I have been looking at the Tin Lizzie 18 closeout model that is on sale for $4995 (normally $6995). I so want to get a long arm because I don't even want to attempt to quilt a big quilt on my Viking Sapphire. I am having a hard time making a decision on whether the purchase is a smart move.

Pros
Will be able to quilt my own quilts.
I made 12 quilt tops in 2009 and at an average of $200 each to quilt (more or less) it would only take two years to pay for itself.
I have the money to buy it now
I was going to invest that money but I will be receiving a bonus at work and also likely a tax refund as usual and that would replace the purchase money.
It might not be on sale for long if I wait until the previous two things happen which might not be until April.

Cons
Just use my Sapphire, get the walking foot and try it.
I have never used a long arm... how do I know if I will like it or be good at it?
I'm saving everthing I can for retirement so how can I justify buying something I don't NEED. Or am I being penny wise and pound foolish?

I just don't know!

Has anyone bought one and was it a good thing or did you regret it?

What a great deal. If I had the money I would buy it. If you get good at quilting you could use it to make extra money too.

It does sound like a good deal. "Tin Lizzie 18 Long Arm Quilting Machine, Speed Control, Stitch Regulator, Built-in Bobbin Winder, Laser Light, Gooseneck Lamp & Adjustable Frame".

I have been working so hard to try and retire early in 9 more years and I have some vague ideas about supplementing my income. Not necessarily with quilting services but by doing my own quilts. If I get it now I will have years of experience by then rather than waiting.

I have a spare bedroom that it will fit in (several of them since I live alone in a 5-bedroom house) so space isn't an issue.

If I had the money avaliable right now it would be in my house. I'm going to save for a Grace Pinacle this year. It will pay for its self.

If you have the cash to spare buy it, just think of the use it will get when you do retire! :D

That's a great price for a great machine. I bought my Lizzie as a retirement present, second hand it cost almost that much. It's the best thing I could have done for myself. I quilt lots, I don't know how many in the 2 years since I bought her ( maybe 50). I am teaching my best friends to quilt and having a heck of a good time! I don't do any fancy, costume quilting, just side to side easy patterns and I'm happy with that. I say go for it!

If it's something you really want, then I'd say buy it. Because remember, money is just paper -- our days here in this world are too short to be filled with regrets at the end of them. This is probably something you will use even more when you actually have it than you think you will.

I think you will be very happy with it. My girlfriend got one and let everyone try it out to see how easy it was. I was the only one who refused, since I know I'd just end up drooling on her machine and then go home and cry over how badly I want one. No sense doing that to myself. All my friends ranted and raved about how wonderful it was and how easy to use. From their reactions, I think you'll be happy.

If you need a reason to justify the purchase there are a couple things you can do. Either you can make several charity quilts to give away every so often or once you learn how to use it you can quilt for others. You don't need to make a huge business out of it, but I bet you could do a quilt or two a month and then use that money to "repay" yourself for the purchase. Just a thought.

I agree with Eddie and the others. Life is too short. You have the resources to do it and it will be a useful long term investment so go for it. Tiffany also raises some good points, you may be able to make a small business out of it without too much effort, very handy when retired and on a bit of a budget.

no matter how much money you have - you can only spend it once (never mind that it can be taxed a gazillion times LOL)

go for it if a: you have the money, b: the money isn't needed for something else (you did say you'll be getting replacement money)

I have a Bailey 15" and even tho there was (was being the operative word - they closed) a very reasonably priced longarm quilter about an hour from here the number of quilts I want to made it quickly apparent that I would save a LOT of money by doing them myself...

You will really enjoy being able to say "I did the whole thing myself"

If I were still working and my budget could absorb the purchase price and the inevitable extra expenses, I'd be waiting for the delivery truck to arrive! I'd spend the money now if I had the space for one....and if I had bought one before retirement, I would have the space for one since it would have been needed space vs wanted space when we downsized. Don't set yourself up for regret or disappointmen or guilt....buy it because you want to learn and be able to enjoy longarming for yourself...not to save money, make money or even make it pay for itself. Somethings are intended to be enjoyed...JUST enjoyed. I'm wondering why you're waiting when I reread your circumstances...sounds like you have everything you need for now...and tomorrow is not promised to any of us. I'm looking forward to seeing future posts of your progress as a longarmer!

I wish I would have purchased the Tin Lizzie instead of the Mega Quilter.

