Trade it for an Innova!!!!! no problems with them...........yeah

I have a NewStyle 228 that was used about 5 times prior to it coming to me. I have never used it, but will attempt learning once I take it in for a check up. I got it over a year ago for my favorite price...free. It does run and was in a friend of mine's family. The mother used it 5 times and then the father died. Since he bought the machine for her, she couldn't face using it. The mother wanted someone to have it that would love it, and so I inherited a machine.

Being new to quilting and never long-armed, it can be intimidating. Luckily my LQS will come to my house and give me private tutoring for cheap.

Maybe time will tell what you need to do with your machine. I hope you decide to keep it and maybe get some lessons.

The Nustyle machines are out of Stover, MO.
http://www.nustylequilting.com

Should you have any questions or issues, Tom and Lori are always available to help. They have great customer service!
My first longarm was a Nustyle 227, and that was a huge green monster. Taught me a lot & Tom helped me redo the wiring over the phone & by mail...sent hand drawings in with parts needed.

Boater! I'm so sorry this has been your experience, please join the TinLizzieLongarm group on yahoogroups? There are ladies who have the Innova on this group, and there are other brands as well. We help each other with problems. I'm new to using longarm machines as well, and the ladies on this group have been wonderful! The ladies on this list that have other brands of machine, so don't worry about having an Innova.

Whew! I didn't see this in time. Never mind the previous post, this is a wonderful outcome! :thumbup:

Check around for classes. Before I make that purchase or even start researching I'm going to take some classes and then rent thier machine to do a few to make sure it'll be worth it. I bought a Gracie Small Frame that only does up to crib size and at the time my machine was so small it was a pain but now I have a Mega quilter so my goal is that if the near future to put the quilter on it and then start practicing. I got the frame on sale and just so that I could see if I like the whole process. Since it's like the big metal ones it has sme panto boards on it and a stitch regulator and you load it like the big ones so at least I'll be ahead of the game if I get the big one. Right now I'm just getting into FMQ so one thing at a time; FMQ that I like so far. I can't afford to send them out not that I haven't seen some quilts done locally that I would have paid the 300 to get that done; it was amazing but I just can't afford it. I'm tired of seeing my quilt tops just hanging on the quilt rack; I want finished quilts hanging on it.

I have a TL18DS and enjoy the quilting process. It is definitely a long long learning curve. Would like to have some classes but nothing close to where I live. Just keep at it!

LucyInTheSky...
I have the TL18LS w/qbot attached. I got mine in 2009. I was set to get an Innova (loved the couching foot idea)..but hubby insisted on a local dealer & I got my Lizzie from a local (well local as we get here..70+ mile round trip).
I had a problem with the machine "racing"...part was me moving too fast, but slowing way down didn't solve the entire issue. The reason I finally called my dealer was that my hubby heard a clunking noise inside the machine (that's where it sounded like it was coming from to us). My dealer's tech was out due to an accident...so I called the TL company & Isaac got back to me within a day or two. Since I was not at home (it was 9pm almost, on Friday nite...we were at bingo) we set a time for the next morning, when I'd be home and at the machine. I laid my cell phone on the quilt top...and as Isaac gave me things to try...first was to stitch evenly & not too slow or fast right to left...racing happened...so I slowed way down...only a short amount of racing, but there...and I also stitched forward and back at an even pace...still racing. Isaac also heard the clunking noise, and asked how my hopping foot had been adjusted. I didn't adjust it, the dealers tech did. So, Isaac had me move off the quilt, put the hopping foot down, then the needle down. I loosened the foot (mine has a screw on the side, older TL18's don't), slid a dime under the foot until it touched the needle. Then I tightened the foot, raised the needle, then the foot and took out the dime (I laughed when Isaac said to remove the dime...but after many years in customer service...I knew where he was coming from). I asked if there was an adjustment for the racing...he said there was, but that he wanted to know the color of my control board...so I took the cover off the control box...and told him the color...he said he felt I needed a new board. That took a week to get...put it in...Isaac again on the phone...racing was better, but still there. I told Isaac that I knew enough about computer control boards to know this should be an adjustment...I was correct...and was told what little white screw to turn and how much. Fixed! I am sure had Isaac known from the get go that I had some computer repair/assembly experience, he would have walked me through the adjustment. Oh, and the clunking...that was the hopping foot set incorrectly.
I have had my issues with tension, and believe it or not...that's not uncommon with any machine out there. I am not afraid to turn the tension assemblies, nor am I wary of adjusting the bobbin case tension. You have to be willing to get past the cost of your machine, wether it be a low end or high end machine. Every thread type/color, fabric, batting, etc. will affect your tensions at times (more often than not). As a result, I run my tensions fairly loose & can easily adjust to most any thread out there. I've only found a couple of Coats n Clark thread colors that didn't work...but they didn't work on my embroidery or home machines either...felt rough...they are in the trash. I had one Metroemb white thread that didn't work...seemed frail for some reason. I purchased their Sukerman (I think they call it Sigma) thread in white & cream...they are wonderful to use. I've tried 60wt bottomline (bobbin) thread in the upper, regular Coats sewing thread, metallics, serger threads, up to pearl cotton...and can run them all. Yes, I have to adjust the tensions each thread change...but I have to do that every quilt anyhows.

