Quilting machines
#31
I used to rent time on long arms and then I bought a Mega Quilter on a Grace-type frame as I thought this would be a good way to ease into buying my own long arm. Having this set up taught me that I really need to be closer to the fabric. Moving the machine, for me, just wasn't enjoyable. I bought a Babylock Tiara midarm and I love it.
Watson
Watson
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Augusta, Maine
Posts: 363
I bought my Sweet sixteen 5 years ago at a quilt show. Got a good price for it. I did have a frame and juki machine set up but it was space hogging and I’m short so it bothered my back. I love my 16. Have hardly any problems with it. I make a lot of quilts for family and friends and if I had to pay to have them quilted, I couldn’t . I mostly meander and have tried other differ3nt patterns over the years. Look for a reputable dealer that sells trade ins. You can get good deals out there.
#33
I got my APQS Millie set up last month. I had researched several years, and this was the machine I wanted. I thought about a different make because of the cost. My friend told me if I was going to get it to get the one I wanted or I'd always be sorry. I'm sure he is right. After I paid, I too thought "what have I done", but I am so happy to finally have something so wonderful. I have made so many quilts and quilted on my DSM that I have had to replace parts on my expensive Janome. After a while, you realize it's just not worth the hassle. I wish you the best on your journey.
#34
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 218
Buyer's remorse; No. I purchased an Artistic18 sit-down. I have no room I am willing to dedicate to a long arm.
I do my free motion quilting using Golden Thread paper. I love the extra space I get from the 18 inch throat. I have probably quilted 15 quilts and many smaller pieces since I purchased it several years ago.
Attached are two of my recent finishes.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]597344[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]597342[/ATTACH]
I do my free motion quilting using Golden Thread paper. I love the extra space I get from the 18 inch throat. I have probably quilted 15 quilts and many smaller pieces since I purchased it several years ago.
Attached are two of my recent finishes.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]597344[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]597342[/ATTACH]
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 894
I purchased a midarm from a lady that had purchased it and never used it. My regret is that I didn’t research enough. The harp space is much too small. Remember that your quilt has to roll up in that space as you advance to the next row of quilting. I have taken mine off of the frame. It is now being used as a regular, but powerful, sewing machine.
#37
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,184
I too wanted a longarm machine. I rented one for awhile to make sure I truly “needed” it. :-) And I did!! Hahaha Most machines are comparable as to what comes with/on the machines. The main consideration for me was to have local support. I did not purchase my machine to start a business. I bought it to quilt my own quilts. I quilted hundreds and hundreds of charity quilts to build my skills so I did not have to start on one of mine and “ruin” it. I have a Gammill Classic Plus. It is a stand up manual machine with a stitch regulator. No computer. I have never been sorry about this purchase. Still quilting on this machine for 12 years and counting.
#38
I used to rent time on long arms and then I bought a Mega Quilter on a Grace-type frame as I thought this would be a good way to ease into buying my own long arm. Having this set up taught me that I really need to be closer to the fabric. Moving the machine, for me, just wasn't enjoyable. I bought a Babylock Tiara midarm and I love it.
Watson
Watson
People say having to sandwich a quilt is a drawback of a sit down machine... but I can sandwich with spray baste and a few pins faster than I could load a quilt onto a big frame. Also, once your quilt is in that frame, it's there until it's done. Whereas on the sitdown, I can work some on one quilt sandwich, remove it and work on another one if it becomes more of a priority. I like that freedom.
So this is why I say, "Find out how you like to quilt", before jumping into a long arm purchase. It may be perfect for you, or maybe not. You don't know until you try.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NM
Posts: 989
I started out with a Husvarna Viking Mega Quilter and had it for 10+years, I now have a HQ Amara and love it. The Mega Quilter was great but I finally out grew it. Keep checking out the quilters, you will finally find the one you like.
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