Should I, or shouldn't I?
 

A year ago, my husband and I were at a quilt show when he saw a top of the line LAQ machine and asked me if I wanted it. I was flabbergasted, as it cost $23,000 and my husband is a notorious pennypincher. Over the year, I have thought long and hard about it, and am finally getting excited about the possibilities. I am signed up for a LAQ demo in a couple of weeks at a shop that has a machine for sale for $15,000. My husband told me the other day that only I can decide whether it is economically worthwhile to buy a LAQ. If I only quilt for myself, of course it isn't. But I don't want to work on other people's quilts. A used machine won't come with free lessons/set-up help. And I could improve my own quilting, learn new skills, and have fun. I don't want to send my quilts to someone else to have them quilted. I am in a complete quandary. Help! (BTW, the actual money is not the issue; just if I can get my money's worth out of the machine.)

If you're looking to "get your money's worth", you'll probably have to buy a used machine (nothing wrong with that---I did) and quilt for others. but, understand when you quilt for others you have much less time to make quilts of your own, and it is a job. Since money is really not the issue, and you don't want to quilt for others, don't. Do a lot of research first (I can't get this off of BOLD, sorry, ----How do I get back to "NORMAL"?), test drive every machine you can get your hands on, get recommendations from other longarmers, and get yourself a machine. We only live once. Can't "take it with you". Sounds like you won't regret the purchase. But if you do, you can always sell it. Go, girl!

A dilemma indeed!

Are you a prolific quilter? Have you used one before?

What you need to figure out is how many quilts you're actually going to quilt on it before it/you expire. Try and work out how many you do a year - say 10 - times the number of years you think you'll be able to quilt - say 20. That means you will quilt 200 on it. Divide the cost by this $15,000 by 200, means that each quilt will cost you only $75.

However you will need to factor in maintenance, repairs, running costs etc. and consider the amount of room it will take up.

I'm lucky to be able to hire the Gammill at my LQS for my bigger quilts - the rest I do on my DSM.

Good luck!

If you don't want to quilt for others perhaps you can either rent out time or offer the local quilt guild time on it for their charity quilts or even their own quilts. That would make you feel like you were getting your money's worth from it.

I would check with the dealer about used machines. Some dealers will offer lessons and a warranty if you buy your machine thru them. Nothing is free so you will pay a bit more going thru a dealer than buying from a private party, but I would ask. A couple of years ago I got a long arm, strictly for personal use. If you pro rate the cost out, each of my quilts is worth about $3,000 :D. I'm not very good, but LOVE the process! Also, I don't quilt for $$$, but do charity quilts for a local group. You could check with your local quilt shop or guild to see if there is a group who makes charity quilts near you.

My opinion.....if you enjoy doing the quilting and enjoy working on a long arm, then you got your money's worth out of the machine. If money is not the issue, then you need to decide if it is something you enjoy doing. I recently went through this same quandry. And to be honest, getting value out of a purchase for me is more "do I enjoy doing this/seeing this/working with this" than "can I say it saves money in the long run"

Now with that being said, one of the main reasons I decided that it was worth the cost to me is that I can position myself to support myself if I get laid off from work again. I wanted to make sure that I had a means and/or method to support myself. If I never get laid off, then I have a very expensive toy that I enjoy very much. If I do get laid off, then I have a means to support myself.

But in the end, I bought a machine because I enjoy using it, I enjoy pushing myself to learn new things, I enjoy making pretty things. I want to go into making whole cloth quilts to show, I want to push my artistic skills in that direction. And I hate trying to wrestle a quilt on my DSM. So for me I will get my money's worth out, regardless if I get the financial money's worth out.

I also stress trying out all the machines. I bought a new 22" innova for less than you listed for the used machine above. Do your research, go to a show and test all machines. In the end, putting my hands on the Innova felt like going home. ;)

If it makes you happy that is the number 1 thing to consider. Quilt your own, make quilts as gifts, learn to quilt fabric to make clothing, quilt charity quilts. The list can go on. If it is part of your bucket list, it is worth it. I have my HQ Avante upgraded from the HQ16 and love it. I have done a few for friends and they have even given me some money for doing it knowing I'm not a professional but they were happy and I have thread money. There is nothing wrong with having something special for "yourself". Guys do it all the time, motorcycles, golf, tennis, etc. so treat yourself but get what you want and that will fit your wish list.