I had only one encoder problem (I broke one). Encoders rarely go bad..but the cables that they connect with are another story...they have a tiny wire to each prong of the tiny white plug..if one of those breaks inside the black coating...you can have encoder issues. Changing the cable fixes 99% of the issues with an encoder not working.

Learn what makes your machine tick...like the encoders. They have a tiny computer chip inside...that feeds info to the computer board on the machine...which decyphers and sends the needed instruction to the control on the handle...which tells the machine how fast/slow to move the needle....so we can outrun our encoders & that will cause racing.

Ruby, where in TX are you? I'm in Littlefield, which is 36 miles North of Lubbock on 84 highway (Clovis Highway). We are about 80 miles from Clovis, NM. If you are close to me...I'd love to work with you. I don't do classes...but always willing to share what I've learned. Your DLS is almost like my LS (you have a digital screen, and I have dials).

!!! I don't have my longarm machine YET but I've added red snappers to my "BUY THIS" folder.

MAHALO! :)

If your timing is a mechanical one......check with mfg or see if a tech is nearby.....If your timing problem is a personal issue, just remember working on a longarm is a very different thing. There is definite learning curve and also a lot of practice...don't think you wake up one morning and off you go........Ask any of the professional that are on the web how long and how much practice it took them to be where they are now...and one never stops learning.......each time I load a quilt I try to think of a better way to do it.......sometimes a little something comes to mind or sometimes nothing......you have to find your own way of doing it, but the books and classes that are now available are truly a big help. When I started there was nothing except a little group that had started on line with a few people who were floundering too, so we all learned together and helped each other and I do believe we also enlightened the mfgrs about a few things too.......Off my soapbox....but give yourself some time and have patience. You must have shown a spark of interest in this if your dh purchased it for you? So keep that flame going........

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I contemplated for quite a while about purchasing a longarm and in the end I just couldn't justify the cost. I'm fast approaching fifty and I don't knock out quilts quickly enough. I estimated how many quilts I might make over the next 20-30 years that I would choose to have machine-quilted and what my longarm quilter charges per quilt on average. It turned out to be so much less expensive to have her or another person quilt them for me. Now, if we strike the lottery I would buy a longarm machine in a heartbeat! LOL

Well, the dealer who assembled by TL18LS (actually her tech did the assembly) gave me a quick how to turn it on...which I was ok with, because this was my 2nd longarm & I knew a little about how they work. He also had trouble setting her frame up.
Sounds like this was the first Innova they set up. 24k? That is too much to have the dealer not know what they were doing. Innova is usually better about training than that. I hope you have your machine going and you are now a happy quilter!
Marge

I purchased my long arm from Sewing machines.com on their 1/2 price sale. I got it financed with no interest for 4 years. I just have to make the payments. It has taken up my whole dining room, but I don't have buyers remorse. This too shall pass.

I bought mine 1 1/2 yrs ago -- before that I was "babysitting" a friend's longarm. Hang in there!!!! I LOVE longarming -- and my only regret is that I started doing them for customers. I've stretched my abilities --- and have had lots of practice, however, now I've quit taking customer quilts and will be quilting for myself. NOW I really enjoy it!!!

I had a 12' long arm table for my Bernina 830 and kept it in the boxes for 2 1/2 years. I know it's not a long arm sewing machine, but it has a stitch regulator and a long throat and the table was built for my machine. I was afraid to try to put a quilt on the table, just like you, and was afraid of the whole process, so I sold the table to a really sweet gal here who set it up and last I heard was getting ready to use it. They had a YouTube video on how to set it up and how to put a quilt on it. So, I know they probably have a video on how to put a quilt on your machine and it might even be easier than how you are doing it, who knows? But I know now that I don't want a LA machine ever. They frighten me. Too much money and I feel too much work. I like sending my quilts out to my LAer.

