dilema !! mid arm machine
 

interested in buying a mid arm machine.

The Grace website raves about their Q'nique, but it's got some pretty ugly reviews on Amazon.

so I heard mention of the Block Rokit on Kathy's website it has awesome reviews, but they are basically the same machine.

what do I do?

If you have a chance to go into a LQS or to a Quilt Expo in your area those can be your best bet to look around for a mid arm machine and see the pros and cons. Both of these machines are Grace products. I would also suggest if you are looking for a mid arm there is also the Baily that is a nice mid arm and not in the high cost end of things.

I've never heard of this brand,

No need to shout.

If you are looking for a mid arm machine 14-16 inches, as Juliasb, suggests, your best bet is to go to a show and try them out.

You also need to think about what size of quilts you make and whether or not you want a full frame, a small (Little Foot type) frame or sit down machine. Again going to a show will help you to decide.

What size blocks do you generally use in your quilts?

Do you want to do free motion, e2e, Pantos, or computer guided quilting?

What is your budget?

Where in your community can you go for servicing?

I looked at the machines you mention, the Block Rokit and Qnique at a show, where I also tried out all the other major brands of LA machine. I considered them briefly, but then decided I could get more machine, for less money by buying a used machine.

Check out Leah Day.com. She has a whole bunch of info on the q’nique

The brother dream quilter, block rocking and qnique are all made by grace company. I haven't met anyone that doesn't like their qnique yet. You are limited to 15inches so keep that in mind. Some joanns carry them to test drive and rent time on

I had a suspicion that the Brother and q’nique were made by the same company because comparing pictures of them they look identical. But I didn’t know Grace actually made machines or the same company makes them and labels them differently.

I have had my Block RockIt since they first came out--my first machine was replaced shortly after receiving it with no questions because of problems. Didn't bother me because I know the first models of things can have problems. I've never had a problem with the replacement and it seems to take any thread I throw at it. If I had it to do over, I would go the same route. And Kathy Quilts (where I got mine from) and The Grace Company are fantastic to deal with--I can't say enough good things about them.

I bought my 22” bailey home quilter on EBay for $900. That included shipping. I love love love it. It’s actually my 2nd Bailey. I also bought my first one on eBay. It was a 13”. I used it for about 5 years and then upgraded to the larger one.

I have a Q'nique 21 that I bought a year ago. At first it gave me some tension problems. I figured out that the bobbin case was not 'right', replaced it. No more problems. (Well, besides the occasional operator error!) It sews beautifully. I bought QCT4 Beginnings with it. Works well, although I would like more precise/verbose documentation.

I bought it from Allbrands in FL. Price was lower.

Grace tech told me that Brother dream quilter is not made by Grace.

The Bailey is out of New York and a very good machine. I haven't had any problems with the 15 or 17 inch in 12 years. Mr. Bailey is so helpful and will speak with you personally if you have a question. It is built on an original
Singer chasis and very easy to operate. I am pleased. I don't long arm quilt as a business but I keep it pretty busy with just personal, gifts, and auction items. The price is the main reason I originally looked into this machine, but since that time the other brands have come down considerably.

so why do I see such awful reviews on Amazon?

does it have a stitch regulator?

To be quite honest, Amazon is the last place I would look to for a mid arm or to research one. For any of these machines, dealer support is key and dedicated places like QB and some of the machine quilting forums and FB pages (particularly the ones dedicated to a particular brand you are considering - not the parent company's but the actual owner/users groups).

Be aware with any review you read on Amazon, not all of them are legit. You can research through fakespot and another review reputation site whose name escapes me. Often times, competitors go in and post bad reviews of a product, meanwhile others are being paid for their positive review.

You are best served by reading the quilting discussions, making a list of machines to try, then searching out your closest dealer for each to test drive (or better yet go to a large quilt show where there are dealers for most or all the brands you are considering). It is just like buying a car - you wouldn't take someone else's word for what would work best for you without test driving it yourself.

I looked at quilt shows for about 3 years. I kept going back to the A-1. It is heavy duty rails and so easy to move. I have quilted 24 quilts since mid june and finished the binding. I love it. Check it out at the next quilt show. You will love it.

Isn’t the problem or complaint with the Bailey the fact that it has no space in the harp area because it is basically just like a DSM? I have belonged to the group for years and I always feel so bad for them when I read all the issues they have. I just found a flyer yesterday that came from a Bernina dealer that they were selling a used 18” Gammil on a 12 foot frame for around $4,000. I was stunned because at the time I was only buying the frame, UGH! Oh well the moral is you can find a good machine all the time. Good luck with your quest!

Yes, it does.
As far as bad reviews, in my opinion, you ask 30 people about anything and you can get 30 opinions. My problems have all been operator-error type. I can't speak for anyone else.