Several years ago I bought a new 14' longarm machine. Never did really get the hang of it and eventually sold it. Now I am actually considering getting another one, but smaller (and less expensive). Something to do small art quilts. Any recommendations? Thanks.

if you are only doing small quilts look into a Bernina with the BSR foot for stitch regulation.I had one and it was awesome,but sold it to help pay for my longarm.

I think I want one with the handles where you stand to quilt. Think that would maybe be easier for me to manuever.

You should do a search here under mid-arms. What you're looking for is actually not a longarm.

I have a JUKI TQ98 I have it on a handi quilter frame with handle bars and a speed control! I love it! It is very easy to work with! You only have about 9 inches throat space! but works for the budget!! I will add pictures if you like!!

For art quilts, I think the sit down quilting machines might work better for you than the traditional short/mid/longarm on a frame.

Look at the APQS George (http://www.apqs.com/machines_george.php), Handiquilter HQ 16 sitdown (http://www.handiquilter.com/shop/pro...teen-sit-down/), The Queen Quilter 18 (http://queenquilter18.com/, or take one of the longer throat machines like a Voyager, Bailey, Innova, etc. and set it into your own table. All of the above also sell the traditional quilting machines with frames as well as To Be Quilting (http://www.tobequilting.com), Homesteader (http://www.thequiltingsolution.com/), Nolting (http://www.nolting.com), ABM (http://www.abminternational.com/inno...ng-machine.php), Gammil (http://www.gammill.com/), KenQuilt (http://www.kenquilt.com/), Crystal Quilter from New Joy (http://www.newjoyquilting.com/), Viking/Husqvarna MegaQuilter 18 x 8 (http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/14755.htm) --this one is manufactured by Tin Lizzie, I believe and is also available from Pfaff as something else. Babylock also has one that is made by HandiQuilter.

I know there are more brands out there like A1 Elite, NuStyle, Prodigy, Pennywinkle Valley Ranch, etc. and there are people that take a regular 9" straight stitch machine like the Brother PQ1500, Janome MC1600p, Babylock QCP, Juki TL98 & stretch them into an 18" quilting machine--Wowquilts is the first one to pop into my head but others have done it.

How much space you have & how much your wallet can afford will be the major factors. Then you need to test drive as many different ones as you can to find one that fits you. There is no "one best brand" or most cost effective. They are as unique as the quilts loaded on them.

I would love to see pictures because I have that machine but don't have a frame...even though I'm not sure that I can use one, would like to see your set up.

I'll check that out. Thanks.

I'd like to see the pics too.

What's the cost of a set-up like that?