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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkobler (Post 7864849)

I'm a newbie at shopping for a long arm. I won't pay $35k and I don't have room for a 12' table!!!

Last year I looked at and tested both a Gammill and a Handi Quilter Avante. While I loved both, I didn't purchase either. I went home and started looking for a local used machine and found a nearly new Avante from a local dealer at a good price. The HQ studio frame can be set up at 8ft or 12ft. I've got it set up at 8ft as that's plenty big enough for me. I've been totally happy with my Avante and my dealer is the best.

Cari

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this! Are you handy at all? If so, read, read, read the installation manuals and guides so that you know what to check when these folks finally get back to you. The same thing applies to the operating manuals for your system.

It surprises me that Innova has not trained your dealer on how to set up a long arm quilting machine system. It seems to me that would be a priority for Innova and the dealer. Both have a reputation to maintain and build.

Suggestion - when you get the LA set up correctly, start learning how to operate the machine and computerized software in small increments. If you try to do/learn everything that can be done with your system all at once, it can seem like you're trying to swallow a whale. But small increments of learning are manageable.

I took lessons at a local quilt shop and was able to rent time on her Gammill. I loved it. We had to buy zippers to load the quilt--took a few minutes when you got to the shop, so you weren't wasting time preparing to load the quilt. We used pantograms and it usually took about 4 hours to quilt a medium sized quilt. This shop has since closed, and I have no where to rent, so I bought quilting rulers, and they intimidate me and I've been hesitant to try they. Crazy I know but I will eventually get to it.

Now for your problem, buyers remorse is a horrible feeling. I don't have that problem (my dh says I would be broke except for HIS remorse) He frets about every house we have ever bought (3) and every car (probably hundreds--every 3
years for 55 years) for some reason when the item is for him, no remorse or at least much less. Funny how those things work. I can't help it if i NEED (want) more that he does. lol

My opinion is that you are allowing everything that you could have spent that money on to color you opinion. Sometimes you need to buy something that you simply want and when you happen onto a "deal" like your Gammill you just have to
go for it. If you didn't, you would probably regret it. The price you paid for your Gammill was probably 1/3 the new price. Also, one class is not enough to become profecient keep up the practice--what can happen? You may have to rip out a bunch of stitches. Use "practice" fabric so you can throw it away if you are not happy.

Well, so much for my "advise" now I just have to use it. lol

Sue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkobler (Post 7864849)

I'm a newbie at shopping for a long arm. I won't pay $35k and I don't have room for a 12' table. I do, however, need a stand up machine that's in between. I cannot quilt trying to wiggle my fabric sandwich under my sewing machine. It just doesn't work for me. And I can't quilt sitting down. I need to be standing up and seeing what I'm doing. It seems every new person I send my quilts out to to be long armed disappoint me. I get it-it's the nature of the beast. It's a lot of work and time and they need to make money. My only solution is to quilt them myself. I love to quilt and yet when I finish my sandwich, it sits there because I just don't want to send it out to be quilted. Hence my dilemna. I need some type of quilting machine!
I'm going to take a class on the Gammill at my LQS shortly. I'm hoping that will help me begin my journey. I would love to hear your opinions and experiences with your long arms-regardless of the size. Is there such a thing as a 6 or even 8 foot table vs a 12 foot table? I have a wonderful sewing room that is 12 X 20 but it's crammed full! No room for a 12' table-perhaps 8' I could do. Thanks so much!!!

I applaud you for taking the LQS class to start with to see if you even like long arm quilting--some people just don't. After that I STRONGLY urge you to check out lots of machines--and by that I mean both on the internet (Long Arm University has some good, non-biased info--not a dealer) and then go to actually try some hands on. Yes, there are smaller frames and set-ups--but how they work with larger quilts differs so you definitely need to quilt on each to find your best fit. Good luck!

My husband bought me a HQ16 in 2009 after a serious fall. 7 surgeries later, 3 on neck 3 on shoulder including reverse. Making table runners for people who helped me and boy did I have the machine. Then watched videos byHelenodden and they really helped me. Just do lines with rulers but am getting excited about life again!
Judy