I have permission from DH to shop for a longarm quilting machine.
Does anyone have any information about the Homesteader 16? I have a John Watts frame for king size and know this will fit that frame. Have not heard a lot about this machine.
Does anyone own one?
Also have looked at the Pennywinkle Sunshine 16.
Neither of these are well heard of, but are in my price range.
Suggestions, help!

awesome, have fun looking for your longarm

I would join the homequiltingsystems group at http://groups.yahoo.com and do some research there first. There are a lot of frame/machine choices and some work better than others. Some of the quilters there have posted that the best advice they got was to research and try out setups for a full year before making a purchasing decision.

You might want to check out http://www.prodigyquilter.com/ I found them when I was looking for machines dealers in the Charlotte area and they just happen to be located nearby.

"We are very excited to introduce the new and exclusive "Sharon Schamber Series" quilting package. Sharon has shared many of her ingenious add-ons that make our machine an award winning quilter and helps her to obtain that level of perfection that she demands from a quilting machine. Only Prodigy can do it. Take a look and see why Sharon is happy to endorse our machine."

I don't know where you are located but my suggestion would be to attend one of the Longarm conventions where all the brands are shown. The convention in Kansas City just closed. We had one here in the New England area. Tell us what part of the country you are located and perhaps someone will know of a convention near by

Selecting a long arm is a major decision and everyone has their favorite. It must be your favorite and do what you want from a machine. I think it is a bit like the song in the old musical "Finnian's Rainbow" when Og the Lepracon sings...."when I'm not near the girl I love, I love the girl I'm near........meaning what whatever I have is MY favorite.

I have a Homesteader 19" that I am using on an older frame. I think it's a Ken Quilt frame. I did purchase an upgraded carriage from graceframe and am well pleased with the set-up. Not familiar with 16" Homesteader, but my 19"
sews like a charm.

grammy6times,
Just noticed you're in TN. I bought my machine through a
wonderful lady in Millington TN. She has a website Candlewood Quilts. I'll bet she could give you some useful info. Best of success on your new machine purchase!

I have the Nolting 18" professional long arm. I really like it. I have the stitch regulator and highly suggest this. It makes quilting intricate designs a breeze to quilt. Hope this helps.

Wow, Lucky you!

Have fun shopping and trying out all the machines whilst you look for your longarm!

Hugs

Caroline