I just did a quick check on E-Bay and found 18" Juki for $8995, 16" Handi-Quilter for $5500, 18" Inspira for $6999, 18" Innova for $7995. So if you want a long arm and don't want to quilt for others, shop around for the best price. Knowing that there are long arms for less than $10,000 is giving me hope of one day owning one!

Also, the idea of "renting" time on it for others to use is a good idea to help defray the cost. I'll keep that in mind if I ever get one.

The quilting process is the part of this that I enjoy the most. I mostly do meander as I haven't perfected any particular designs yet. I do my LA quilting on a domestic machine so my area is limited to approx. 4"-5". Lots of rolling goes on when I put a quilt on my frame!!!

If I had the opportunity, I would get one, Even if it is for myself. you go girl. And enjoy.

First off---- I hope you are covering your hubby in kisses for pushing you to make such a big purchase! :)

It sounds like you know what you want. And if money isn't a problem, and it's something you'll enjoy, I say go for it. Like someone said above, you can always resell it if you decide it's not for you.

Please, I cannot emphasize this enough, do not jump into this without first doing your research. The top of the line may not be the right machine to you. What the dealier touts as top of the line may not be what you consider top of the line. Everyone has different opinions on LA machines. The prices you are talking is a large throat machine and at $25K sounds like you may be looking at a computer operated setup as well.

I urge you to go to a major machine quilting show like one of the MQX shows or Houston or any of the biggies where there will be many vendors of the LA machines so you can try them all. You may find you prefer the lighter weight of a mid arm (18") machine or a different brand. Also take into consideration the frame setup. Some LA have rollers you have to adjust constantly to allow for the growing quilt sandwich. Others, like mine, has a dead bar so I don't have to ever adjust. Also do not think you can set it up and take off. LA machines have a huge learning curve, even the computer guided setups. Please do your homework so you will have absolutely NO regrets on the decision you make.

If you can afford the machine and would get enjoyment from it, then I wouldn't worry about whether or not it was economically worthwhile. I bought a Gammill 18/8 a couple of years ago and love it. Although I do quilt some for the public, I don't take that many quilts so I will have some time for my own stuff. Having a longarm in your home rather than renting one at a shop has definite advantages. I need the quiet so I can concentrate. I noticed at our local quilt shop, when people are using the longarm they are constantly interrupted by people wanting to see what they are doing. I hope you get it for yourself. Remember life is short. Enjoy it while you can.

If you can afford to buy L AQ the go for it!!!! I would love to have one but can 't afford even a used one!!!!! Make But wait to make the final decision after you take the LAQ classes to make sure you really like LAQ( and remember it takes a while to get good at LAQ). Of course you will get your money's worth out of the machine in the form of "personal pleasure" which you DESERVE!!!!(What a great husband you have to suggest you buy a LAQ) DO NOT feel quilty if you decided to buy one! YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!

You REALLY do want one and your husband WANTS you to have one. There are no losers here. What an opportunity and one I would jump at. Get the best one for the money and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. You both will get pleasure from your creations and don't do any for anyone else if that doesn't float your boat. IMHO.

If money is not this issue, I would definitly get one. However, the price of this used one sounds very high--which leads me to believe it must be a computerized one. Is that what you want? Are you "techy" in that area? Are they going to show you how to use it? I would not buy a computerized machine unless I was shown how to run the computer part of it. I fyou want anon-computer machine, you can easily find a good usd one for $10,000. Sounds like you want a machine, but are concerned about the price, even though money is not an issue. Therefore, you might feel better about buying one that is a lesser price than $15,000. I bought a new APQS Freedom for $16,000. And it is NEW. There is also a APQS Lucey and an APQS Lenny which are considerably less $ than the Freedom that I bought. And you would have NEW and you would get lessons on how to run your machine. The Handi Quilter 18" Avante was my next choice and they are around $12,000 NEW. Like others have said, go to a big quit show and test drive teh different brands and find which brand you like. Then you can look at the price they are NEW or look for a used one. YOu can also look at if you want to buy a computerized one or not. Good luck and let us know what you decide. I'm sure if you get one, you will totally enjoy it. I totally enjoy mine--there is satisfaction in quilting your own quilts.

