maudeflanagan

Here is a link for another place to find used machines:
http://www.accomplishquilting.com/us...machines1.html
I haven't purchased from them, but I have looked at their used inventory many times. They have a few locations and ship and offer a 30-90 day warranty on the used machines. It may be a good option for you.

Prism99

Feline Fanatic is correct about needing a 12' frame for Cal King. My mistake about the 10'.

sak658

I just got a George Sit down machine by APQS, and it has a throat of 22"...I love it, I have quilted for a small quilt and fabric shop, all the quilts that she had coming in...she had a 18" gammill...14 foot frame....now she has sold her shop and machine, so I had to find something that I could have room for...to do my quilts on...it's quite different, moving the fabric instead of moving the machine....but I'm learning and really do love having something now for myself...

Boston Mom

We live 33 miles from Paducah and make at least 1 trip a week into town. I have never gone to the quilt show since we moved here. I was going to go couple years ago but traffic was HORRIBLE. I turned around came back home and have had no desire to go again.

I sincerely appreciate all the advice and I will be doing a lot of research because I have no idea there was so many choices.

Tiggersmom

How is your physical condition????? If you have any back problems I would continue to quilt by checkbook. I love my Gammil but my bad back has gotten worse so I am having to sell it.
Any physical problems will Only be aggravated by long arming.
Jmho....Jennifer

Ps, NO inquiries please on my machine, I am not solistating, just stating a fact.

Ariannaquilts

Boston Mom, you also may want to look into the Q'nique 21 it's a new machine and has a stitch regulator built in. Also Handi quilter is running a sale until I believe the end of the month on demo machines. Just go online and you can find the number for the nearest dealer. Good luck with your purchase.

Wanabee Quiltin

I bought a LA after testing a few. Should have bought from a dealer I know really well instead of someone else. Paducah is having their quilt show right now and if you want to buy a LA, now is the very best time to test drive every machine on the market.

RuthiesRetreat3

You might want to check with companies that sell different brands and/or give quilting lessons. They change their inventory and sell their used machines. There is a company in Texas call Texas Quilt Machines that does that and all the used machines are fully checked cleaned and ready to go. If you have someplace near you like that, you can check out different brands and possibly even test drive some before you make the purchase.

Tothill

Repeating what has been said, go to a quilt show and try out all the machines. There is no way to know which is right for you until you are standing in front of a machine with your hands guiding it. I travelled for a day (and crossed the border) to attend Sew Expo in Puyallup 18 months ago, because it is the biggest show around.

So even if the traffic around Paducah is terrible, it is time well spent to get there and try the machines. Take a notebook and make notes as you go. Believe me you will not remember everything you are told nor your own thoughts after trying more than 2 machines.

Do not feel pressured to buy at the show. Ask the dealers how long after the show will they honour the show price. After checking out two machines, go sit down, how a cup of tea/coffee and record your thoughts and feelings. If you go with a friend or spouse, remember that you are the one who will be using the machine, listen to their comments, but go with your heart.

When I was at Sew Expo, I had three days to check out the machines. I first did a scout around, then made my plan. In the end I did not buy at the show, I had no intention of doing that. I was looking at a three (not 2) year plan to buy. But I have to say that the people at the HandiQuilter booth and the Gammil booth were the nicest people to chat with. Hands down one lady at the HQ booth was the best sales person in the show. She answered questions I did not know I needed to ask.

Where I live I have HQ dealers (one hour north or south), APQS about 8 hours away (I live on an island).

Last May I was checking out the local online classifieds. I found an older HQ 16 at a price that felt right to me. I was one of 5 people interested and the first to show up with cash in hand. In two years I may still upgrade or I may stick with what I have.

Best thing ever, the wonderful woman at the HQ booth that answered all my questions, is teaching at the dealer south of me next month. I get to take 2 full days of workshops from her. I am a happy quilter.