In General deals?
 

I am super new to quilting and sewing in general.
I am pretty sure that I got schnookered by the dealer on my first sewing machine but by gones and learning lessons etc.

However, I am looking into buying a new longarm machine and dealer is offering 1K off.
For a 20K ish machine this doesn’t really sound that great to me?

Are my expectations off?
I am not looking for basement bargain prices but also don’t want to feel cheated again.

Any hints on what is a normal % off would be helpful!

Thanks!

Ally

What machine are you talking about?

Many of us recommend going to a quilting expo and trying multiple machines and dealers before making such a big decision.

I also recommend measuring the room you want to use first! It usually takes up a basement, garage, or living room.

Innova machines

Oh I have been. Visiting all the local dealers and measured my craft room. I can fit the 10 foot table no problem.

Just want to feel good about my deal. You know?

If you are super new to sewing, then I would recommend you go to one of the quilt stores who have a longarm machine that you can rent by the hour. Before spending $20,000, even with $1,000 off, you need to find out if this is something you really want to do? All day? Every day? Or only for yourself? As a business? I've quilted for almost 40 years. In that I've figured out just what I like to do the most and I don't. I've thought long and hard about buying a longarm machine. It's not just the space. It takes quite awhile practing of a machine to get good at it. More importantly, what kind of servicing does the seller offer? Piecing a quilt is quite different than quilting on a longarm machine.
Good luck. And ask lots of questions. Look and try out several different machines.

If you are that new to quilting, I would definitely wait on a long arm. This may be a hobby that you stick with and go full steam ahead. May also be a hobby that you enjoy on a slower path. Always the possibility that it dies after a short time. A long arm is a big expense if the desire dies off. In the meantime you can quilt and practice your skills while you decided how deep you want to get. Also gives you time to test some machines at a quilt show.
welcome to the board

Hi Emperessally! If you are new to quilting you may want to read this blog about longarm machines and whether or not they are right for you: https://www.stringandstory.com/blog/buyalongarm

Personally, I think a discount of only $1000 off of a $20K machine is not that much of a discount. The quilt shows tend to knock a few thousand off their demo longarm since they were "used" during the quilt show. But I know nothing about Innova's and their pricing so $1000 may be a wonderful discount. You can always ask them if they will drop the price by $2000, or whatever you think is reasonable. How many bells and whistles are on the model they are selling you? That might be a deal breaker/sealer for you, too.

I scooted around the internet for Innova's just now. I saw one webpage where the demo model price had a $1500 reduction in cost.
This other webpage gives their prices for the various Innova models: https://www.jukeboxquilts.com/innova-longarm.htm

Nothing better than price comparisons, right? You've probably already done this but just in case....

Good luck! Free motion quilting is a great artistic expression venue. I'm just no good at it, yet. :-) No longarm for me in my near future unless I win the lottery and can buy a house for the longarm room.

Keep in mind that there are several variables involved. First of all, we don't know what add-ons you're getting with this purchase. Lightning stitch, Pantovision, computerized, hydraulic lift, light bar?? The list goes on. All of these items could potentially increase the cost of the setup between $1000 and $10,000. Is this a new or used machine? Does this include setup and training in your home (or shop or whatever)?

Secondly, along with the others, I'm a little concerned about what you're stating about yourself. You are "super new" to quilting, but jumping in with a $20K +/- purchase right away?? Red flags going up everywhere. Have you ever quilted a quilt? Do you understand what it takes to load one on the frame, adjust for imperfections in the top, set the tension? Are you planning on quilting just for yourself, or are you opening a business? If you're planning on starting a business, that opens a whole new avenue of questions and thoughts to consider.

I have never seen very big discounts on the Innova. Occasionally items are thrown in, like thread or a light stand, but the machine price is pretty stable. Sometimes the manufacturer offers specials that are passed down to the retailers.

I agree with Peckish that buying an expensive longarm when you are new to sewing is unusual.

Hi, Ally, and welcome. Quilting is a wonderful hobby, as we here can all attest. It is good for the soul. But it can get hard on the wallet. I would agree with the others who say don't rush into the huge purchase of a longarm. Instead,
make sure that quilting is something you're going to stick with and want to keep learning. What kind of sewing machine do you have? How many quilts have you completed and how did you quilt them?

Hi all—

You are all very correct in that I am new and therefore considering a longarm is a bit crazy.
This is actually my second “start” in the hobby. First started in grad school back before Youtube and didnt have time to go to the guild or shop meetings to get help/learn, so quit.
Fast forward 15 (ack) years and I spur of the moment bought a new machine Brother Bottom of the line Innovis from a local dealer while 8 months pregnant!
Started actually sewing when baby girl was about 8 months old. She is now 2 and 4 months.

