I used to rent time on long arms and then I bought a Mega Quilter on a Grace-type frame as I thought this would be a good way to ease into buying my own long arm. Having this set up taught me that I really need to be closer to the fabric. Moving the machine, for me, just wasn't enjoyable. I bought a Babylock Tiara midarm and I love it.

Watson

I bought my Sweet sixteen 5 years ago at a quilt show. Got a good price for it. I did have a frame and juki machine set up but it was space hogging and I’m short so it bothered my back. I love my 16. Have hardly any problems with it. I make a lot of quilts for family and friends and if I had to pay to have them quilted, I couldn’t . I mostly meander and have tried other differ3nt patterns over the years. Look for a reputable dealer that sells trade ins. You can get good deals out there.

I got my APQS Millie set up last month. I had researched several years, and this was the machine I wanted. I thought about a different make because of the cost. My friend told me if I was going to get it to get the one I wanted or I'd always be sorry. I'm sure he is right. After I paid, I too thought "what have I done", but I am so happy to finally have something so wonderful. I have made so many quilts and quilted on my DSM that I have had to replace parts on my expensive Janome. After a while, you realize it's just not worth the hassle. I wish you the best on your journey.

Buyer's remorse; No. I purchased an Artistic18 sit-down. I have no room I am willing to dedicate to a long arm.

I do my free motion quilting using Golden Thread paper. I love the extra space I get from the 18 inch throat. I have probably quilted 15 quilts and many smaller pieces since I purchased it several years ago.

Attached are two of my recent finishes.
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Sorry the pictures are sideways. I don't know how to fix them.

I purchased a midarm from a lady that had purchased it and never used it. My regret is that I didn’t research enough. The harp space is much too small. Remember that your quilt has to roll up in that space as you advance to the next row of quilting. I have taken mine off of the frame. It is now being used as a regular, but powerful, sewing machine.

I too wanted a longarm machine. I rented one for awhile to make sure I truly “needed” it. :-) And I did!! Hahaha Most machines are comparable as to what comes with/on the machines. The main consideration for me was to have local support. I did not purchase my machine to start a business. I bought it to quilt my own quilts. I quilted hundreds and hundreds of charity quilts to build my skills so I did not have to start on one of mine and “ruin” it. I have a Gammill Classic Plus. It is a stand up manual machine with a stitch regulator. No computer. I have never been sorry about this purchase. Still quilting on this machine for 12 years and counting.

I think you and I are on exactly the same page, Watson! When working on my friend's longarm I would stand completely bent forward at the waist, with my face in front of the needle, hanging on to those handles for dear life! She told me I'd ruin my back quilting like that, but I couldn't SEE if I stood up. I just don't like the weight and momentum of moving the big machine head around over the quilt. I'd much rather sit down right in front of the needle, and move the fabric. There is so much room and visibility in my sit-down setup! I'm so glad I got to try stand up and sit down quilting to be able to know this about myself.

People say having to sandwich a quilt is a drawback of a sit down machine... but I can sandwich with spray baste and a few pins faster than I could load a quilt onto a big frame. Also, once your quilt is in that frame, it's there until it's done. Whereas on the sitdown, I can work some on one quilt sandwich, remove it and work on another one if it becomes more of a priority. I like that freedom.

So this is why I say, "Find out how you like to quilt", before jumping into a long arm purchase. It may be perfect for you, or maybe not. You don't know until you try.

Fastpedal, I love your black, white and gray quilt with the 9patch centers! Is there a name to that pattern?

I started out with a Husvarna Viking Mega Quilter and had it for 10+years, I now have a HQ Amara and love it. The Mega Quilter was great but I finally out grew it. Keep checking out the quilters, you will finally find the one you like.