lynnefaye

Buying an expensive toy in our current economy was a big leap of faith on my part. Now, I'm wondering what I've done. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE to quilt and have made more than 25 quilts in the last several years - many of them Queen sized on a domestic machine. But after carpel tunnel surgery last year, a longarm with robotics was the only way I could myself able to continue doing what I love. I just hope I didn't make a mistake with the choice of machine and dealer.[/QUOTE]

Buying anything as expensive as a longarm made me shiver. I also tried every brand of machine I could find, that may be a bit easier here in the states tho I don't really know. I bought my 18" Innova, standard tension and no bells or whistles at a show so I really have no dealer. A young man from the company came and set it up from scratch, took him 5 hours and he gave a basic demo also. I overcame my fear of breaking something and have learned in a year how to do basic longarm quilting, can make a pretty fair feather, too. Anytime I have had an issue or a question, I call the toll free number for Innova and talk to Michael. He is in his 70s and has owned the company for many years. He knows these machines and how to correct the problems by walking you thru them over the phone. He needs to know about this dealer that gave such poor service so he can educate them or not let them sell these machines. His number should be on the literature you received with your purchase. If not, email me privately and I will give it to you.
The Innova is a great machine but may not work properly if it isn't set up correctly just as any other brand. I have never changed my setup as it runs perfectly just as Jake set it up. I feel for you, what a terrible way to get started with what should have been an exciting and thrilling event. Call Michael, if he isn't there right that minute, he will return your call soon.
Lynne from eastern KS

selm

w7sue - you sound like you are doing a fine job of learning your machine without much outside help. Don't know where you are in Oregon but there will be a Machine Quilters Exposition(MQX) West in Portland this coming October go to this website for info http://www.mqxshow.com/MQX/West/Home/index.cfm . Your (or another) Gammill dealer will be there and the zipper company too. I got a Gammill in '08 and have a part-time business. Like you, I had no one to ask for help. I had my first two customers lined up before the machine was delivered! I had to tell them it would be a while before I was ready to work on their quilts. I did the first one two months later. I did attend classes at MQX East for the past 3 years and learned a lot. Gammill had a video by Linda Taylor that shows the basics of using the machine and her book was very helpful too.
With your positive attitude you'll have that machine mastered in no time.
See my comments about the zipper system it is worth every penny in time and energy savings.

laurlync

I bought a Gammill Vision 18-8 in November of last year. Yes, it is a lot of money and, yes, I could have paid off some bills with the money. However, I LOVE making quilts and I now LOVE my longarm. Since November, I have quilted as many quilts as I did in the 2 1/2 years prior on my DSM and I am able to easily quilt a lot more patterns than just a simple meander. I am still practicing on my tops, but hope to start quilting for others very soon. The first 100 - 120 quilts I do will pay for the machine. I work full-time, so it may take me a few years to quilt that many, but I can also do my own quilts at the same time. My plan is to use quilting to supplement my income once I retire. So I need to start practicing now...right???

If you are having trouble getting started, the Linda V. Taylor book mentioned above is excellent. Also look for her videos online. I have watched many videos online and also belong to several Yahoo quilting groups. There are Yahoo groups for most of the longarm brands as well as groups for people with different brands of longarms. I also am on the Machine Quilter's Resource (MQR) forum. I don't have a lot to contribute yet, and most of the work posted there is beyond my skills...so far, but I get a lot of information and ideas there.

All that said, only you and your family can decide if this is the wrong time for such a large purchase. However, if you just feel you aren't getting your money's worth from it, just get in there and get to quilting!

abrown27

I too have regretted the purchase of my machine. I have had it for several years. The timing on my machine frequently has to be adjusted and finally I sent it back to the factory. Because I have been so discouraged, I haven't practiced like I should. I hope you find working with your machine brings you more enjoyment. Good luck.

agentpatti

I am like you and do have regrets about buying my HQ 16. I have had it since 2010 and have only done several quilts on it. Not happy the way they turn out. I dont have a problem loading the quilting my problems are the stitches are not good. I always blame the machine but I sure its me I either move to fast or not fast enough. Taking classes are out of the question for me. HQ classess are around $300.00. My husband passed away and the bills just do not get it. Two incomes down to my little income is hard. Anyway after reading what is being said maybe I should just get my stuff together and practice more. Thanks everyone!
agentpatti

GrammaBabs

don't be afraid to experiment... sometimes people can find their own comfort zone.. i know i load my quilt in perhaps a very silly way, sometimes it takes a bit, but the main thing is, that if it stitches well,, just keep it up and find your comfort zone.. i'm a loop de loop girl... i need to invest in a "stitch regulator"... and will someday, but for now, i'm fine.. as for having the gammil.... my friend got the "computer program" and it's the best thing she's done,,, once that's learned. it's load, set and watch the thing go.. beautiful pantos built right into the unit...
have fun, don't be scared...

Maralyn

I bought my longarm in 2000 with the intent of making it help me take early retirement. Only took a one-day class and at the time was so excited. Things started out slow, but it was never my intent to work at this full-time until my 2008 retirement. There were times when I was very frustrated...pattern didn't seem to work, took forever, etc. But, I stuck it out and now I have a great business built up basically by repeat customers and word of mouth. Since the first of the year, I've gotten several new customers, which is exciting. My problem now...never enough time to work on my own quilts. There are a dozen of my quilts that need to be finished and stacks of material and patterns calling my name. I'm working another part-time job that I plan to retire from next year, so can devote more time to my quilting,

jmaurath

I have the same remorse, However mine is not as expensive as yours, I purchased a quilting frame and machine over 14 months ago and still have yet to guilt anything on it..... Still looking for help....from manufacturer or maybe just going to classes.

annieshane

My only regret is that I don't use it enough. I made peace with myself when I purchased this that I did not want to attempt to equal the work of professional quilting. If, with much practice and fun at the machine, I reach a similar quality to professionals, that would be awesome...but not necessary for me. This is for ME and my pleasure. I so admire the beautiful work by so many excellent and skilled quilters, but am very happy to do this for my pleasure. Made myself a promise that I would not take any work for fees so I would not put that stress on myself. I do quilt for charity quilts and my children, that is enough for me. Nothing would cause me any more stress than to have someones beautiful work and not be satisfied with my own quilting.

I can understand feeling that maybe I should not have spent so much money at that time and have even been there a few times when my machine sits too long. However, I can't get out of town even for a day trip much any more because of my hubby's health, so this is my "get away". Do hope you get to point that you enjoy your beautiful machine.

sylviak

I was very lucky to get a 3 day learning retreat before my machine actually arrived. We learned how to set it up, load quilts and actually did some practice quilting on a machine like the one we would be be getting. It arrived by truck in several packages (which were just left on the porch!) and DH and I put the frame together with the help of a CD. I've had it now for almost 5 yrs and really enjoy using it. DH has been very good to me and very supportive. We had a 14' X 24' shed built last year and we have successfully moved everything to the shed. Sometimes I feel a little selfish, but I love the quilting, so no remorse. I occasionally quilt for other people, but my family keeps my busy! Just relax and put a practice sandwich on it. Just use a 2 or 3 ft piece of cheap fabric for back and another for the front. Cut the top one down 2 or 3 inches on all sides. Put a piece of batting between them and relax and practice. You'll probably start looking forward to turning it on and trying a new design. Pantos are easy. I use a laser to follow the lines. Use the broken line to help you line up for the next row. If you need help doing this, PM me. You'll love the results you get!