Sounds to me like you have already "justified" the purchase...it will pay for itself, you have the money and you have the room! What more could you ask for? This begs the question for me.....does wanting something after working so hard for many years not qualify itself as reasonable justification?

If you're already planning to retire early, then you must be in good shape. A deal like this doesn't last for long. And despite the fact that you've never used a LA I bet you'll take to it like a duck to water. Enjoy yourself!

One thing to remember, when you are retired it's very hard to get financing and even harder to save several thousands of dollars to pay cash for items. I say get it now, it will be yours free and clear.

Thank you all. It's true that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. I've been putting away so much into retirement plans that it hurts sometimes. I haven't had a raise in 5 years because each year when I get a raise, I raise my contributions by the same amount.

I do want this. It will make me happy and I know I will enjoy it. I'll put the money back by April anyway.

I'm so nervous!! But excited!!

JJs,

How do you like your Bailey? I have just learned about them and like the reasonable price. Thinking about the new one they have out, 18 incher, I believe. Pros, cons?

Great conclusion! I'm thrilled for you. Just one thing...try to ditch the notion that any "thing" will make you happy... happy comes from within. Best wishes and best regards!

I am quite happy inside. :D I don't indulge in many "things" but sewing is one of them.

I found a fairly local dealer that says they offer free classes with the purchase of a machine. It lists some specific sewing machine models but not the long arm. I'm going to call them tomorrow and check it out.

I agree with the others. If it is something that you would use, that would save you money (not sending out) and bring you some joy in the work, you have the money and the space for it, I say go for it.

I am dreaming of getting one someday. I figure if I keep telling my DH how much I would love to have one, maybe in a few years he will let me get one too. I was saving up for one, had 3 grand saved but we had some other bills come up and I let DH use it to cover those. So at the moment I have no money saved for my dream, but when I go back to work again here in the next couple weeks, I will start putting away a little each month. It may take me 10 years.

Hope you have a great time with it!!!

Only 2 years to pay for itself? That is a bargain!!! If you don't buy it now, you'll spend another 2400 for quilting, and that's half the price of the TL. I'd buy it!!!

I test drove both the HQ and Tin Lizzie, and choose the HQ. I liked them both. Right now many companies are coming out with newer models and lowering prices. There are more companies on the market now, which means prices will continue to drop for some time, especially with the economy. There are many good used machines for sale very cheaply. I love mine, and have never regretted spending the money. It's given me many hours of sheer enjoyment.

To consider also: There is more to learn operating a LA than I ever imagined. There are additional expenses (thread is very expensive, Towa gauge, templates, pantos, marking tools, extra leaders, training tools - classes, DVD's, books, online training classes, etc.) Training is not as readily available as with DSM's and the beginner one offered by the dealer will not be enough. There are many online groups available for help also, which are all wonderful.

On the other hand, if you have NO savings, regardless of how bad you want one, that may be the most prudent choice. Machines are always available, used ones are even cheaper. Savings is something everyone needs in my opinion. Especially in this economy. Once that's met, then spend a little on yourself :)

It's a hard decision. Good luck!

I see your dilemma. Here's another thought, if you don't buy Lizzy now, will you have the $2400.00 a year to have your quilts quilted when you retire? Since you have the money now and will pay it back by the money you will save and possibly make more $$$ by quilting for others, I think you should go for it.

I agree with everyone if you can swing it, make the plunge, life is way too short. My mother had alot of things she wanted to do and unfortunately she never got the opportunity (lost her battle with cancer at 54) so I live my life a little differently now, not frivilous just enjoying everything I can

Personally speaking, if I were spending $200+/- per quilt that I made, and I had the room to have the long arm, I would do it. As far as "how do you know if you'll like it", and "how do you know you'll be any good at it", you won't know until you try, but I think you would love it. I just wish I had the money and the space for one. Oh well, hopefully soon. Good luck and please keep us informed.

Pleasr allow me to add to this commentary.

I began quilting after age 65! I had been a dressmaker many years. Then I wanted to change my focus. I did not like putting my quilts together and found someone to long arm quilt them for me.

Then, at age 73, after a lot of frustration, I began a search for a way to finish my quilts myself. I joined a number of forums to learn how other women finished their quilts and with what equipment.

I learned about the Bailey (mid arm) Home Quilters. It became apparent I did not want a 9" arm machine because of the limited quilting area. I purchases the 13" and have been very ahppy with it. I belong to Debbe's group - and while many of those gals have moved on up tothe 15" and 17" Bailey makes, I have not been dissatisfied with my purhcase.

