Good for you girl. I know you will be so happy with your choice. Sounds like me when I couldn't decide to buy the 600 Kitchen Aid Mixer. Kept it in my amazon cart for 3 months. Kept checking back every week to see what the price was & finally I bought it. Made 2 batches of chocolate chip cookies in it today with no effort.

Congratulations!! I have the same machine you bought and it's a fine machine. Now you just have to fret, waiting for delivery.

I know how that is... waiting and thinking, thinking and waiting. You know you want it and you're going to eventually, one way or another. I saw on one site that it said, "Sale ends January 19th."

Thanks for all the support and encouragement. I wish I could invite you all over for some quilting days! (and to show me how :-) )

WTG!
you know that if you didn't buy it you would be kicking yourself for it

If you live anywhere near me come on over and I'd be glad to show you what I know. We live in the Palm Springs/Indio area.

I know I would be kicking myself if I didn't get it and a month from now it's not available anymore.

Thank you MaryStoaks. Southern California is quite a drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. I was there in the summer with my sister and it was a loooonnnggg drive, around 7 hours I think.

I am with Eddie on this one I say go for it!!

If I wasn't such a TIGHT WAD I would break down and buy one myself. I have been using my Singer 15 treadle for all of my quilts and most of them are queen to king size. Let me tell you its an adventure to say the least but I enjoy the challenge!!

Since I am really good a fabrication I have been toying around with building one and using a Singer industrial like a 29 or a 31-15 for the long arm. I have a buddy that owns a machine shop and I can use it anytime I need it, so I am thinking for around a grand I could build me a really nice one.

Billy

Let us know when it comes! :-D

I'm a tight wad too about most things. I don't buy clothes or shoes unless I have to (but I do have a weakness for lounging pants and shirts). I don't need a new car every few years. I very often do impulse not-buying. I put things back that I picked up while shopping before I actually get to the check-out and buy it because I don't NEED it.

You'll have to let us see your machine when you get it made. :-D

And I'm sure that I will be letting y'all know when it gets here.

Billy, check out this guy. Richards Home Built Machine Quilting Frame. http://mysite.verizon.net/rzsdad/index.html. He sells directions on how to build a frame & now he tells some of the harder to find parts, It is pretty neat site.

I keep seeing all of this beautiful work that the long arms can do and I am just amazed. They have taken quilting to a completely different level and art form.

I cant wait for the feedback about your machine and please post some photos. I think I am just as excited as you are! :D

Billy

I tried but the link is broken (got the 404 message) it would be nice to see what some of these frames look like to get an idea as to where I want to go with this.

As far as buying parts I will use off the shelf gears, sprockets, bearings and electronics I can get here locally, but if I need anything else I will just machine the parts myself.

Billy

Yay! You'll have to let us know how you like it and show pictures of all the quilts you get done on it. :thumbup:

Pam, That's a good deal for the machine and frame. See if you can try one out, before you purchase it. They do take quite a bit of practice to become good at, so keep that in mind. I found, I wasn't as good at it as I'd like to have been. So, I computerized mine. You would be able to do the same with the Lizzie. But the computerized system upgrade is almost as costly as the Lizzie itself.

Billy, try this one. It should work. [email protected]

I agree. Life is too short for regrets. You have the money, put it to good use. Have fun!

WHOO HOO !!!!!! (Jumping icon :mrgreen: )

Somehow I missed this post now I am really really really excited for you!!!!

Did they say when you would have it at your door? And I wonder how much assembly is required when it does arrive. Too bad I am not close to you because I would love to help you set it up so I can see how one of these babies work!!

Congratulations Pam!!!

Billy

Would be great if you could help set it up. ;) A framing party! I don't know what it takes to set up but I can probably do it.

I also don't know yet when it will be delivered. It says orders are processed in two days so maybe I will call tomorrow if I don't hear anything. I'll work from home on delivery day since I assume I'll have to sign for it and/or don't want it sitting on my porch when I'm not here.

I can't wait to play on it. I've read to practice, practice, practice so keeping my eye out for closeout fabric, cheater panels, baby panels, etc. to practice on.

Hey Pam...don't ask me, I blow money stupidly. However, i know you got it and I think it's awesome!! I can't wait to come over and play at your house!! I'll even bring you my special apple cake!

I love cheater panels! This is how I decided to begin my FMQ experience and it has really worked well. I simply follow the lines or do echo quilting and it's amazing how much I've learned. And if it doesn't look all that great I don't mind because I didn't have to put a lot of work into it.

Where do you get cheater panels for FMQ??