I know this was written a while ago but I just had to add my own experience here.... I too live in Toronto and went to the Innova dealer one Sat...I had called a couple days before and was told to come anytime....BUT when I did go the machine was packed up from a trade show..I was asked to come back but when I said I didn't live close by the guy...he is the same person you dealt with....huffed and puffed..and then called someone on the phone to help him get the machine out of the box...place was a mess...stuff all over the place...and this gentleman knew nothing about the machine or quilting...I didn't let on how much I knew about machines in general and especially the Innova as I had my heart set on one...I had even been talking to people at head office for some time and had researched them inside out....he did not know what a black light was for....was going to sell me an old model table?. Only when the other guy mentioned the new feature did he mention it too...I asked him what training was included,any classes and he said 5 minutes and laughed...wrote up an invoice estimate and we were sitting on packing boxes...he scoffed when I told him I was going to see an APQS machine the next day ...and made some reference about it being a never heard of before brand...he was ver y patronizing and took the entire session as one big joke, was not serious at all...
now the reason I decided against the Innova was because of the dealer and I just didn't feel this person was knowledgeable or would offer customer support...this is a big purchase...like buying a car...and one would never go into a car dealership with boxes and cartons and stuff all over the floor...I wonder if the Innoa people have ever been to this storefront...it can't be good for the Innova name...he lost my sale and I was sorry there wasn't another Innova dealer close by...I even considered going to the States...also, he was doing to charge me $750 to set it up.. I felt this was too much...as I had watched the entire video on the site...when I told him we would do it ourselves by following the videos he told me I would never be able to put it together myself as it was a big job...

Have you talked to the dealer?
Did the dealer offer you training?

I have two Gammills and do not regret the purchase. When I got the first, I would take someone in to show it to them...show them how cool it was.....write my name in cursive....and turn it off! LOL It is very intimidating to start something new. Practice Practice Practice.

I would also see if there is a local longarm guild you can join.

Go to MQS or MQA (don't know where you live) or Quilting with machines. Take a few workshops.

Go home and practice some more.... You can do it. If there is a true problem with the machine, that is just a hurdle--not a stopgate.

On any large purchase--the dealer is one of the HUGE factors I consider! :)

It's interesting that you should say this. I've been trying to decided between 1) waiting for the release of the Juki Virtuoso which is now postponed until February, which I would purchase from a local dealer about 40 miles from my home 2) getting the Viking/Pfaff P3 from that same dealer or 3) getting the Viking/Pfaff P3 from a dealer about 20 miles from my home.

My concern is that the dealer further from my home is less expensive, and will give good customer support, while the one that is closer is more expensive but will give me free weekly lessons so that I learn all the nuances of the machine very well and offer excellent customer service. While bother dealers have good reputations, the one that is more expensive and closer has one of the best reputations for service after the sale that I've ever encountered.

I'm not sure what to do. Do you think really really excellent service and the most thorough training and support available is worth an extra 1500$?

My answer - it depends. If you are aiming at starting a quilting business, then absolutely. If you aim to really take advantage of the classes and training offered, and learn as much as you can, then yes. If you feel you can learn well on your own, are good at troubleshooting issues with the machine, and have the time and patience to practice a LOT, then you could probably save yourself the $1500.

Can you tell which way I'm leaning? :)

I'm only planning to quilt for myself, not as a business. Well, I want to donate quilts to charity as well as for family/friends/myself. I understand the basics of long arming, having rented time on one and having done a good bit of hands on research, but I'm easily frustrated and will probably get upset if I can't figure something out.

I did forget to mention that in addition to weekly classes, that dealer includes leaders and a few spools of thread so you can start quilting on a practice quilt while they are in the home. The other dealer charges separately for the leader cloths. Also, with the classes, they provide a quilt sandwich each week, which you will then take home and do "homework" on your own machine and bring back the following week so they can be sure you're mastering the skills. The classes are individual so you are the sole focus and last roughly 2 hours depending on individual need.