All the features you named can be added to a Bailey 17". It is a simple machine, fashioned after the old straight stitch Singer of years ago. It is a work horse.

Grace makes all kinds of frames and I chose the GMQ Pro frame that will do a King size quilt. However, I have it set at 104" simply because it fits my space and handling the King quilts is getting to be diffiuclt for me, but when I sell my quilting equipment, I will be able to offer the large frame to someone who wants the big one.

Check out Bailey's site. Chuck Bailey is the best of the best when it comes to service after the sale. he will talk/walk you through any problems you may encounter on your road to learning how to use a quilting machine. Make a price comparison - and ask the girls in this group....how happy are they with their Bailey. I for one would not trade it for any other. This past year I pieced and quilted 42 quilts for charities. At 75 I am on a roll.

http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/homequilter.html

Bailey 13"/GMQ Pro frame
"and loving it "

I am thinking the same thing.

I'm with everyone else - go for it. I didn't buy a longarm, but I worried it to death over an embroidery/quilt machine. I finally got and I am glad I did. I have used it and used it.

I say go for it. I bought mine in Aug. and really like it. I also bought the shirley stitcher II to go with it and love it.

Question about the Shirley Stitcher. I have read all over and it always says that it goes on the Tin Lizzie 18LS. I am not looking at the LS as it is $2k more. I only read one place where it said the Shirley Stitcher would go on a Tin Lizzie 18 with a ribbon cable. I know what a ribbon cable is (I used to work on PCs), but I haven't found anything written about it being on the 18.

to answer the question about the Bailey I have - I love it!
there is a learning curve - as with anything, but nothing overwhelming
I did watch 'generic' videos on you-tube and those helped..
and I did practice stuff...
I do not have a stitch regulator of any kind - some women insist they need one, I don't

There are 2 shirley stitchers. The shirley stitcher II is for the tin lizzie 18.

Oh great... that was the only thing that I was questioning. I don't know that I would ever get one but I don't want to buy a machine that was limited in options if I did want to.

I just remembered that my Discover card has 0% interest on all purchases until January 31st. I stopped using the card a year ago because I was peeved with them. I have had it for many, many years and didn't use it much. I then signed up for the 5% cash back categories that change every quarter and started using it. One quarter would be 5% back on gas, one would be groceries, etc. I only used it for those things and always paid it off.

Last December I bought new tires and a new mattress set so that was a couple thousand dollars. I paid $800 of it before the statement even came out. I then got a letter that they were raising my interest rate to 14%. Are you kidding me? I start using their card so they raise it?? I wrote them and said they had the right to raise the rate and I had the right to not use their card. I have several others that want my business. I paid off the card and didn't use it again.

Anyway, I called to activate a replacement card and had to talk to someone. The man I spoke to asked what it would take to use their card. He gave me 0% for January purchases. I said that didn't matter much. He then said that he could lower the interest rate. I said I would consider using it then.

I can use my Discover card and pay it off now or wait until I get my bonus and not incur any interest. :-D

this would be an easy decision for me.

test drive it and if you like the feel buy it don't wait until you decide to retire to make a purchase.

the machine will pay for its self in the long term and the longer you can have it and use it the cost per quilt goes down.

Since you have the money right out now to spend, so go ahead and buy it. The market is not good now, so you're better off with something to have to show for your money.

I spoke to the local (kind of) shop and I wasn't impressed. He was telling me to get the 18LS instead of the 18. He also quoted me $2k more than what all other places are selling the 18 for online. He said that I wouldn't like it, that I would want to upgrade to the LS. He doesn't have the 18 in stock either. I just felt like he wanted to sell a certain model (that he has) rather than what I was asking him for.

The difference between the 18 and the 18LS is the Lizzy Stitch. It stops stitching when you stop moving, starts when you start moving.

I had almost $2000 saved for the quilting machine I wanted as my husband said saving would get me the machine, then unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control that money had to be spent on other things - now I have no job (by choice!) and I have not quilting machine nor a way to save money for one... GO BUY IT NOW!!! :)

I don't think you would miss the Lizzie Stitch. I haven't missed it at all. The guy just wants to sell you a more expensive machine. When I was looking I mainly wanted a stitch regulator and a machine that had a computerized capability. The Lizzie had the most for the money and I have no regrets. It is a good sturdy machine I don't think it is worth $2000 more just for the Lizzie stitch.

I have had the checkout page up almost all day, thinking and thinking about clicking that SUBMIT button.

I did it. :-o