Yes, even at the large quilt shows (Road to California) there is lots of opportunity to try the machines, because there are only a few people at the booth at one time. The vendors are of course very helpful, and they WANT you to try them so you will want to BUY!!! :-) Don't hesitate....it's a really fun experience to try them all out.

I have the handi quilter and totally love it, so easy, love being able to sit and quilt and you have plenty of room, be sure to get the table with extensions if you do large quilts. i was able to do a king size with that

I have been able to "Play" with the machines at both Long Beach and Road to California. Early in the day and late in the day was the easiest times to get on them for me. Not as many people around. Try them all. They always have "Show Specials" Someday.........

Hello, I live in Shreveport,La, u can also go to Shreveport Sewing Center, they carry the Jewel by Babylock . I have just order a Bailey, thats the one Idecided on, good price and i only quilt for myself and family,so the Bailey fits my needs

Definitely worth the trip even if you don't come home with a machine. You get to see them all and I have never had a issue with too many people that you couldn't try them.

In 2009, my visiting friend bought the HQ Sweet Sixteen sitdown model and got a show special. I was jealous. David Taylor was the one who showed her how to use it and she had a mini training session. I want to say that was on a Saturday afternoon. They did have a payment plan, etc.

But have to say that last week/weekend I lucked into a very gently used latest version of the same machine and she now resides in my craft room/office. Have a quilt loaded right now! I love her and I love the fact that there is very little to relearn since I am used to FMQ on my smaller domestic and it takes up about a 4 x 4 footprint. I didnt' get the extensions because the table is adjustable in height so I set it up the same height as the old kitchen table I use for my sewing machine....so that in itself gives me a really large 4 foot extension if I cleared it off. Which I will probably need to do if I ever get my sister's king sized quilt ready to actually quilt!

I can't speak to Houston, but I have attended the Machine Quilters' Expo in Providence, RI for the past two years. Each vendor has at least 2 setups (most have more) and there seems to be ample time for anyone who wants to try the machines. I actually didn't see lines of people waiting or anything like that.

That's where I fell in love with the HQ Sixteen Sit-Down that I vow to get someday!!

I played with the machings for three years before I took the plung to get my Handy Quilter Avante last year. I never had any problems trying out any of the machines or have a sales person assist my with my questions. Six years ago my husband bought me a New Joy quilting frame with a Brother machine off the floor at a discount. All venders sell their machines as demo's at a discount only thing you have to wait until Sunday night to pick-up. I outgrew my smaller system and love the HQ. So easy, my 19 year old neice uses it and she does not sew, but loves to quilt. It will be your best opp to try them all out and see what fits you best. The hardest part for me was waiting for it to be delivered. I couldn't even wait for the quilt shop to send someone to set it up for me. It took me all day but I got it together and had a quilt loaded by the time my hubby came home from work. Boy was he shocked.

I live in DeKalb just down the road. I've been to the quilt show for the last three years and have found that you will have plenty of opportunities to try out the machines. The first year I went I was actually considering buying one and went with the intentions of trying them hands-on. Most booths are very friendly and helpful. Many will be running specials for the show. If you do your homework ahead of time you might be able to get a really good deal at the show!!!! It is well worth the drive for the awesome shopping and inspiration!!! :lol:

Thank you all for your advice. I will be sure to have all my information ready including prices I have found online. I have printed some pages showing the features of each. I really need to put all the info in a spreadsheet to make them easier to compare. Now to start making my plans...

Hi,
You need to go even if it is only one time. You will take months to get your jaw back up. There are many dealers and they are all busy, but you just have to stay focused. You can manage to make yourself be seen and most of the salesmen are very helpful. I have an 18" Innova and am totally in love. That really is considered a LA. It moves with the touch of your finger and the customer service is incredible. The owner is the gent that calls you back 24/7. He is quite a hoot, but man does he know his machines since he designed them. Go to Renea Haddadin's web site and she has an indepth article of how she picked out her machine, what to look for, etc. Mucho info. Go to www.quiltfrog.com and call Carrie here in the Houston area and talk to her about them. She carries others, too. Also when they are available, will have some on sale. Join their yahoo innova site and other machines and learn what the owners say about them. Best lesson of all. Have fun and good luck. Make sure you have a place to stay. There are 55,000 or more people here that week.

Peg-TX