I did forget to mention that in addition to weekly classes, that dealer includes leaders and a few spools of thread so you can start quilting on a practice quilt while they are in the home. The other dealer charges separately for the leader cloths. Also, with the classes, they provide a quilt sandwich each week, which you will then take home and do "homework" on your own machine and bring back the following week so they can be sure you're mastering the skills. The classes are individual so you are the sole focus and last roughly 2 hours depending on individual need.[/QUOTE]


Here is just my opinion...$1500 is a LOT of money to me...I bought a new Longarm this year...dealer is out 2 hours away...I had one full day class that was included ...I did the class after a bit of my own practice...I had done a couple of pantos and 1 quilt for myself...then I brought my questions to my lesson..she was wonderful...I bypassed the dealer that was 30 minutes from my home...
besides this, I have learned TONS from YOU TUBE ....and yahoo groups and blogs, etc..there is so much info out there...and if you have already rented out you should be fine..if you need lessons, you can take them too...using your $1500 savings...and spread the lessons out so you can practice practice practice and for me weekly lessons would not offer me enough consolidation ...go slow and have fun...

Okay. I purchased the smaller frame which goes with a sewing machine. Works the same. I purchased a juki with a big throat to fit on machine.
I set it all up very excited and put on a piece of fabric I didn't like with some backing same feeling. It was a single bed size then.... I planned to just go mad and practise anything. I used over 1000 metres of thread and kept going. It was covered with patterns . Dropped it onto the seat to plan the binding and turned around 3 dogs were sitting there. It has become their favourite quilt. I was also very pleased with it. For the next 3-4 days I could hardly move, I would suggest that you practise one area of a quilt for twenty minutes have a drink and move. Keep doing this with longer times.
I use it for specific quilts so I can leave and go back. But keep going a class or lessons with another long arm quilter may be exactly what you need.

Thank you for this post...I am very impressed!!! Smart move on Innova...I will be looking in the near future for a long arm...no idea which one but this is a really good story on a company that cares!!! Kee

boy do i have buyers remorse, i had a deal with todd the sales man at sewing machine plus,i had started a lay away plan with him for a avante long arm with a studio frame i was putting money each month around $1,000.00 or less for my machine,well i was close to the amount for that machine i just needed $2,000.00 more to pay it off i could not wait i was so happy ,then one day todd calls me and tells me that they just got a very nice HQ16 with a stitch regulater,well he told me that could have that machine for the amount i had save with them which was $7,000.00 and that the only differance would be in the quilting space which would be 3 inches instead of 14 inches,todd told me that the advante is 18 inches long but quilting space is only 15 inches and the HQ 16 has a space of 12 inches, so i would only lose 3 inches ,well i throught about it and i ask him if im getting everything just like advante and just losing 3 inches then it would be ok if i was getting the studio frame with it oh yes he it will come with the deal ,well i thought i could live with that ,well they came early to set it up and i notice that they were dusting and cleaning a used table ,so i get on the phone to ask todd about this table set up and he told me that it comes with the HQ16 ,but i said that was not the deal we maked and he said if i wanted the studio frame it would cost me more money for it ,i was heart broken to hear this. after the men left i notice a old manual and some missing things from the top where the screen is ,i,ve called him several times telling him that i did,nt want this old machine with a part missing from screen and for $7,000.00 i got nothing like threads or needles or any of the goodies that comes when you buy there machines ,i have even talk to the manager and other sales persons about the rutten deal todd gave me and all they say is sorry but we can,t do anything about it that was between you both .well one day i got an email from there store about a big sale on most of there long arms and other sewing machines because they where moving to a new building next door and they wanted to get rid of there old machines and make room for the new ones coming in. boy i felt stupid and used and tooken advanages of , and on top of that with the old manual i came to find out that the long arm was alreally 5 years old how boy talk about beening double stupid on my part what a expensive lesson ,boy i know i will never buy from sewing machine plus.com so you ladies beware when buying there

Tellabella, I hear what you are saying. 1500 is a lot. I actually like the idea of personalized weekly classes. It will keep any concerns/issues freshly in my mind, and I can devote plenty of time to mastering new skills, but yes, it's a lot of money. For now I've decided to try to put it out of my mind. The Juki Virtuoso release is postponed until Feb. now and I'm intrigued by what I've heard about that machine, plus it's even less expensive. I'm taking that as my sign that I need to be patient. I don't like feeling stressed and uncertain about something that's supposed to be for fun!

Nellie, what a horrible story. I feel awful for you.

Yes, at times...I, too, feel the car could be paid off had I not bought mine. BUT, then I go out to the machine (in a separate shop) and I realize I really LOVE longarming!!! My 2nd regret is that I started taking in customer quilts......The good side to that is that I've been challenged and have made a little money, the downside is it took up ALL my time and has caused high blood pressure at times!!! Would I give it up --- NOPE!!!! DH and I are planning a long winter in Arizona next year...........I'm already starting to miss my machine!!!!

