Question about Baby Lock Tiara
 

Hi....would love to hear an update from anyone who has a Tiara (do you like it? etc.). I have been saving for a long time and would love to be able to make larger quilts. The place that services my sewing machine sells the Tiara and the man who owns it is great and trustworthy. I just get a little nervous spending that much ....guess I get worried I am getting in over my head but I know it is not as complicated as a long-arm. Hope I am making sense.

Any comments/ thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

I will be watching this thread. I wondered myself about the Tiara. Can I ask how much it is?

Oh...and I also forgot to ask ...do you like / need the stitch regulator? Thanks.

Have you taken it for a test drive?

You obviously have a lot of confidence in your dealer, so take some time to sit down and get to know the machine before you make the purchase.

Here's my experience and thoughts. While not an owner, I seriously looked at the Tiara and S16 last spring and was totally in love with them. They are simple to operate and maintain. With the test drives I did, I was feeling really good. Of course, I had not perfected my skills, but felt that I was making progress and not thinking it would be hopeless to learn. I was not impressed with the stitch regulator. It is cumbersome and honestly, I hated the noise of it too.

What held me back from a purchase was two things, the distance to the dealer, but more so that I had a hard time justifying the $$$ for the amount of time it would sit idle. You are only going to use it to quilt. So while piecing quilts, it would not be used.

However, if my local dealer had sold one of them, I am sure I would have purchased it and continued to sew with the machine I had for the regular stitching. That is really what held me back from taking the leap as it was just too far to the dealer for support in the how to, or should I need technical support. Instead I did upgrade to a bigger machine, larger throat and BSR. Closer to a S16/Tiara, but just not the visibility that I still lust for!!!

My dealer knows I looked seriously, and why I did not buy ....... and should they ever be selling a similar machine, they already know they have a captive audience in me!

I think Babylock has zero financing right now

are you sure I just got an email from them about their specials in the past few days

I have a Sweet Sixteen which is the same machine. I too saved and worried about spending so much (about $5000) when all was done.

I have not regretted the purchase for one minute. I only regret that I din't have much time for it.

I did not buy the regulator. I do fine without it and I just didn't have the extra $$$$.

I got an email today. 48 month free financing on the Tiara. Maybe specials for different parts of the country. Also maybe a dealers choice to participate?

I bought a used HandiQuilter Sweet 16 and *love* it. The Tiara is mfd by HQ and it essentially the same machine. HQ customer service/support is awesome; I contacted them 1) when I needed the replacement light ring (no charge) + 2) to walk me through the installation process :)
I don't have the stitch regulator and don't miss it.

Jae