You will love it. There is a learning curve, so don't despair. Just remember to ppp (practice, practice, practice) Also, play with it a while before you start making purchases to see what you really like. Some people really like pantographs and some only like freehand work. I like both pantos and freehand but I don't like too much ruler work. Makes me nervous. I can't draw a straight line with a ruler. When I bought my Gammill I bought some quilt tops off ebay to practice on because I didn't want to mess up a top I had put a lot of time and love into. That was a bonus too because I gave a lot of those to my children and friends.

Enjoy.

Good idea on practicing on e-bay tops. I had thought about buying some "cheater's quilt" fabric and use it as a "pretend" quilt to practice on. I couldn't go to sleep last night for thinking about what I'm about to do today. lol I thought, " I'm 68...should I be doing this at my age?" Then I thought I'm going to take my husband's attitude...."THAT's exactly why you should go ahead and DO IT!!!" AND, today's my 49th anniversary, hubby says I deserve it....bless him.....so I'm a happy camper....feeling more reassured by the minute. lol

Congradulations! You are going to love it!
join the HQ yahoo group, I learned ALOT from that group. And here, I'm sure you would get an answer to any question you post.

You go girl!

Good for you. I have the HQ Avante and love it. The only thing is, I don't think you can put the Avante on the frame that you are using for your HQ16. They have a different track and wheel system. You may want to double check this with your HQ dealer before you buy thinking you can upgrade only the machine. Remember PPP (practice, practice practice) or (practice, patience, prosperity). You will have fun.

Loving it! I am a couple of years behind you in age but I am a 10 year BC survivor. This is exactly why I bought my long arm!

Franie, I, too am a 9 yr BC survivor!! Yes, that was part of my reason, too. Who knows what's next? I just came back from the quilt shop, and they are delivering it tomorrow afternoon and set it up. I'm SOOOOOO excited....probably won't sleep tonight either. lol

Sandipi, you are right, the tracking won't fit an Avante on my table. But, I really doubt I'll every have anything but this HQ16. So, I'm OK with that. It is such a nice frame/table though....has the flexible wire cables (????) with the clamps to hold the quilt....a really large platform for pantagrams...I'm happy!!

My HQ16 will be delivered and set up this afternoon. I'm so excited, but dread the learning curve....practice, practice. Have another question.....what kind of thread do you use? I've read where a lot of quilters just use whatever they have or they eventually find what their machine is "picky" about. ??? Does anyone use the "Connecting Thread" threads? Seems like I've read about a lot of satisfied customers. Thanks so much for all of your input with buying my machine and other questions. This is certainly a MOST HELPFUL website.

My favorite all time thread combo on my HQ16 is King Tut on top and So Fine in the bobbin.

My favorite all time thread combo on my HQ16 is King Tut on top and So Fine in the bobbin.