I just had to comment - I have heard stories like this over and over again about Neil and the customer service that comes from Innova machines. I am researching long arms right now for a purchase in the spring, and I don't know if an Innova is in my price range but I'll tell you what, these stories really push me to that brand. Customer service just means so much - these are huge purchases for us, and what a difference it makes to know that you as a customer are cared about and they want you to have a good experience. Don't ever change that INNOVA!!! IT MATTERS!!!

we seldom need tech support --but Innova tech support is available 24/7 and they are great.the timing went out on Thanksgiving the 1st year we had ours.they were there for us and taught us over the phone and emailed pics so we got her done asap.lol-only true junkies are quilting on Thanksgiving anyway.I whole heartedly recommend Innova as the best there is.

Check out the Red Snapper loading system. 10 minutes to load a king size quilt. Well worth the $$
quiltsonthecorner.com/red_snappers

Innova Help

Hi I'm in the Uk and I am seriously thinking of buying an Innova Long arm with AutoPilot.

We have a hotel & have run patchwork & quilting retreats for a number of years with top tutors & like many other quilter have loads of UFOs waiting for quilting.
My idea is to not only get my own stuff done, but to train & rent out time on the machine after I have learnt what to do.

I would welcome any comments & recommendations from any Innova owners and particularly with the autopilot system.

Fiona in Sunny Bridlington, East Yorkshire. England
http://quiltandcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

You might check out the Yahoo group for Innova owners.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/innovalongarm/

Ditto what Peggi said! They are a great group and there have been many posts on there of why people purchased their Innovas.

How do you feel about your purchase now?
 

So you have had your machine for a few years now, are you still happy?
I purchased a Pfaff P3 and have had issue after issue in the 1.5-2 years I have owned it. I want to return it and get a refund and purchase something else. Just wanted to know how your experience was after the initial problems. I to live in Ontario.

Hi Upstairshobbyroom, I have owned my Gammill Classic for almost 14 years. After well over 1,500 quilts I am still in love with it. I quilt 5 days a week on it and have only taken in into Gammill's one time about a year after I purchased it for what I thought was a repair, but it was operators (mine) error. Please send me a private mail if I can be of any help to you.

When I got my Janome Artistic 18 over two years ago I was so intimidated by the learning curve that she sat for quite a while. Then I kept having problems with the jog button which is apparently a common problem with this machine. I was having major buyers remorse until I literally forced myself to use it. Now I use it for basic and charity quilts, but send the heirloom quality out. It will never be my favorite part of the quilting process, but my basic loop-de-loop meanders are looking pretty decent. I even get adventurous once in a while and try something new. LOL

I have never, ever regretted getting a long arm. I did not start out with a big setup; first was a table top frame with a juki, then up to a Bailey on a Proflex frame, and now to a 24" Nolting Pro on a 12 ft table. I guess I am sorry I didn't go for the big one at the beginning. I would have saved a lot of money. I do not quilt for a business, so it is just used for the quilts I make. Plus, another reason I am happy with buying it is that I have 4 close friends who all quilt and I can share my "toys" with them which makes me (and them) very happy. We have a weekly sewing day, sharing bringing lunch and wine, and have a wonderful time.

Buying anything as expensive as a longarm made me shiver. I also tried every brand of machine I could find, that may be a bit easier here in the states tho I don't really know. I bought my 18" Innova, standard tension and no bells or whistles at a show so I really have no dealer. A young man from the company came and set it up from scratch, took him 5 hours and he gave a basic demo also. I overcame my fear of breaking something and have learned in a year how to do basic longarm quilting, can make a pretty fair feather, too. Anytime I have had an issue or a question, I call the toll free number for Innova and talk to Michael. He is in his 70s and has owned the company for many years. He knows these machines and how to correct the problems by walking you thru them over the phone. He needs to know about this dealer that gave such poor service so he can educate them or not let them sell these machines. His number should be on the literature you received with your purchase. If not, email me privately and I will give it to you.
The Innova is a great machine but may not work properly if it isn't set up correctly just as any other brand. I have never changed my setup as it runs perfectly just as Jake set it up. I feel for you, what a terrible way to get started with what should have been an exciting and thrilling event. Call Michael, if he isn't there right that minute, he will return your call soon.
Lynne from eastern KS[/QUOTE]

i love mine to and you are so right about michael....i have been on the phone with him really late when i worked second shift ......i am now over 650 quilts most are charity hospital, shriners,and local organizations

I love my innova and the service is the greatest....keep up the good work ...see