Santa is coming!
 

OK, finally decided to take the plunge... Both the HQ Sweet 16 and the Babylock Tiara are the same price and come with stitch regulator at the LQS... What are the pros and cons or each? I can't believe they are both the same. Is that possible?????

Don't want to make a wrong decision, I'm sure either one is the right one, but how do I choose?

I would have to quilt on both before I decided. What a great Christmas gift for yourself!

I tried both at a quilt show and absolutely cannot tell the difference. They both handled the same (great) and the table was exactly the same, the stitch regulator, the piece that goes on the table - all identical. And so was the show price.

Lucky you - want one so bad. I'll take either.

I don't have either one but I have had many Babylock products, sewing machine, Embroidery machine, serger,
(which I still have), and I love their products. Their customer service can't be beat.
When the day comes to purchase a long arm, I would definately consider Babylock.
Just my humble opinion.

Wow, they both look great. I would love a sit-down quilting machine. I have one on my wish list.

Jenny at Missouri Star Quilt Company uses a Babylock and loves it!! Not saying that the other machine is not good though!

They are both wonderful machines! Congrats!

Just close your eyes and pick one. If both are identical, whichever one you choose won't matter.

They are the same. Both are made by HQ. So..........

Go for dealer support.

I was hoping to get a couple of people together to make a group order on the SS - that's the only way I could afford one.

Shari

What is a group order on the SS, always ready for a deal. I guess that will be my decision maker, the deal. Both are at my local shop. The only thing diff with Babylock is that you can buy the "Gold" warranty.

I tried both the HQ Sweet 16 and the BL Tiara -- and I could not tell any difference whatsoever between the two. The Tiara is made by HQ to Babylock specs. I bought the Tiara in November because I love my dealer and I have a long history with them. They were able to match the HQ deal, so it was a no brainer for me to go with the Tiara. I LOVE this machine. I've quilted two lap quilts and a table runner in the past 10 days -- woo hoo, what fun! You will enjoy whichever one you pick. Best, Betty

Me again! I forgot to add that there is a Yahoo! group on the HQ Sweet Sixteen, but there are alot of us Tiara owners on there too. There is a ton of useful information about both machines, and I find the members to be very friendly and eager to be helpful. Good luck, Betty

Congrat's on whichever one you choose!

she's absolutely right, both are manufactured in the same plant. Go for the support. I, personally, prefer the Babylock. I've got their sewing/embroidery machine & absolutely love it. My BFF just got the Tiara & found it very easy to use.

I compared the BL Crown Jewel to the HQ Avante and as far as I could tell the only differences were the frame (the Avante had the additional take up bar, which is nice), the name on the machine and the price (the BL was several thousand less).

How exciting for you! Merry Christmas!

Just talked to BFF with the Tiara. She says check pricing on the extension tables that go with them. You definitely need them to quilt bigger quilts (anything above a wallhanging or baby quilt). I've never seen an extension table for the HQ16, but the Tiara has 2 add on extensions available. This could be your deciding factor on which one you get.

Here's the SS extension table: http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/18...FckWMgod4nYABw

[h=2]Product Description[/h]

• This optional extension table can retrofit any HQ Sixteen Sit-Down Table or New HQ Sweet Sixteen Table
• 18 inches wide x 30 inches deep
• Easy setup on either side or buy two; one for each side

I love my Tiara! I went with dealer support!! It's been a dream!!

That's a tough one, but a happy one. I am guessing that the LQS has both of them in the shop, therefore is the dealer for both, so whichever one you choose, you'll have dealer support. I'd move on to the warranty; which one is best? What about accessories? Whose are more expensive; who's are better; whose got the ones you'll want the most in the future? I would also google some reviews and think about what people have to say, pay careful attention to the complaints to see if there seems to be a common thread. Good luck and let us all know which one you choose!! Merry Christmas.

I have heard wonderful things about both machines so I think you are safe no matter which one you pick.

I have the HQ Sweet 16 and it is wonderful! No fuss no muss, had it for 3 years and it is a work horse!! Any thread will do, no real upkeep, just a drop of oil in the bobbin case once in a while. Good Luck, pm me if you want to talk and I can give you my number

I have quilted on the HQ Sweet 16 for about 18 months, and my mother (84 years young :-) just bought a Tiara (she is a fan of Babylock). Both machines are made by HQ, and identical....sew like a dream, and my favorite thing is the orientation - with the head facing me and the 16" of available throat space I can quilt a king size quilt without a problem! My recommendation would be to test it out for yourself. Compared to a long arm, the price can't be beat, and if you have limited space in your sewing room, the footprint is quite compact.

I have a Baby Lock Crown Jewel and have purchased things like a ruler base and lights from HQ at a show. It is absolutely identical to the HQ Avante. I would go with the dealer that offers the most assistance and best classes.

as a laugh, you can choose the one on which you would save the most money!

Drum roll please!........... Its the Babylock Tiara, just set it all up this morning. Went yesterday to pick it up and the reason I got the Tiara, is the LQS had one in stock, and interest free financing for 48 months. I can handle that. So excited, after the holidays I'm going back for a few classes.

Congratulations! You are going to *sew* love this machine!