I don't know where anyone else gets them but I was just looking at Hancock's and they have many panels that are real cheap, a few dollars each for 24"x44" ones and other sizes.

Just do a search on "panel" and sort low to high.

Is it justified? I'd give it a definite thumbs up. But...
I purchased a Viking Megaquilter and Inspira frame about 4yrs ago. It was a good deal, I had the money, it would have paid for itself in a year. However, I found after just quilting 4 tops my knees and back just could not take it. My point - please take a good long test drive before you buy anything.

Good luck.

I bought my Tin Lizzie 18 two plus years ago and it is the best thing I have ever done. I don't do any fancy quilting yet but have done about 20 quilts on it so far. I told my husband that I did not want to wait to purchase it (I was age 60 at the time). I told him I wanted to get it now while I could enjoy it rather than wait until I was older and maybe not physically as able to enjoy it. I hope that makes sense. I love my Tin Lizzie!!! Go for it!!! Sounds like you deserve it. I have to say I did not set my Tin Lizzie up by myself, my husband did it for me. I am not sure I could have done it by myself, but maybe. I bought mine over the internet and not locally, so setup is a consideration you might want to think about. I hope you get it.
Good luck!

I just purchased my Tin Lizzie in October, best thing I ever did (almost). I set it up at 10' length and I am having a great time. It is a wonderful machine, easy to use and not complicated like some of the others. Go ahead and jump in to long arm quilting, you won't regret it!!

June, thanks for your input on the Bailey. I have been thinking about purchasing one, but the closest dealer is 600 miles away. I have a hard time spending that kind of money without trying it first! But I have 14 quilts ready to be quilted and can't afford to have them all done. I have been trying to justify the expense of a longarm or midarm. And most people around here have never even heard of the Bailey.

well, here's my 2 cents worth...it would pay for itself...if you like doing it...and could be a (part-time) retirement way to make extra $$. if at all possible you should find a shop with a machine set up that offers classes..when i purchased my long arm i took a certification class on the machine, decided with practice it was doable and received a discount for the purchase. make sure if you buy the one you are looking at there is (tech support) somewhere within driving distance...you want a machine that you can get serviced when necessary...( i bought mine in Florida and live in Michigan...it sucks! i have no support and spend lots of time on the phone long-distance talking to reps in Utah when i have a problem) they are good, and have helped me, but sure would be a lot more convienient with something closer.
remember you are not going to set it up and immediatly quilt wonderful quilts...it takes practice......but with all that, it is a good investment, especially if you want to make a little extra, and you may find you make more quilts because you don't have to send them out.
i invite members of my quilting group to (rent time) on the machine, after they take a class($50) to learn to use the machine and do a couple practice quilts they can then call and set up time to come in and quilt their own for an hourly charge and i am here for help when needed and i help load them up and get it going...
good luck with your decision

Do you have any friends who are long armers that would let you "do a practice run? on their to see if you could handle it? Or at least they could give you some idea of what it takes to own one.

I purchased a long arm in September and abolutely love it.
It is an Innova 26",,, I would love to have more time working on it.. It does take a lot of practice but it is the most fun

I've been looking online at classes like at Longarm University. I will ask the ladies at the Sew Much Fun Friday that ESQMommy and I are going to this month about recommendations.

I've been watching videos online too. I am so excited to get my hands on it!

I just bought the Tin Lizzie Queen Quilter, because I was told it was the upgrade from the Tin Lizzie 18. I was thinking a lot of the same thoughts you were. I have the money, but should really invest it for future income. Then it hit me - you only go around once, enjoy it. Do what makes you happy. I am still learning on it, and it is a huge learning curve, but I know I'll have it and use it fro the rest of my life, and possibly will it to my daughter. Maybe in time I'll get good enough to quilt for others, then it will have been an investment.

I recently bought an HQ 16 (comparable machine to Tin Lizzie), and I LOVE it! I had previously been quilting everything myself on my Viking Designer I, but justified buying the mid arm machine with these reasons:
1. I HATE basting quilts----no more of that now!
2. I could only quilt a block or design that was 7-9 " wide.
3. I had a huge backlog of quilt tops waiting to be quilted.

I also find that I am less intimidated about how to quilt and what quilt designs to use. I just load the quilt on my machine, and start quilting.
I have quilted some quilts with allover pantographs, and done some detailed free motion work. If you get a machine, check out longarmuniversity.com for some great videos and online instructions. Attached are pictures of a quilt made from an online class.

One of the best investments I ever made.

