LynnVT

I don't have one either. Money, space, and the big question of do I want to learn that particular skill. I'm working on my DMQ and getting better all the time. I did rather like the Sweet Sixteen HandiQuilter, which lets you move the fabric as you do with a domestic, but lots more space to do it. Plus it has features now like stitch regulator. But the new one is now over $6,500 or something. Maybe some day, but I'm enjoying what I have now. Took a class on LA and didn't much like the process. All that setup and standing for so long. You are surely not alone.

lisalovesquilting

Not everyone wants one, but some really love them. What is the film Stitched?

dredick

I have a long arm APQS Discovery. Have had a long arm for over 11 years Used to quilt as a professional, but after my divorce and having to battling with ovarian cancer (Teal ribbon) I have not quilted professionally for over 7 years.
I moved back into my mobile home after my divorce, and have a 12x15 bedroom that I now quilt in. My sewing room was drastically reduced and is now quite compact, but still functions. I now just quilt for myself and friends. It is not difficult after practice, and now there are so many classes, rulers, and on line help links that it is not such a big deal.
I have quilted for over 30 years, and began machine quilting on a short arm over 20 years ago. I also have had quilts I basted on my longarm, then machine quilted on my short arm.
There is always a way to fit a LA into your home, and one of my single girlfriends bought her Gammill because she said if guys can spend 15-20 thousand dollars on boats and man toys, she can have her own longarm.....
I'am just saying..........

Pam S

I just bought a LA and it's going to be delivered next week. I'm so excited! Four years ago I bought a short-arm Pfaff with a Grace frame so I know I like quilting on the frame but it was frustrating trying to do large quilts. And I do a lot of double/queen size so it was time to move up. Now if I could just find someone who wants a used short-arm frame system. Don't know if I have enough posts to put it on the forum because I'm one of those people that read all the posts but don't talk much.

SuzyQ

Nope, no LA here. Even with a lottery ticket I'd still be outta luck unless I could convince hubby to move! There is simply no room in our house.

Suzy

AshleyR

I used to do the "man toys" stuff. The only reason I can afford to quilt and that I have time to quilt is because I stopped riding motorcycles and camping, etc. I never have nor never would go into debt for any of my toys. I only owe for my houses and I hope to have them all paid off before I'm 50. It amazes me what people will go into debt for, but that's a whole nother thread!

I know Leah Day wrote about this last year, but I don't have the link. Here's her reasons why she doesn't want a long-arm

They're huge.
They're expensive.
I Quilt for Me - Because in order to afford a longarm quilting system, most quilters will start quilting for other quilters.
I quilt from the center.
I don't want to learn how to quilt all over again.
Most quilters start on domestic machines - Most quilters getting into the hobby have a domestic sewing machine, or can easily get one for under $500.
It's NOT any easier.

bunbytes

LOL! I'm in the same spot. When the lotteries are big, I day dream about the house I will buy with an upstairs with a huge game room, which will be by sewing studio, and the surrounding bedrooms will be for storage! Dream, dream, dream.

Geri B

...Stitched....am curious...where is this film? sounds interesting

trolleystation

My daughter went into LA several years ago. First she rewired her room as the quilt needed a 'dedicated' outlet. Then the fun of trying to get it into the house, even though it came in pieces. It helps a lot if you are mechanically inclined to take of the day to day cleaning, oiling. It cannot be in a damp area as it will mess up the computer. Service calls are very expensive and usually the repair person lives in another state. You, indeed, can get a lot of quilts longarmed for the price ($20K and up). Give it to the longarmer and get to doing what you like best....creating another quilt.

Morag

So, in terms of quilting and quilts what is the difference between a "short arm" and a "long arm"