Homesteader Long Arm?
 

Someone posted about their Homesteader long arm - I know sometimes we leave a comment then go on about our business never to think about that post again, but I really want to know more!

Anyone else here have a Homesteader and can you tell me anything about it? I was really sold on the Bailey but this one seems to be pretty affordable too and gives me the computer option and fast stitch speed I'm looking for - I think this may be the new frontrunner for me! But I haven't heard the downsides if there are any to this one?

here are some previous threads about the homesteader. there are more you can find by using the Advanced Search in the blue menu bar above.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post4633429
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post4344860
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post3727691
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post2668458
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ck-t68951.html

Thank you QuiltNan - I have done the advanced search but other than just listing the price and basically what it is there isn't much from people who have experience with these, that's kind of what I was interested in! :)

Edited to add - and when I say experience, I mean, like, what can go wrong with them! I see they are a newer company and they have only been selling these hybrid machines for a few years - so there aren't a ton of people who own them yet. But I want to know what the glitches are if any, what kind of thread does best on it - they don't list a stitch per minute just that it sews 900rpm (I think that's right) but they don't know how fast that is.

I've noticed too there is one or two people who post frequently suggesting the Homesteader - are they dealers? That's fine and all because I see the need to get the name out for this, but I'd like to know from an unbiased third party about their experience.

Thank you! :)

you're welcome. good luck with your search and purchase. personally, i've got a Bailey on my shopping list :)

They have been around longer than most think. They started out with a machine called 'Stretch' and have evolved to the Homesteader. I happen to have the Stretch. It does not have any bells or whistles, but that baby purrs. The only and I mean ONLY slight complaint I have is that it uses only a Schmetz universal needle (it has to do with the timing). I would rather use Organ as I can get them cheaper. I don't do pantos or use a ruler (yet anyways) and I don't have stitch regulator, but it is the easiest machine I have ever used. I bought my machine used and it had a problem with shreadding thread, after a couple weeks playing with it I found that it had a spring in the bobbin area that was broken, $3 later and I had no more shredding! The only time I have problems with it is when I get the sandwich to tight so that is operator error. I have sent e-mails to Jennifer and within 24hours or less I have an answer. I have ordered parts from them and they were in the mail to me BEFORE I sent any money. Also, I received more parts than I ordered :).. Go on their website http://www.thequiltingsolution.com/index.html and ask any question you want and you will get an answer. Here is the 'contact' page for dealers http://www.thequiltingsolution.com/contacts.html

The one thing that I liked about this machine is that you don't see many people doing an 'upgrade' to another machine brand. Very few are on the 'for sale' boards. That told me right away that owners really were satisfied.

Also there is a Yahoo group if you want lots more info. It is Homesteader Quilting. I can't post a link here, so you will need to do a search after you get to Yahoo. They have another group just for the computer that is called Sidesaddle. I am not on that one because I will never upgrade to that. I enjoy freehand to much :).

Stitch per minute is hard because you have to have some way of timing it and they don't have that. I know on mine I can't move the machine fast enough with it up on the 'top speed'. I usually have my speed control on about 5-6 and that is to fast at times. I can do a stippled (medium) queen quilt in an afternoon without rushing. That includes loading and unloading.

No, I am not a dealer, but sure wish I could be!

I have used cheap and expensive thread on Mr. Stretch with equal results. The Aurifil is very fuzzy in the bobbin area, but no problems with the stitching. I just cleaned out with every bobbin change. Also, Mr. Stretch has the L sized bobbin, but the Homesteader has the M sized bobbin.

Good luck on your search and I hope my comments helped.

I hope this is my last edit :)

Thank you for your reply, that was very helpful! I will ask about the Schmetz needles - not that it matters to me too much because that's my brand of choice but I don't see why timing would effect the needle brand? I see that they've been selling this "hybrid" machine - the Homesteader - since 2007? Is that right? The one that is basically a Singer 15 cut in half and "stretched" sort of, into a long arm? What appeals to me is that the arm is long and narrow like a Nolting and the Homesteader goes up to 20".

Hopefully some other people who have one will pipe up and show pictures and share experiences! Thank you!

I have test-driven the Homesteader and really like it. If I had room for a long-arm and frame it would definitely be on my short list of machines to choose from.

Cheers, K

CoyoteQuilts, great review! I test drove one a few years ago and was very impressed. It was much easier to maneuver than a few others I tried at the show... the Bailey and the TinLizzie. Both of them were nice machines at more reasonable prices but I preferred the Homesteader.

Pumpkin Patch Quilter

I own two Homesteader Long Arm Quilting machines. One is 22 inch throat with a stitch regulator for doing free motion; I have it set up on a 10 foot table top frame. My second one is a 19 inch throat with a Side Saddle computerized system set up on a 12 foot table top frame. I choose to buy IKEA kitchen cabinets to use as my base ( that provides me additional storage).

I started on PC Quilter, MAX Throat and Janome 1600. I learned a lot about quilting with the system but could never get the outcomes I was hoping for with my machine.

I have had the Homesteaders for 4 years now. I work full time, so my sewing time is limited to evenings, weekends, and vacation time. I found that if I really wanted to know how to use the machines, I needed to do lots of practicing. I quilt for Passage Quilts, Hospice, and Wounded Warriors. I quilt up to 20 quilts/month.

I tell you all of this as a reference point. There are not classes for Homesteader, so I had to to learn by practice. One of the best things I did was to get over the fear of changing the tension. I played with adjusting the tension until I am at the point now that I can usually tell quickly if I have a problem.

I have found the machines to be a work horse. I am happy with the purchase, I would do it again, and I would recommend the machine to others.

What I would say to anyone purchasing a machine - spend time getting to know your machine. play with the tension, and then practice, practice, practice.

Let me know if you have other questions about the Homesteader.

Warmest regards,

I have a Homesteader, I bought used. And I'm having the same problem you did. What is a bobbin spring?? And where is it. My machine is about 7 years old. Thanks for ant help you can give.