I actually pieced almost the entire top for her brother in March while trying not to go crazy waiting for labor to start :)

So yes I do realize that I am a bit gung-ho but I have already finished 3 complete quilts, have 3 more tops done, 3 in the process of piecing.
Being able to watch videos has changed my skill set and opened up my sewing.
I have been sending my quilts out for long arming because I know I will not enjoy basting.

So I took a longarming rental certification class.
I only plan to quilt for myself.
I hear everyone about trying out the machines and I have time rented out for the class I took next month.
I work FT and have small children so the hard part is that the stores that rent, only want to do so during working business hours.Which I totally understand, but I quilt nights/weekends which makes it hard to practice my skills.
I know its a bit crazy. The dealer salesperson keeps calling trying to sell me this “great deal” so I thought I would ask.
I have decided the earliest I would actually buy is May when the local big sewing expo happens and I can try all the machines and have rented out time and hopefully quilted those 6 tops to make sure I am indeed committed.

Didnt mean to come across as a flake, I really am loving quilting tho and just wanted some opinions :)

Best!

A

Thank you!! Will go and read.
I suspect that I am in the “wrong “ season of life. But I have learned, life is short so if it makes me happy?
Hah. seriously though, rental might be my best option for now.

I agree about the deal. I think its okay but I am not feeling like I need to jump into buying machine today. So I can wait. Research and play some more.

You asked all the right questions emperessally and got some great advice. Whatever you decide, do what's best for you. There are so many options out there, don't let a dealer convince you into something.

Hi empress! I'm so glad you joined us, I love your humor! :)
I don't know anything about longarms but just wanted to say hi.

Twenty thousand is a of money to pay for a machine, that you don't know you'll like, or if you'll like the actual quilting. Instead of spending it on that machine, I'd buy a Bailey for around $3000. I love my Bailey, they have great customer service and reasonable prices.

Welcome to the QB empressally. I love your enthusiasm of quilting and have no doubt you will end up with a LA in your future. I did rent use of a LA for a couple of years and attended shows and classes where I could test drive and practice quilting on a variety of machines before I made up my mind. Once you have it in your mind that you want a longarm machine, it is worth the wait. :)

If I had a budget where I could fit in a machine and the space for one, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I would have done it before I had actually worked on a long arm and I would do it now! In my lottery dreams I have a Statler professional model named Elvira...

If the financials aren't too horrible and you know you want to quilt, why not? I started quilting when I was a senior in high school, 40 years ago, not from a quilting family. I've never been quite sure if I "quilt, therefore I am" or "I am, therefore I quilt".

I recommend strongly getting the computer driven options. Roll over everything you can into the purchase, make sure to get a stitch regulator and all that. Everything is more expensive if you buy it in pieces.

Two final financial comments -- you can get a lot of quilts quilted very nicely for 20k! In my area, everything is expensive and it would be about $350-500 per quilt for me to get what I want. Other areas are more around $100, at least for basics.

Home systems, like new cars, lose a lot of value immediately. It is extremely doubtful that you would be able to sell it yourself for anything close to what you pay, because of a number of factors, including service contracts.

Go to a quilt trade show. You can generally get a better deal there. Make sure they offer support and classes. Do you want to freehand quilt or use some of the ones who offer software and programs to quilt for you? Most important is the amount of support you can get especially as a new owner.

Innova machines are great machines but your best bet is to try it out and see how it feels under your hands. Not all machines are the same, some will feel better than others and you'll feel made for each other. Stop and write down all what you want to do with the machine, check to see what comes with it, how far do you want to go with quilting. I started small as I didn't know if I'd even like to do the actual quilting, then I moved upward as I felt I was improving. Do you want to quilt for others or just for yourself? Also this is not a cheap step in your life, think about all you'll need to use this machine...........threads, needles, leaders if they don't come with it, room for the size frame you're looking into, lighting. So many things to decide on. When I tested my Innova out at a show I was hooked but that doesn't mean you will be. APQS, Gammill are a couple of names that make great machines too. Test out all that you can and see which one fits your needs, price for what comes with it and how do they feel under your hand.

Hi Empress and welcome to the board. It sounds like your plate is pretty full right now. I do know of several professional (and famous) LAQ that got their longarms with very young ones at home. Judi Madsen of Green Fairy Quilts was just kicking off her business when she was pregnant with her 4th child and the other 3 were still very young. But quilting was her FT job and with her husband, she has built a very successful business. Another is Angela Walters, again I am pretty sure that quilting was her FT job. Margaret Solomon Gunn is another. Although her kids are now getting into their teens.

