I bought mine with the intention of being in business, I have found that everyone has a nitch I tend to draw new quilters, tops are not perfect but I don't judge, I do the best I can to make the quilt beautiful for them, I have regular customers, I really can do as many as I had planned to now that I have a full time job and I am moving up in the company, cutting back this year to work on my own stufff

My mother bought an 18" Artisitic by Janome for my sis in law and me about 2 1/2 years ago. I've only quilted for family so far, but I dream of quilting for others for profit. We are trading in the machine for a new 18" Juki that will hopefully be easier for me to use. (I learned that I love quilting but I hated our machine.) Perhaps once the new machine comes, I will feel more confident to take on a customer's quilt. I am a teacher and it seems state and national politics are continually working against my profession, making it more difficult to actually teach every year. Quilting for others is always on my list of income alternatives in case the time comes when I can no longer support myself by teaching. For now though, I will keep practicing on family members' quilts. I do love how forgiving my sister and sis in law are when it comes to my quilting! I have yet to "unquilt" more than a few inches because they are so understanding and forgiving. I know it will be different if I start quilting for customers.

I just got my 2nd long arm machine. My first is a HV 18/8 and have had way too much trouble with it to make it a dependable machine for doing quilting for others. Twice it quit on me when I had a quilt almost finished. Then off to the factory it went for 2 months the first time, one month the second time. So now I have a HQ Avante that I just got for my Christmas gift to myself. It was a floor model, and an offer I couldn't refuse, 12" frame and computerized, sitting in my living room. I love it, but don't intend to quilt for others than just my friends, and myself. I am a widow, life is short, you can't take it with you, and all that. So I intend to enjoy myself doing what I love to do, quilting. If I make a few dollars selling some quilts, that will be fine, but after doing home dec for years, and making wedding gowns, I don't care so much for dealing with picky people who want much for little.

Since 9/2012, I have had my Bailey 17 inch with a Grace Majestic Frame. Prior to this, I bought a shortarm set up (SuperQuilter frame and a Juki machine) back in 2000 or 2001. I make quilts for my family and charity quilts which I LOVE to do. No way will I do quilting as a business....not much joy in it, smile.

I have a Gammill on a 12 ft. table. Thought I would quilt for others when I bought it and have done a
few for friends but mostly use it for myself and charity quilts. Although its just the two of us at home, I
also still direct two handbell choirs and run the quilting program at the local Folk School so a lot of the time
the machine sits waiting.

Great find, Kathy! Enjoy your quilting.

I only quilt for myself and my sister. I make a lot of charity quilts - that's my justification for the longarm. I could never make so many quilts if I didn't have it!

I just got mine in Oct, and am learning,Just for me ,not enough time to do for others , I love it .

I've only had my Avante with Pro Stitcher a short time - still learning. I never intended to have a business. I'm sure I'll have friends that want to use it and that will be great.

I would love to own a LA, but I have no room for such a luxury.