I just can't get comfortable with my abilities. Some have a talent, I don't, and I'm OK with that.

Wow, I am so amazed by all the answers. I flip between wanting a long arm and sticking with my DSM. I was not even thinking about the computer guided ones although I know they exist. To me, they are something for the real pros, the people who make thier living quilting. Quilting has grown into a very expensive 'sport' from something that used to be a necessity. If you really want a computer guided system and have money to aford it, all the power to you. Go for it. You know what you like and need. I am still conquering my DSM but secretly, I dream of Baileys 17" with a Majestic frame. There are days when I think I lost my mind for wanting a mid/long arm, and there are days when I wish I had one. I wish I can make up my mind. You have the advantage, you know what you want. Now, do your research and get the best one you can, that you like the most and can afford. Good luck!

I also have the HQ18 Avante with the Pro-Stitcher. It is great. They have already updated the system so be sure you get the newest one. Yes they do the patterns for you but I also put in a lot of FM on it so it is a combination, I feel that takes a lot of planning and artistic work. Not every one of us can get those patterns almost the same each time and I want it to look at least halfway the same. I quilt mainly for myself and for Linus type things, have done a few for friends but am glad I spent the money. Even with the pro you have to take a lot of time practicing to understand the SW. If you have the funds, I would really go for it. Remember you will still have frustration when you first start but it does get better till you realize, Hey I can do this and it looks GOOD. HQ has lots of online, phone and DVD help.

I have a qbot. It came bundled with may machine, which I purchased used. If it had not come with the machine, I never would have purchased it because, like FelineFanatic I love the hand guided process, and trust me, I don't have any of FF's artistic ability!

Actually - I'd love to have one machine without computer (I too love the art of FMQ), however....eventually I want to quilt professionally and having another longarm WITH computer would be the ultimate ,heehee!!! but until I win the lotto, I can only dream:)