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All the advice so far is great. If you can afford it I would buy the HQ18 Avante over the HQ16 as the room availabe for quilting makes a difference also the table is more secure. The HQ16 is a great machine, I had one for 4 or 5 years and upgraded to the HQ18 Avante. Just take your time at the show and tell the rep you are serious and they will make time.
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I was going to mention the www.quiltfrog.com site. I have a tinlizzie queen quilter and then I saw this site. I love my machine but sure wish I had bought from them with their classes and such. Make sure you check this out!
Originally Posted by Peg-TX
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 |
I went to Paducah during there show and tried every longarm they had. I couldn't afford the highest priced ones and wanted something that had regulated stitch. I picked up all the brochures and went home and studied the ones that were in the middle price range. I couldn't decide between the Nolting and the Ken Quilt - so I went to both booths and asked them to tell me why I should purchase there machine. Well Stu at Ken Quilt convinced me. I purchased one and he flew in from Kansas - to Orlando - to set it up and check it out. I have called him with a "few bugs" that come up now and then and I have been very happy with my machine. 4js
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The Houston show is a great place to look and try out the machines. Before I bought my longarm I did that very thing. I looked at all of them and had the opportinity to try as many as I like. Gammell was the only one that wasn't very nice. When the man found out I was only looking he show no interest in trying to help and didn't even offer to help or answer any questions so of course I didn't buy that brand. Nolting had a local place and they were so much help and even offered free classes. It has been about 5 years and I can go anytime for more classes or help so I think it would be well worth you time to come to that show. I live in the area so if you have questions about the location or hotels please feel free to ask. Where the show is, is a bad part of town and you definately would want to stay in a hotel downtown. Good luck with your purchase. You will be glad you came.
Originally Posted by laurlync
I am looking at purchasing a mid-arm quilting machine in the next few months. I have not had an opportunity to try out any machines yet as there is no LQS or LA vendors in Texarkana. I am planning to go to Shreveport soon to try out a Handi Quilter.
I have thought about going to the International Quilt Festival in Houston in November so I can try out a variety of machines in one location. However, I have read the posts here and am concerned that with so many people at the show, my opportunities to try out the machines will be almost non-existant. I am over 5 hours (one way) from Houston. While I'm sure I would enjoy the festival, if I am going with the intention of checking out the machines and do not get the opportunity to do so, I'm afraid I would be extremely frustrated. For those who have been, have you ever gotten the opportunity to use the various machines? Or did you spend more time waiting than actually using them? Do you have any advice to offer or know of a better venue for shopping for quilting machines? |
I have the same problem but I have heard good things about the Innova. This is a purchase that over studying is a good thing. Before I bought mine, I sent away for all the information I could get and went to all the seminars and show I could. I
Originally Posted by laurlync
Thank you, MTS. I have been studying the machines quite a bit and have read oodles of reviews. I first thought of getting a Bailey and building a frame because of price, but have pretty much decided to spend a little more to get more features and an "original build" machine (not a stretched machine). My "short list" at the moment includes the HQ 16, Tin Lizzie 18 and Innova 18. I actually have a tendency to "over study" everything before making a decision. It's a really exhausting trait sometimes...LOL!
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My local HQ dealer told me she would match any deal made at the show. I was able to not only get a good but now have a friend with the dealer and that makes it easy to get information and help any time I need it.
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That's great, there is a real learning curve to these machines but the time, effort and money is well worth it and if you plan to make a business out of it you can even pay for your machine.
Originally Posted by sherryellen
My local HQ dealer told me she would match any deal made at the show. I was able to not only get a good but now have a friend with the dealer and that makes it easy to get information and help any time I need it.
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I live in Fort Worth and I have a Bailey 13 on a HQ frame, if you wanted to come by and see it you are welcome.
Mary in TX |
Originally Posted by Mary L Booth
I live in Fort Worth and I have a Bailey 13 on a HQ frame, if you wanted to come by and see it you are welcome.
Mary in TX |
Originally Posted by sguillot
That's great, there is a real learning curve to these machines but the time, effort and money is well worth it and if you plan to make a business out of it you can even pay for your machine.
Originally Posted by sherryellen
My local HQ dealer told me she would match any deal made at the show. I was able to not only get a good but now have a friend with the dealer and that makes it easy to get information and help any time I need it.
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