About a month ago I took a class so I could rent the long arm machine at the LQS. Then life got in the way and I havn't had time to actually rent the machine. Today I quilted my first quilt on the long arm. I think I'm in love!! It was great. I have about 10 UFO's so I think I will be back. I would love to buy one, but my husband thinks I should have a business if I spend so much money. Crazy talk.
Sue

Yes, crazy talk. Check out the Bailey Home Quilter site. Nice prices there....

Its always great to do what you love! Its a competitive business, but...there are tax advantages to owning a business. Like any trip to a quilt shop could be a business expense. Hmmmm.

Hilarious...I want one really bad too, probably next year after DH truck is paid off! yippie!!

It just doesnt get any better than that!! hey also, dont forget the expense of training/schooling...I would think that would be deductable as well...

I was babysitting my friend's longarm and fell in love! In april I bought my own....and I DO have a business. Of all the crafting I've done in the past, NONE have made me as happy as this!!!!

I started out with a used machine and have upgraded several time. I love it and i do my own quilts. That way I can do them when I want to.
I have a Gmmill vision, and haven't looked back. My huby has supported me all the way.

Before you jump in to buy a LA, figure out how many quilts you make per year and multiply by the cost of using the machine. Is it more economical to rent a machine or to buy one?

I bought my Gammill with the intention of using it 20+ years. What would be a better business investment? But you have to get the computer with it or ruin your shoulders. Keep your charges affordable and you'll have to work 24/7!

I agree that this makes sense. However, by owning one you can work whenever you want. One of my customers told me she quilts late in to the night...long after our rentals are oiled, cleaned and shut down for the night!

good information received again!

Thanks ladies for your opinions.

Everyone has told me that if you want to be successful, do something you love. So good luck to what ever you decide :thumbup:

Thanks for all the good advise. I don't want a job more than I want a long arm. I am retired and loving it. I am also getting old. Not there yet, but getting there. Some days I think I'm there, but then I get my second wind. The quilt store where I use the long arm had a sign in the window for help wanted. For a very brief minute I thought "that would be fun". Then my sense came back. "Are you out of your mind?" I will keep the Bailey's machine in mind. Thanks
Sue

I have been using my Bailey 15 mid-arm quilting machine for a month now. Love it.

I could never afford a long arm but found that I could afford the second best idea.
Buy a good table with a cheap straigt stitch machine and a stitch regulator. It runs about $2000. If I ever have the money for a long arm machine at least I will already have the table and the straight stitch is a great machine for piecing.
The only problem with this set up is the small area you can quilt. A 4 or 5 in pantogram is all you can use.
Its a good beginner system.