What kind of quilting are you planning to do with your LA? If E2E (pantos, all over designs that ignore the piecing) I would definitely not take the plunge at this stage of your life. But if you are going to pursue full on hand guided (not computer driven) custom quilting then I think you should take some days off from your work, get a sitter and actually enroll in some hands on longarming classes in the upcoming expo you mention in May. The reason I differentiate between hand guided vs computer driven and custom as opposed to E2E (pantos or CD E2E) is that you can continue to utilize the services of a pro with CD and E2E. Unless your passion is creating designs and digitizing them. But I think a $20K price tag is not a computer driven setup. It may include pantovision, hard to say without knowing all the features the dealer is including.

I do have an Innova and I love it. And it is one of the few brands out there that is super adaptable and you can add on things down the road (including the belts and box for Computer driven) and it does not cost any different than if you bought it as a package up front. I saved up so did not finance my machine (I am extremely debt averse). I bought a used dealer Demo and researched a full year before taking the plunge. My machine is a 26" on 10' frame standard SR that was upgraded to Lightening Stitch last year. The L/S is definitely something you want. I only had room for a 10ft frame but I can tell you I would much prefer a larger frame. The widest quilt I can fit on my frame is 100" and then I barely have room on the side to change bobbins, put the side clamps on and only a very small area to check my tension. So I try not to do anything that wide.

Prior to investing in a LA I had been quilting for 20 years. Mostly hand quilting with a bit of dabbling on DSM FMQ and lots of walking foot straight line quilting. I took a certification course to rent so I already knew I liked doing it. I don't have kids and I do still work full time. I am 59. I have fibro and mild CFS, not debilitating, except sometimes when I have a bad crash and need to sleep a lot. Mostly I need to sleep a minimum of 9 to 10 hours per day. Longarming does take a toll on the body. When I first got my machine 9 years ago I could easily stand at it 5 to 6 hours a day, even some 8 hour days occasionally. Now 4 hours seems to be my maximum. I did hit the ground running with my longarm. So not everyone has the steep learning curve. But I would say I am not the norm but I am not the only one. I have a few longarming friends (who were also hand quilters) that did amazing work as soon as they started playing. But they also did not have young kids to distract or interrupt them.

So when you say life is is short, this is true and while you have a full plate right now, you also have the stamina and energy of youth. But you also have commitments to your children and family (both time and financial) as well as a FT job. Only you can make the final decision to go forward this quickly. It sounds like you are taking a lot of the right steps. Don't let the dealer pressure you into a quick sale. Believe me, there will always be dealer demos, specials and the occasional trade in (but most of us Innovians do not trade in, unless it is to upgrade to a larger throat). Good luck in whatever you decide and I hope you hang around the board and participate no matter where your quilting journey takes you.

Welcome to the board! You're getting some great advice.

I was where you are about a year ago and I ended up deciding to buy a mid arm after doing my due diligence. A long arm just wasn't right for me for a number of reasons once I really got into it. That's why each of us needs to really get hand-on with a lot of machines and talk to a lot of different dealers and, as you say you are going to a big show in May I think? That is the best idea. Until then, renting time and working away at the quilts you have is a great idea, too.

Have fun and keep researching. It sounds like you are doing well working on the rented long arms, so you should do great when you get your own.

Watson

May I tell you my experience with deciding when to purchase and how much was too much?

When I found that I was spending more on LA service (or renting) per month than if I purchased my own LA machine and financed for 5 years....then I knew it was time.

So I did my research, found the machine/frame and accessories I wanted. I made a spreadsheet of the cost breakdown for each item on my list (machine, frame, ruler base, rear handles, stylus, various pressure feet, etc...) from several dealers online.

Once I was armed with that info, I went to a quilt expo and met with a dealer there. I let her give me her sales pitch, even though I knew this was the machine I wanted, then presented her with my list and asked her if she could do better. She didn't bat an eye, took my list from me, went to her computer, did her magic and then presented me with her proposal. After all the freebies she thru in (all were on my list) and discounts, her total cost was 20% less than the lowest price I found on line.

So my answer to you on your original question ... heck no, $1,000 off $20,000 is only a 5% discount, and a joke!

Hi emperessally. I'm really glad you found this board. What a talented, encouraging and helpful group of people live here!!! :) I hope you come back a lot, and show us pics of your projects.

It sounds like you have lots of time to search for the perfect machine for you, if you are waiting until May.
I did this same search a couple of years ago.
I did something very similar to what AStitchInTime did. I found the machine I wanted, then found a great deal for it online, and then took a printout of all the goodies and the price to my nearest dealer.
She took the list, put it all together, added some thread and free lessons at her shop for as long as I needed / wanted them. She also invited me to her monthly longarmers group... sort of a 1 hour class plus show and tell and snacks and coffee/tea/water.
This dealer owned her own shop, and she is the most amazing person.
Anyway, I learned that the dealer you find is almost as important as the machine you buy. In the beginning, you may be leaning on them heavily...for set up, classes, trouble shooting, and maintenance, stuff like that.

I'm sad because my dealer has moved to another state.