I understand your issue. When I first saw a longarm machine all I could think about was getting oine. Then the practical side of me did some thinking... and I soon figured out that even if I made 6 queen size or larger quilts per year , the cost with all the upkeep it was better for me to send them out. Even though I would have loved that every stitch was mine on all the quilts, it was not worth it. The learning curve and practice to keep my skills at there best was not going to match the reality. I also evaluated that by using a pro I could pick the pro whose skills/style best matched the quilt. I also figured out that if I used a pro , I could spent more time making some of the more complicated quilt tops. I know I will always have quilters envy of those who can do the beautiful longarm work, but figure it balances with the piecing envy they( long arm pro's) have of some of the great piecers there are.
So figure out what you like best . If you do think you want to go forward with a long arm ... do as the others suggested spend the $$ to get to a show where the machines are being shown and spend time test driving and talking to the dealers. That will be the best $$ spent.

I have a Tin Lizzy I paid under $6,000 for it new, I do only my own quilts. Is it cost effective? No. Do I enjoy it? Yes. When I got mine the closest dealer was 6hr's and two mountain passes away. I spent a lot of time on the phone with questions. A member of our guild gives LA lessons. A LQS gives lessons too. I'm sure if you look around you will find some one willing and eager to help you learn. I look at it this way, Do I really need a lot of things I have? No. It is cheaper and would save time if I just went to Wal-Mart and bought a placemat, dress, or blanket. Save room too, no stash, machines, gadgets, etc. I would have two empty rooms in my house that I wouldn't have to keep clean. But I would not be as happy. LOL It is just $ and if you won't miss it when it is gone go for it. You can't take it with you! LOL

If you only want to quilt YOUR quilts and not for hire, then I would check into the Bailey machines, much more reasonably priced for your hobby, and from everyone that I've talked to, they have a good reputation, this is one reason that I'll be getting a Bailey when we have the room and the money, unfortunately that probably won't be for awhile.

I see a lot of female guilt coming out on this thread. If a man pays $20,000 for a TOL bass boat he uses less than half the year and doesn't make a cent off, he doesn't feel guilty or have to justify the cost. A woman that spends $15,000 on a longarm quilting machine seems to have to make money off of it and justify the cost.

If you can afford it and want it, just do it and don't feel guilty about it. Keep in mind that it's a lot like buying a car. There are a wide variety of machines to choose from and you need to find the one that suits you best.

Wow. Very true!

If it brings you enjoyment to do your own quilting and you have the funds then buy it...don't worry about whether you are "getting your money's worth" or not because you are because you enjoy it! Let others worry about how much it's worth to THEM when you are gone and they sell it! Diannia

I was in a similar position and ended up shopping for years and checking out machines. We had some money coming in a DH took me to a show and we shopped for long arms. At the end we decided which machine was right based on my needs. I now own a Innova 26, lightening stitch and pantovision. If you live to quilt and you can afford it go for it. I would get the machine you really want. I also feel guilt and feel like I should eventually take on quilts to quilt for others but I made sure to tell DH I was getting it just for me. I do quilts for others for free but it is so I can get practice on my machine. I quilt donation quilts that go to Vietnam vets and to hospice. I realy enjoy that.

I do think for many of us with long arms the machine is a luxury item that depreciates and not a business investment that pays off for itself. Kind of like a car. Lets just say I won't be getting another car for a long time and plan to drive the one I have till it is done. I thought that was a good trade off. I'd rather be driving my new long arm.

Have after following the advise of others, have it and begin by improving and enjoying yourself on yours and friends quilts. Then start to look around at where you can enter the income market.

If money is no problem and you love it and want it why not buy the one you like best. You never know what you may want to do with it in the future. Think of all the beautiful gifts you can make. There may come a time you can use a little extra cash and might want to do a few for others.

if you love quilting get it.You do not have to justify if your hubby says you can get it.Nothing wrong with getting a well loved used machine.it is great to have a machine at home to use anytime of day or night that you want.

Come back and tell us what you bought and how happy you are.

I have to agree it's not ever more economical, it's like being a baker and having to take your cake pans with the batter to someone else to bake....or frost.....hmmm I must be hungry LOL.

