I took the long arm plunge!!!
 

Not so much a "plunge" as a "wade".

Back in June I had it in my head that I wanted a long arm and went to the big quilt show in Chicago and test drove all they had to offer. I fell in love with the Innova with lightning stitch. Since then I've been waffling over do I want one or not??? So even though hubby was pushing me to buy one (and confessed he was going to buy it for me for my birthday (Oct 18)), I've been reluctant to lay out good $$ for the Innova of my dreams.

Being unsure if I wanted one or not ... I've been trolling Craig's list and E-bay for used machines.

Two days ago I found a machine close to home being advertised. It's a Voyager 17 on a stretch Hinterberg with a stitch regulator. Currently sits at 84", has a set of "groovy" boards with 4 panto's (I doubt I'll be a panto person, but they're there), and a stand-alone bobbin winder. Purchased in 2008 and she has made 3 whole quilts on it. Not a machine I had test drove before (because they don't make them anymore). For the price, I thought it would be a great machine for me to start with, and if I really liked it and wanted to upgrade someday - the Voyager's seem to have pretty good resale value (Hinterberg/Nolting are still buying them to refurbish). I researched it and found only two marks against it ... it's very heavy when off the frame (but the weight isn't an issue when on the frame, easy to maneuver), and it can be picky about thread - especially my favorite thread. I can live with these.

So I went up to test drive it today. I liked it :)

I didn't "love" it like I loved the Innova (that machine is sweeeeet!), but this machine will give me what I want ... experience with a long arm to determine IF I want a long arm. Who knows ... some day I might upgrade to the Innova.

Pick it up tomorrow.

I may be picking brains here once I get it home!!

Wonderful! I hope it works out for you and is everything you want!

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(yes, screaming from the rooftop, so you hear me, all the way "down" there!!)

I've got the Voyager and Hinterberg frame and am perfectly happy with it. I have no desire to do computerized (I like the satisfaction of doing it myself and actually learning how to LA, instead of the LA doing the work for me!) and don't need (nor want) the "Big Boy" machines and frames. Mine also has the stitch regulator, and it works just fine for me. I also have the boards, but installed them upside-down so I've got free space back there when I'm pinning, marking, etc. The only thread mine doesn't like is invisible thread. Otherwise, it will gladly sew anything I feed it. I've named mine Laverne and Shirley. Laverne is the frame, Shirley is the Voyager (after my mom, who taught me how to sew). So now I just say "I'm off to visit Laverne & Shirley!" and DH knows exactly what I'll be doing LOL. It's a great machine. You'll have a good time with it!

You might also want to join the Hinterberg Yahoo group. Those girls are whizzes at the Voyager, and several of them even sell attachments. I've bought several things from them, and it's all been quality stuff. They can answer any question you throw at them, and doing a search on the group will come up with almost any answer you might have a question about.

Is that what that noise was??? Gosh ... thanks :)

Thanks Cindi! I might check out the yahoo group, but as a general rule I really don't like the way Yahoo groups are organized/delivered. I've belonged to several and I never could get along with Yahoo. I WILL check it out though at least so I have access.

Congratulations on your new long arm! I hope you have many many happy hours of quilting. Starting with a more affordable machine was really smart in my opinion. You can always sell it and move up to your dream machine later, or you may find this machine is just right for you.

I know I feel a deep sense of accomplishment whether I free motion or use the computer (which is a whole other level of difficulty for some of us to conquer).

Yeppirrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!

I was squealing with delight .... ALL.FOR.YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D

WOW DHM, congrats! Can we send our quilts to you now ?? :D :D

I love my Voyager 17/Hinty setup. Glide thread is the easiest thread I have found for it -- absolutely no problems. Have also used King Tut and Signature cotton with no problems. Had shredding problems with connecting Threads Essential Pro (70 wt poly), but some people can use it. The Voyager/Hinty is a great beginning setup! I would love to have an Innova one day, having tried that and others out at quilt shows, but in the meantime I'm very satisfied.

Very exciting! Can't wait to hear about your new machine, and all the pretties that will come from it!

