pumpkinpatchquilter

Thank you trishlovesquilts! I tested out the HQ Avante this evening and I really liked it. Of everything I've tried it's in my price range and I think really perfect for what I want to use it for. I'm looking at a used one - it has the older style table frame, and I really like that actually!

pumpkinpatchquilter

Oh crumbs! I just replied to this thread and for some reason it didn't post! Whoops!

Thank you trishlovesquilts - I tried out the Avante this evening and am really impressed. I think this might be the one I go for.

QUESTION - when did HQ change the frame set up? I found one used from a dealer and he says it's a year old, but I'm a bit skeptical. It came with VHS tapes (when did they quilt making VHS tapes??!!) and it has the fold down table/track set up without the hand reel on the side. So how old do you REALLY think this is?

Edited to add (OH, there's my lost post...sorry!)

Sapphire_Rae

I got my HQ16 a few years ago from a quilt store that used it as a demo, then decided they didn't want to anymore. Not too long after I got it something happened and it wouldn't turn on. We didn't have a local dealer, so we called HandiQuilter, they said send them the machine, we did and they fixed it right quickly and didn't charge me for it. Great service and very nice people! Not a problem since. I love my machine.

pumpkinpatchquilter

Thank you! This is great to know. Even though I think he's pulling my leg a bit with the only being a year old thing he did say that the waranty is good just as if I'm buying new so that's a good thing. Plus he does servicing and all that right there and I love that.

ohstr

I bought a used HandiQuilter 16 from a quilter friend so I knew the history of this machine. I feel it was a great way to get familiar with a quilting machine. I have had no problems and have really enjoyed this great machine. I am sure that at some time I will be ready to move to a larger machine - but the HQ 16 is a wonderful machine and this opportunity came along - my quilter friend was making the move to the HQ Avante. Good luck - you will never be sorry no matter which machine you decide upon.

amandasgramma

I haven't read the other responses but want to answer. I had a Pfhaff Grandquilter.....got rid of it. Bought an Avante and have never looked back!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this machine!!! I was doing quilts for customers....so have done a LOT of quilts (check out my blog -- and that's not all of them!). I honestly do not think you can go wrong with it!!!! I have a room 7 1/2 foot by 17 foot. I wish it were a little wider (like 9 feet wide). As for the size of quilts. I've done tablerunners up to 107" wide quilts on this machine. EVERY part of that machine is made for the Avante. The stitch regulator is the most important. I found out the other mid priced machines all use the same SR that is generic. Some of the machines don't like them. The thing that sold me on the machine was the ability to stand there, with one finger on the machine and move it around. I couldn't do that with the others. .....they were heavy. I also like that extra bar in the back that means you don't have to move the rollers up every time you roll the quilt and it also has a larger wheel to help you roll the quilt.

And I just went back to read.....I quilted for a business....my warrenty was NOT voided. I even have bought an extended warranty. They KNOW I do quilts for customers because they referred people to me.

amandasgramma

Pumpkinpatchquilter.....my Avante will be two yrs old next spring. I had CDs with mine, not VHS tapes. Yes, I think the machine is older!!!!! You can call the company with the model # and they'll tell you how old it is....and be sure to ask if it had any problems.

pumpkinpatchquilter

THANK YOU so very much! Your replies are so helpful!!! I'm so glad you put me at ease here...he gave me one of their free DVD's but I knew there just was no way this could be a year old. I'm thinking more like, eight or nine years old? I don't know but it's been a LONG time since most companies offered VHS instructional tapes. Eek.

I think you're right though, I'm going to call and get the serial number. If he's not willing to give that to me then I'm not buying! He's asking $7000 for the whole set up (it has the old style table set up - the kind of folding table with tracks on it setup) - I don't even know what to offer him, but there is no way I could pay $7000 for it when he sells the new ones with the new frames for $8500. Do you think something like $3500 would be in the right ballpark if it's a ten year old demo model machine? It doesn't appear that he rents time out on it because he has about 20 yards of fabric and batting that's been played on all wound up on it...and it was DUSTY, that baby hadn't been used in a while!

I'm going to give HQ a call and double check on the warranty - I'M SO GLAD to know that you do customer quilts and the warranty is good. These are almost the same price as a Gammill's of the same size so I would totally be out if I couldn't use it for business. I do like that it's so much lighter than the Gammill though - THANK YOU!!!!

LyndaOH

I went to look at the sit down Sweet Sixteen and fell in love with the Avante. I'm pretty sure I'm going to purchase it once I've had a chance to take the rental class and quilt a quilt for real on it. Space was an issue, but it looks like we'll be able to make the space we need. I'm excited! I look forward to hearing about your experience, PPQ!

Mariposa

I've had an HQ 16 for a few years, and I love it! No problems, just a great machine. I got mine, and the table was free--that was the special. Glad I did!!