Good luck with your decision - I say go for it!!!!

If money is not the issue, why are you hesitating? How many guys hesitate when they want a new toy? I think sometimes we women think that anything we want has to be defended somewhere in the future. Why? You're an adult, if as you say, you have the money for it, go get what you want and DON'T feel guilty! Life is short! IF this gives you pleasure, why feel guilty.

Getting your money's worth is something only you can decide. If you get enjoyment from doing your own quilts from beginning to end, learning new things, having fun with it and can afford it, it sounds like a go to me. To me it is kind of like buying a car, some people buy a used Ford, some people buy a Cadillac. My husband likes old hotrods and bought a 1934 Ford for "a lot of money". If we figured how much it cost for each time he actually drives it, it probably not look good. But the overall enjoyment he gets from it and time with his buddies, it is sure "worth it". Go get it girl!

For a while I really wanted a long arm - but no matter how many times I measured the room it just wasn't big enough - husband told me to take over the family room - but not enough light - then told me to take over the living room. That would work but then figured with 6 cats it just wasn't in the books - they would be shredding the batting, sleeping on the quilt that was mounted on the machine. Then we wouldn't have room when family visited. Even thought I could work for others to help pay for one - but really don't want to turn my hobby into a job. Finally decided the process I was trying to get around was the pinning - so now I have a friend help me and that is now a non=-issue. I'm learning how to quilt on my Bernina 830.

That said - you have to decide what will make you happy - a long arm will have a huge learning curve - which may be exactly what you are looking for. Just remember if you buy one get the best that you can afford - you won't regret it.

I just ordered a Handi Quilter Avante, and I can't wait to get it home and set up. I did not get the computer attachment but may do that later. I love the idea of being able to do my own quilts. I won't be doing them for anyone else and i won't be letting anyone else use it as i am buying it just for ME. Whether I do one quilt or one hundred quilts I will never regret my purchase. My husband is all for it and money is not an issue. That being said, good luck with your new longarm whichever one you choose, I am sure you will love it.

I purchased a new LA with computer earlier this year. I do not intend to quilt as a profession, this is solely for me to enjoy. I don't use it every day, sometimes not even every week, but I wanted to be able to make my quilts from beginning to end and I did not enjoy quilting on my DSM. I tried renting time on a LA, which was nice, but the owner oversaw my work so much that I still didn't really feel like I was doing it myself, plus I didn't have the luxury of being in my own home where I could stop and do a household task in the middle of the process if I wanted to.

I spent a lot of money and my LA takes up a lot of room, but my kids are grown so we have a lot of empty space in the house and DH has a gigantic shop in which he can fiddle with tools to his heart's content. We had the money and got a good discount for paying cash.

I'm not great with the LA. There's another lady on the QB who got a LA around the same time and when I happened upon a picture of one of her quilts I felt bad at first because she's much more talented than I am, but then I reminded myself that I'm not in competition with anyone. I'm having fun doing what I enjoy.

Since you can afford it and DH is supportive, I think if you want one you should get one. Guilt can be a good emotion in the right place and time, but it doesn't sound like this is the right place or the right time for it.

I bought my machine and frame about 6 yrs ago. I don't use it all the time, but it's there when I want to use it. I have never regreted the money spent. Go for it, you'll be glad you did.

First I would say try the LA before you buy to make sure it is something you want to use If it is, then go for it and get one you like.. Some require a lot of standing which may be a factor. Maybe your husband would like to use it too.
Don't let any guilt stand in your way. Like someone said, try as many as you can first to find the one that suits you
the most. If its something you really want, then do it! Have fun!

I thought about renting time, but if you do that, you have to finish the quilt in one session -- or -- unpin it and repin it (yuck) -- or -- buy your own leaders. I finally decided that I wanted my own machine so I could leave the quilt on the frame until I was through quilting it. I bought a used HQ Avante with the Prostitcher. I don't regret the decision but wish I had done a little more research as there were several upgrades already out and in the pipeline which I had to purchase later. I've probably spent as much as the cost of a new unit. All that said, I love my Avante and the Prostitcher is the cat's pj's. I have a BAQ on it right now and hopefully, will finish quilting it today. Yes, it does sit idle sometimes while I'm piecing, but I love having it there when I need it.

