I Think I'm in Love
 

I tried a sit down mid arm today and I instantly loved it. I could FMQ just like my domestic except with all that room.

It was a Pfaff Power Quilter 16.0 and I was a bit concerned that the orientation would bother me as it isn't the same as a regular machine, but not in the least. Tension was no problem between multiple threads top and bottom and single and double batted quilts. Even the computer was easy to figure out.

I'll be renting time on it to do the fill on my NY Beauty quilt.

Any comments on other brands and why I should prefer them to this machine? Of course I'll be test driving others and this isn't an imminent purchase but definitely one I will be making in the future.

Watson

Hi Watson, that sounds so exciting!

Have you ever heard of the APQS George? I think they have retailers in Ontario. I've never tried it out, but have heard very good things about it.

www.apqs.com/machines/george/

A spring romance is always good! :)

Wonderful that you can rent time ...
Demos and Test Drives are great, but just not as good as doing something for "real"!
(were you at Sew Creative?)

Looking at it, I am wondering if Handiquilter is making it for Pfaff?
I know that HQ makes several machines for other companies, and am pretty sure Pfaff was one.
It looks almost the same as the Sweet 16 with a few changes.
That could be the updated version of the S16 too.

It seems weird at first, to sit at the end of the machine, but as you discovered, you soon adapted.
The extra height you get compared to a traditional DSM makes such a difference.
Plus of course the depth.
The real bonus .... nothing in your way up front where you are working.

Guess it was just meant to be ... Love At First Sight! :)

I have used both a Pfaff industrial machine and Bernina in my drapery shop before retiring. I believe either of these brands would be trustworthy pieces of sewing equipment. I tried a Bernina sit down with bsr, and loved it...but both these brands were way out of my retirement budget when l went to find a quilting only machine. I'm happy with my light weight Bailey, because l can travel with it, use it in a frame, or at a table...but if you can afford the Pfaff or Bernina, you'd never wear them out. The problem with a sitdown, however, is you must still baste the quilt sandwich...something that gets less easy as you get older for the very large ones.

QuiltE, yes...Sew Creative. And, yes...HQ makes the Pfaff.

Watson

Then it should be a good machine .... have we ever heard anything bad about HQ?
With Joan as your dealer you have someone committed to the brand.
She will be a great guide and teacher as you stitch along!!

When RxR is on, we're going to have to try for a meet-up at her store! :)

Well, I can only speak for the Sweet 16, but I get the love at first use thing. You won't regret it!

I have the Pfaff P3 and I really like it - (small) long arm... very easy to use.

That is a great way to test drive a different machine and you'll know if it was just a spring thing by the time that you finish your quilt. :D
I have never regretted getting my Sweet 16. It has been fun learning to quilt with it and it has run like a charm with only basic maintenance from me.

I have the Pfaff Powerquilter 16.0 sit down machine and I love, love, love it...