That looks great! I was watching videos on that site last night. I have many quilts to be quilted and most can be an allover or pantogram. There are some that really need a custom design that will probably have to wait until I get good at it.

Is Longarm University where you took the online class?

Yes, it was called Not Quite Traditional class. I think you can still sign up or access it.
The good thing about this site is that after you take the class and watch the videos online, she sends you the DVD so you can watch at your own pace.

[quote=ckcowl
i invite members of my quilting group to (rent time) on the machine, after they take a class($50) to learn to use the machine and do a couple practice quilts they can then call and set up time to come in and quilt their own for an hourly charge and i am here for help when needed and i help load them up and get it going...
good luck with your decision[/quote]

What a great idea! I would love to have the opportunity and would gladly pay the money to rent time on a machine to really test it out and see if I want to invest the money to buy it. Too bad thats not the normal practice.

HI Pam,
It is justified. A few books that I highly rrecommend reading before you even set it up just so you get and idea of how things work are Linda Taylor's Ultimate Guide to longarm quilting (if you don't buy it, get it from the library that's what I did) and Sue Nickels Machine quilting techniques. There is a great group on Yahoo dedicated to people with machine quilting frames and machines Yahoo home quilting systems. There is a forum just like here that you can ask questions and also files where they have sooo much stored information from machines, to threads, batting, on and on as well as some great books, dvd and other helpful learning products that are great for beginning longarmers/ frame quilters. I learned about that group here. Some other things you will need to keep in mind is that you will need leaders to attach fabric to frame (they may or may not be included with the setup). The setup does have a frame included right? I cant't remember if the TL 18 has a stitch regulator or not. If it is something you want make sure it is included as they can be pricey. they do require special needles and bobbins so make sure you get those as the wrong needles can cause big problems. Is setup included, if not, don't worry, setting it up yourself gives you an educatio about the machine and frame that you wwould not get having someone set it up for you. And practice, practice, practice. Good luckm have fun!!
Kim in Adirondacks of NY Husqvarna MQ w/ Inspira Frame and QCC

HI Pam,
It is justified. A few books that I highly rrecommend reading before you even set it up just so you get and idea of how things work are Linda Taylor's Ultimate Guide to longarm quilting (if you don't buy it, get it from the library that's what I did) and Sue Nickels Machine quilting techniques. There is a great group on Yahoo dedicated to people with machine quilting frames and machines Yahoo home quilting systems. There is a forum just like here that you can ask questions and also files where they have sooo much stored information from machines, to threads, batting, on and on as well as some great books, dvd and other helpful learning products that are great for beginning longarmers/ frame quilters. I learned about that group here. Some other things you will need to keep in mind is that you will need leaders to attach fabric to frame (they may or may not be included with the setup). The setup does have a frame included right? I cant't remember if the TL 18 has a stitch regulator or not. If it is something you want make sure it is included as they can be pricey. they do require special needles and bobbins so make sure you get those as the wrong needles can cause big problems. Is setup included, if not, don't worry, setting it up yourself gives you an educatio about the machine and frame that you wwould not get having someone set it up for you. And practice, practice, practice. Good luckm have fun!!
Kim in Adirondacks of NY Husqvarna MQ w/ Inspira Frame and QCC

I would check around with the different brands offered and make sure which ever one you buy the dealer will provide lessons and support. I know of one quilter who purchased a longarm and had a heck of a time trying to learn how to use it. She had it for months before they sent someone to help her out. Just a thought.

I do agree if you find one that you like and learn how to use it, you will be turning out alot of quilts and saving tons of money if you can quilt it yourself. Maybe even start a quilting business once you retire.

Cheater panels can often be found at any fabric store. They are simply panels that already have designs on them, such as for children or for holidays. Below is an example of a cheater panel. The inside quilt part, the one with the pumpkins and leaves, is the panel. I simply added borders, sandwiched it, and quilted away.

That is so cute, Tiffany. Great quilting too.

I just talked to the shop I bought it from and he was really nice. He said he had it there to ship but thought he would offer me a deal. He has a Queen Quilter that was on layaway that fell through and he can sell it to me for only $500 more. He said it has a better frame and better electronics than the Tin Lizzie 18 (one reason why the 18 is being closed out), the stitch regulator is better too. So... I got the Queen Quilter.

If I have a problem I ship it back in the box and they pay shipping. Free servicing. They have 15 employees, including 3 mechanics and experienced quilters, and any question or problem they will help me with. If there is a problem they can't solve over the phone I ship it back for free to be fixed.

Best of all he says I should receive it on Thursday!!