A comment on quilting for others... I am a very picky piecer. My seams are all pressed flat and my threads are trimmed. When I finish my flimsy, it's ready to go on the frame. I quilted one top for a friend's mother and it took me two days of pressing and trimming to get the top ready to put on the frame. If you quilt for others, you will probably see all kinds of things.

If money is not an issue and you have the room for a LA.........then by all means go for it. You never know what the future holds and the day may come that you would want to quilt for others... and then maybe not. But take advantage of the opportunity now. As far as getting your money's worth, seldom do we get our money's worth out of anything so enjoy what you can.

After reading the others comments, I have to concur with them. I bought my 1st one due to the fact I didn't care for how the quilter did mine. Of course I didn't do any of the suggestions listed here like check out all the machines and test drive them. No I just jump head 1st and bought the 1st one I saw without even trying it out. I loved the machine, just not the frame, etc. I finally got the machine I love after 6-7 years, an Innova after test driving it at a quilt show. Finally did something right for a change. My mother bought it for me as she wanted her quilt finished in this century. Got a 26" on a 12' frame and I only quilt for myself. I will probably never get my money's worth out of it but that doesn't matter to me as its a nice toy to have when I'm in the mood to quilt. I know this sounds silly and a waste of money but to me it isn't. Most of my quilts are custom quilted so you know how much money that costs if I sent them out to be done.

I've had my system since late November 2012 and have only been able to quilt 6 quilts due to my back going out on me in February but I know I'll be back at it soon enough. I've got 6 more quilts ready to be quilted with one on the frame right now.

Guess it all boils down to whether you enjoy quilting and not so much to whether you'll get your money's worth out of the investment. Since money is not the issue, that's a moot point. So are you sure you'll enjoy quilting on it? If so, then try out a bunch of machine/setups as each one has their pros and cons. Decide on how much of a machine/frame you need and start looking for it. Quilt Shows seem to be the best way to try out a number of them at one place. Customer Service is another important issue with any machine. Plus if you can go onto a various number of machine digest and see what others say about their machines, problems they've had, etc. that will help you with your decision.

That's my take on the subject.

Suz in Iowa

I agree with others, it does not have to pay for itself. It has to be something you really enjoy. I went to the Cincinnati show 2 years ago and tried out all the machines AND the frames they were on. I purchased a Baby Lock Crown Jewel (the same machine as the HQ Avante) and I went to the free 4 day class in St. Louis with Kay Capps Cross. The class was wonderful in showing me everything there is to know about my machine and frame and to give me lots of supervised time on a machine to try out all sorts of patterns and designs. It helped me to get over the frozen hands on the handles phenomenon.
I find that I LOVE the quilting much more than the piecing. I find that I am creative in ways I never knew. In 2 years, I have done 33 quilts and have tried all sorts of things like pantographs, rulers, lots of free motion designs and can now do some without patterns. I chose not to get the computer and am very glad now that I did not.
Longarms are not easy at first and it takes a long time to learn to be smooth with your movements. Get some inexpensive muslin and batting and try to rent a machine to try it out. Allow yourself lots of time to be goofy and to make mistakes.
I have done a few quilts for friends and find that the pressure in doing those is not what I want.
(The class was sooo important for me) I could now get the computer, but don't think I want it.

I wish you the best in your quilting with whatever you decide to do.

Beth

It all depends on how much you want and love to quilt. I just received my first copy of Fons and Porter monthly magazine script. In the back is a Ram Tin-Lizzie 18 for $5999.00 ad. You can go to www.tinlizzzie18.com. or call 888-QUILT-18. FYI

If I could afford one and had the room -

I would absolutely NOT want to rent it out to anyone - I get annoyed enough when things foul up for me
I would not want to work on anyone else's stuff - I know how picky I am - and I didn't get the creative gene that some of the LAers have

Does one get one's money worth out of a vacation? Doesn't stop many people from taking them.

You are in the wonderful position of being able to get one if you want one - AND your DH is supportive! You are one lucky woman!

But the bottom line is - do you really want to have one - and the advice of all the others to test drive them is excellent.

The 'biggest, fanciest, and most expensive' isn't always the 'best for you'