HQ Sweet Sixteen
 

I'm thinking about buying a Sweet 16 machine. I spend so much time on this board that I thought what a fabulous place to get great advice. Does anyone have one and what are your good and bad thoughts. Is it user friendly? Also where is a good place to look for a used or refurbished machine?

I can't help you out. There are some on here that have them. Someone will be along to answer your questions.

I have had my S16 for a couple of years now. I really, really like it! I tried long arms, but I missed the feel of fabric under my hands. The S16 will do big quilts, but is more hands-on, which I like. There is a learning curve if you are only used to modern electronic machines. The HQ is more like a vintage machine that takes a big of fussing with to use lots of different threads, but I have used everything from metallics to 30 weight cotton to multiple 40 weight polyesters and cottons. You just have to plan on some get-acquainted time with it.

Pam

I have a Tiara, which is the exact same machine but with the Babylock name on it, and really love it. It's the first machine I've ever been able to FMQ on, and it's opened up a whole new world for me.

I am holding out....thinking that they must be due for an upgrade/new model soon. I do plan on buying a sweetsixteen sit down type of machine in the near future.

I wanted a Sweet 16...and looked at it for a long time. But I read about the Baily which is significantly cheaper and decided to get it instead. I'm not sorry I did. From what I've read most of the quilting machines have their issues that you learn to deal with. The Baily is like that as well. But after learning what threads it likes, I've had not problems.

The only down side that I've had with the Baily is the extremely long wait time to receive anything you've ordered from them. I read many reviews of the Baily owners and they raved about the service. I have not had that experience. Each time I've ordered from them I have to call and keep reminding them that my order has not yet arrived which is aggravating. To be fair, it is a very small mom-pop business which seems to do a large business which might be the reason for delays and forgotten orders.

However, once my machine did arrive and I got my kinks worked out, I'm very happy. I got a very good machine for a very low price. I use a sit-down table, like the Sweet 16, but can put it on a frame if I so choose, because all of the items needed to use on a frame come with it.

I bought one a few months ago and am loving it. First, find a local dealer if you can and go there to test drive. They may have a demo machine that will sell for a good discount. That's what I did, and it turns out a longarm quilter just a couple of miles from me sells them from her studio. She gave me a good price and good service. Start on the HQ website http://www.handiquilter.com/ to find a dealer. Also on that site, go to forum http://www.handiquilter.com/forum/ where folks discuss their machine and put up used ones for sale. Another discussion forum is in Yahoo groups http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/H...tions/messages You can find used ones there and lots of info.
HQ is very responsive to questions, etc. and I LOVE my Sweetie. The newest model just came out within a year or so, and if you want the stitch regulator gismo that rides under the quilt to keep stitches even you can get that, but not everyone likes it. I've tried it and preferred not to spend the extra $$ for it. Take your time, but do check it out!

I have one, I love it. I got mine right before they come out with the stitch regulator. I still do fine with it. It likes King Tut thread (mine does anyway). As long as I use that I don't have to touch a thing, just sew. If I use other thread it takes some fiddling. I have no problems with mine at all.

The Sweet 16 is absolutely the best thing I have ever bought. It has been great with every thread I have tried: Coats and Clark included. You do have to be willing to adjust the tension but I have not found it to be difficult at all. I was trained properly by my dealer and know to really crank that tension knob a lot.

HandiQuilt has lots of videos and written instructions. There is a great Yahoo group dedicated to this machine. Every once in a while there are used machines listed but they go FAST. If you find an used machine don't hesitate - it will be gone!

P.S. Don't forget that the Babylock Tiera is the exact same machine.

Thank you everyone for all your help. I greatly appreciate all the wonderful advice. This is such a wonderful board with great advice. I don't know anyone on here but I feel you are all apart of my family in someway or another. Thanks everyone.

I do not own a S16, but a HQ16. I tried the S16 and decided if I didn't have enough room for the HQ16 the S16 would be my choice. For those with space issues I highly recommend the S16.

The place where I first demo'd the S16 had a 'cradle' to help hold the quilt up and therefore there was less drag. I think I still have a picture of it. It is easy enough for a handy person to make.

I am so excited...I pick up my sweet sixteen tomorrow

I got my sweet sixteen. Took a four hour class about thread tension, threads, rulers...Love it!! I can't wait to do a real quilt.

Congrats!! Have fun!

Looking forward to seeing your projects. Congrats on your new machine.

I looked at the HQS16 and the Babylock Tiara, then went with the Sunshine 16 from Pennywinkle Valley Ranch. One of the main reasons I went with the Sunshine 16 is that it is a completely portable machine (it weighs 35 lbs.) and will sit on any table. You buy the machine, and don't have to spend money on the table it sits in. I purchased it at the Houston IQS a couple years ago, and it was significantly less expensive than the HQ and the Tiara. I did not see the Baily's, so I can't compare it. And the machines are all made in the USA by the husband & wife owners of the company. If you're interested, check it out at www.sunshine16.com.