Handiquilter
 

I am considering this Handiquilter. Here is the website. Does anyone have one of these and what is your thoughts?
http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/Ha...et-Sixteen.php

I am coveting this machine. Have you test driven one yet? Two friends have it, and their work is amazing (it was amazing before they bought the machine too). I played with one at a quilt show, and am hoping to buy it in a year or two (want to pay off my car first).

Cheers, K

I don't know much about this machine but I would like to tell you that whatever you buy make sure that you have an authorized dealer and repair service locally. I see several of my friends that live here in NV with me and if their machines need any repair, they do not have a service person (even in Reno) and have to ship their machine for repair. i brought a BabyLock Jewel a couple of years ago and really went for it because they can service in Reno in 2 shops and at my CA home, I have a choice of 5/6 authorized repair service shops. On of the CA shops are within 20 miles from me.

I had the HQ16 for 5 years and loved it. When the HQ18 Avante came out I upgraded to it and have the pro-stitcher. Love all of it so if you can afford them go for it. Their telephone help is great..

Send Lacelady a pm - she has one but isn't on this board much these days. I'm sure she would answer your questions.

I have the Sweet 16 and love it. I would love to upgrade if money were not object, but since it is I am quite happy with the Sweet 16. They have excellent customer service.

I have a Sweet 16 sitdown setup, and I love it! I live very close to a long arm manufacturer, and they were kind enough to let me play with their frame setups for over an hour one day. While they were very helpful, it was enough to let me decide I really didn't want a frame setup at all. I have discovered I enjoy touching the fabric while I quilt, and I prefer a sitdown system. The Sweet 16 is a good compromise; it gives me a large enough throat to easily do free motion quilting and yet doesn't take too much space.

I bought mine at a local shop, and they service it. Since it is almost entirely mechanical (only the speed control and screen are electronic), they are pretty easy to service. Of course I haven't needed any service, but it's there if I ever do need it. I prefer a machine I can do most of the service on, and I can do this. The HQ folks give good support over the phone too.

Pam

I have had an HQ16 with stitch regulator since 2006 and I LOVE it. I can do anything the bigger and more expensive machines can do. They now offer an automatic stitcher but since I do for myself only, I don't intend to indulge myself.

I am only 5'1" and this machine flows nicely for me. I tried several others and had to be careful with the weight of them.

I had a problem (operator error) with the machine, called Utah and the service guy talked me thru fixing it.

I agree that you should have a dealer close to you if possible whatever machine you get. But the HQ is terrific.

Happy Quilting, Kathy

I have a Handiquilter Avante and love it. One of my friends has the 16 stand up model and another one has the Avante. We're all extremely happy with our machines.