Dallas quilt show and sit down LA quilting machines
 

I went to the Dallas quilt show today. Now I am in the market for the sit-down LA. I saw the HQ sweet 16. Wow, didn't know there were so many different ones offered now until I came home and have been searching on the internet. I have been reading here about the different ones. Does anyone have any new opinions about which is best. I am leaning toward the HQ sweet 16.

I've never tried a sit-down LA, but if I were to buy one it would probably be the Innova, just because I'm so happy with my Innova stand-up longarm.

I really am interested in the new Gammill's Allure.

I have had the Babylock Tiara since November and love it. The Tiara and the HQ Sweet 16 are the same machine (both made by Handiquilter). I previously did all my quilting on my Bernina, and am just amazed at how much easier the sit-down machine is. Try as many of them as you can, and then pick the one that suits you best. Keep in mind that dealer support and education are important, too. Good luck. Betty

I have tried the HQ Sweet Sixteen and loved it. Luckily I had an opportunity and space for a gently used HQ16, so I went with that. If space were a problem, the the HQ SS would be the one for me.

I have a HandiQuilter Avante......I love the HandiQuilter performance and customer service. I haven't worked on a sit-down, but if I were shopping, I would definitely go with the HQ based on my prior experience with the company. Good luck with your choice.

Betty, Doesn't the Tiara sit sideways like a regular machine? I know its the same as the sweet 16 but the 16 faces you long ways. I think that would make a difference. What do you think?

The Tiara and the HQ Sweet 16 sit down have the same orientation, that is, I face the head of the machine (long ways) when I'm quilting. I have a couple of small portable tables, one on the left and one to my right right, plus there is plenty of room behind the needle as well. So far, the largest quilt I've done on the Tiara is 60 x 60, but I will be doing larger quilts soon. The machine is so easy to use -- I love it! Betty

The pics ive seen of the Tiara have it sitting down in the table sideways. Not sure how it can be turned the other way and still be down level with the table. I need to see and use one.

Here's a picture from the Babylock website which shows the Tiara machine orientation: http://www.babylock.com/quilting/tiara/. Roll over to the picture on the right side (the one with the pink quilt on it) and it will show the front-facing Tiara. I can see how the other pictures might be confusing. If you have a dealer close by, go try one out. It really is a neat machine. Betty