Good luck to you, and happy quilting!

If your heart is set on getting a long arm here is one question to ask yourself (after the 'Can I afford this?') - how will I or any of my significant others feel about having a $20,000 clothes rack if I decide I don't really like quilting for myself? I won't try to discourage you, because there used to be a lady in my quilt guild who didn't care that much about actually making quilts, but boy could she do amazing things with that long arm!

How new? If you are under a year I'd give it some time before I spent the money on a Long Arm. Just pay someone for now and see if quilting is going to be a passion or a sometime thing.

Wow a 20.000 longarm. Hey you never know dreams can come true. Many gave you great advice on how to make a wise purchase. I don't know your budget and that is a big part of such a big purchase. What ever you decide enjoy the process of creating quilts. You mentioned "don't want to feel cheated again" that requires doing your h.w. on prices and then bringing that going to a dealer or a show.

Hi, I bought a crazy midarm with a sagging frame first for about $3000. I did do about 20 quilts on it and learned...yep...I liked doing my own quilts. So, I upgraded....not to the fanciest, lot of bells and whistle model.....but to a basic APQS Lucey. She has a stitch regulator, a needle up and down, one channel lock, a 26 inch neck, and a 12 foot frame. and I opted to go with "bliss" which makes her very easy to move. She was a demo..and when all was said and done, I paid about 12,000 for her..this was about 7-8 years ago. I quilt only for myself, I make quilts that folks can throw on the floor, have the dog lay on it, throw it in the washer and dryer and plop it on their bed. Most of the quilting I do is an over-all with things like loops, double loops, leaves thrown in....I have done some ruler work but found I just don't have the patience to do fancy and custom work. I like the softness that quilting larger gives to a quilt....heavily quilted ones look wonderful...but...really aren't all the cuddly. I am entirely content with my machine...she does what I want to her to do...and I have room to grow...if and when I want to. Basically, she runs fine....and is easy to maintain you want to look at things like service provided by the manufacturer....APQS has a lot of video's and how too's and have designed the machine with the thought that the owner should be able to do quit a bit of the servicing...not that I have had to do much other than cleaning and oiling. One of my friends had to send her longarm head in and it was gone for four months...not good nor easy to ship.

I’m new to quilting as well and am finding lots of good info on this board. I can see myself in the same situation one day and do a lot of window shopping on the web. Anyway, I’m curious, what’s everyone’s opinion of the Janome long arm with Grace frame selling on amazon for $3,600. Would it be a good starter or something that just might frustrate you?

[h=1]Juki TL-2010Q 9" Long-arm Machine, Grace Continuum Quilting Frame, SureStitch Regulator, Pattern Templates, 100 Needles,[/h]

I started with a Juki 9" on a frame. It is limiting because by the time the quilt is rolled, you only have about 4" of quilting depth. That said, if you are creative in quilting the blocks in parts, you can quilt up to 12" blocks by rolling several times for the block roll. I quilted a queen sized with 12" blocks this way.

I don’t know much about Innovas, but if you are going with the 10 foot frame, ask if the frame has an optional 2 foot add on for down the road. I started with a 10 foot frame when I had a queen sized bed. When we switched to a king, I had to buy a new frame because my old one didn’t have an option to add on. If you can do the 12 foot frame, I highly recommend it. Most of my family has king beds now.

I started out with a computerized 16 inch throat on my used long arm. I upgraded to a computerized Q'nique 21.

Personally, I cannot imagine quilting on a computerized long arm with a 9" throat. Yes, I am spoiled - but I have health issues that limit the time I can a spend doing the actual quilting, so the larger throat has become a 'must have', not a "really want".

When you are ready to buy a long arm, Take a look at used aka pre-owned long arm set ups. You can get some real deals.

I can't relate to LA buying or quilting but will say "ck out Flr model Sales" That's how I bought my first Emb/Sewing Husq SE 7500 down to 4500 w/few class hrs on it. I've had that machine since 2007 and have learned to quilt with it.
I'm not very good at FM by DM but when I do some I do it on my Singer vintage 301, just seems to handle better then newer machines for me.
I was satisfied with my SE until Husq came up with the new larger throat EPIC w/tons of bells and whistles...Normal price 15,000...Boy did I want that machine to do larger quilting areas since larger hoops but I waited and waited a few yrs and watched each time a sale came up. I waited just long enough(new model coming out) for a sale that offered a trade in of any other Husq machine for a 5000 discount. I just happened to have and old obsolete basic emb machine I also bought in 2007 that only worked on Windows XP...so you can imagine when the last time I used it. They accepted that as a trade in and my Epic is getting allot of use quilting my quilts.... Have you thought of a sit down Sweet Sixteen if your good at FM...1000's less then a LA, my friend invested in one and loves it.

I think if you are serious about a longarm go for it and enjoy.