Have fun with it!

good luck!!!! i'm jealous maybe someday for me:)

Anael ... you might want to see a sample of work before you ask that question :) The feathers I did while test driving at her house looked more like .. I dunno ... blobby, spikey, lumps of thread!!

Thanks Prism ... and I have you in part to thank. After I saw the machine for sale I did my research, a lot of it here on QB, and I remember several of your posts about the Voyager. Thanks to everyone on QB who has posted info on this machine, I was able to research it well enough to know it was a good machine and the data I gathered went a long way in making the decision to buy it.

Yes, in my heart an Innova is calling ... but I'm going to be reasonable and practice and enjoy this machine first.

One thing you might consider buying for it is a longarm centering tape. This has saved me NUMEROUS times from having an off-kilter quilt when I've finish - it keeps your blocks in line. Best piece of equipment I bought for my machine, hands-down.

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That is my dream machine. I have an older HQ16 and love it. The tech support is fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cindi ... thanks! I hadn't seen that particular gadget yet but will have to check it out!

Congrats!!! I would be more than happy to help you play with your new toy! Color me envious!

Happy Birthday on Oct. 18--it is my birthday too!!

We bought a used Voyager with Hinterberg frame just like you got and had nothing but trouble with it. We got it at a great price but even DH could not get it to work properly. We traded just the machine (not the frame) for a Nolting Fun Quilter and like it a lot better. There is a big learning curve for a LA. The Nolting people are great to work with and are very helpful. A rep that sells the machine lives about 50 or so miles from us and is very knowledge and helpful.

so excited for you! Whoo Hooo!

I have a Voyager on the same frame.The best thread I found that works for me is Connecting Thread"s Essential brand thread.Love it! Doesnt shread,break or tangle.The machine is very easy to use and for the $ worth every penny.I have had mine for 4 years( ordered it right from Hinterberg Company.Nolting still has parts and accessories for this machine.I have not had any issues with it at all.Hope you are as happy with this purchase as I am/was.

They are not expesvive and ARE a life saver when quilting to keep the tops straight and square :)

WOO HOO!!! GRATS!! You will have so much fun its sick:-) Enjoy your practice/play time!!

Happy Early Birthday to you as well, that is my hubby and oldest daughter's bday too.

I have the same set up and have had nothing but good times with it. Enjoy:thumbup:

How wonderful for you. Good luck!

Ginaki - happy birthday to you too! And to Plumtree's DH & DD.

Thanks everyone for the kind wishes. I am sitting here drumming my thumbs waiting for hubby to wake up so we can go pick the machine up.

Wake up!
WAKE UP!!!

my dream is to have a long arm, (((smiles, Sigh))) hope you have fun with it.

I have had my voyager for about 5 years now. I love it dearly. After test driving any and all machines at various quilt shows for about a very long time, I decided for the price, I could not get any better than the Voyager. Just be patient and get some practice pieces together.

Looks like a must have, to me! :)

In no time, you'll be a much accomplished LAQ'er ... have fun today bringing her home.

I, actually did exactly the same thing Sue. I test drove everything in sight - loved the Innova and surprise, surprise I loved the big Gammil, and really didn't like some of the ones I thought I'd like. Funny how we are, isn't it? Saw an ad for an A-1 at a significant savings and bought it. I paid 1/3 what I would have for the Innova and I have most everything most offer. I really love it. Jamie Wallen gives classes on it and I learned from the best. I really don't use it enough to justify the cost of a new LA, and this suits me just fine.
So have fun and enjoy.

Yayyyy! Love a good bargain - and sounds like a great new toy. Have fun and post pictures!

Congratulations!!! Have fun and hope you enjoy the process!

Dog House Mom: So excited for you! Please keep us posted on your progress. More than anything have fun!

Congrats, enjoy!!!

Jumping for your Joy here. Congrats can't wait to see your new projects!

Congratulations! It is a big step but one that you will not be sorry you took! I have the HQ 16 and I love it. It was very scary at first but I just jumped in and tried and it's coming along nicely! Have FUN and good luck.