Sweet 16
 

Does anyone have/use a Sweet 16 sit down machine? Would love to get your comments, pros, cons, if you do. I am really interested in this machine for quilting.

I do believe everyone who has one loves it! They seem as if they are very easy to use. I have to admit that I've only test-driven one, but it did make me want one!!

I also looked at Sunshine 16's at $1750 and the Bailey home machines. In the end, I decided against a machine that doesn't have feed dogs. I wanted a machine with a large throat that I can use a walking foot on too. The machines with a 9 inch throat weren't worth it, IMHO. So I wrestled with the decision and finally decided on an 8700 industrial machine. It has a table, 12-inch throat, adjustable speed and feed dogs. Yes, I can FMQ on it and yes, it can sew thru a pair of shoes! :) Final cost for me was $420
12-inch harp is a lot and enough for me. I still need much more practice on it (keep shredding thread, but that might be the thread and not the machine) and I haven't quite figured out how to fill a bobbin all the way, but the $5000 I saved is all worth it to me!! On the other hand, if somebody offered me a S16, I'd take it!!

I have a Babylock Tiara sit-down machine. It is the same machine as the HQ Sweet 16, but has the Babylock brand on it. The Tiara is made by HQ. I have had the machine since November and absolutely love it. I would suggest that you join the HQ Sit Down Model group on Yahoo. I joined before I made my purchase. The group is really friendly and not shy at all about responding to your questions about both machines. You will enjoy whichever one you choose. Good luck. Betty

I would suggest joining the HQ_Sit_down_Model · HQ 16 Handi-Quilter Sit-Down Table Model - Yahoo group. You will hear all the wonderful reviews and any issues that come up.

I got mine at the beginning of December 2012 and love it!

I have the Babylock Tiara also and love it. I previously used the Babylock Jane which is a great machine, but doesn't compare to the Tiara for larger quilts.

I do not have it but would love to have one. I was set to buy one a couple years ago but my husband let me buy a long arm with frame, instead, as he knew that is what I really wanted and I had the room for it. I love my long arm and frame. However, if I ever need to downsize someday for any reason, I will definitely buy a HQ Sit Down in a heart beat! And just so you know--my long arm machine is not a Handi Quilter--but I love the HandiQuilter sitdown machine.

I LOVE mine, but I do sometimes wish it had straight line stitching available without the use of rulers. I just went back to my Janome 6600 to SITD a ginormous king size quilt and it was NOT fun. I know I just need more practice on the 16 with rulers, but right now I just have to get this quilt finished! Do check out the Sweet 16 groups, I belong to 2 of them and they are very helpful.

I did not buy the extensions for the table, but have it set up in a corner of the room with my homemade ironing table on the side. I can puddle this quilt and have no problem moving it around, its a dream!

Bailey's has a sit down version now.

http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/i.html

I may have given him the idea when I called and asked about a table that my Bailey would fit in.

I do have a sweet 16 and I love it. I don't really have any cons. The big pro is I don't have to stand while quilting. Love that you have a Trike. I had a Sportster until last year.