sewingstash

My DH purchased a used Gammill LA(a true workhorse)because Well... I wanted it. First of all it's convenient right in my living room when ever I need it. I don't have to travel to a rental machine, your time goes by very fast on it, also. I don't do it for hire right now but If I do prefer to in the future that is a valid option for me... something that is fun to do and get paid for. A lot of other high end sewing machines cost a lot more than my machine which we got for a extremely low price with lots of freebies included with it,light bar,thread,pantos,lots of stuff, too much too mention. Was thinking before about getting a 10 thread embroidery machine but the longarm just made a lot more sense to us. hope this helps!

oklahomamom2

I want to buy a Juki 2010 but I think if I found a HQ16 at a good price I would buy it. I just don't have the room for a long arm sewing machine. I'm not good with deadlines so I'm not sure I would be able to get it done in time for me to really have a business. I think I would do it just to help with my quilting skills and for other people like family.

petpainter

I purchased the Sweet Sixteen during the holidays and LOVE it!! As a fairly new quilter I wanted to be able to totally make every part of the quilt myself, and although my domestic machine has an 11" harp, the Sweet Sixteen is a HUGE difference. Not much space required at all, but the ease of use is awesome. I have a very limited income, and I did get an awesome deal (didn't want a stitch regulator), but I feel it's worth every penny and then some. I have to sit down for medical reasons, so this was another reason for a midarm. Just remember you still have to do the sandwich yourself still. No plans on making it a business at all. Good luck- go for it!!!

Sharonquilts

First, let me just say that your comments and the wealth of information you all are sharing is worth everything!! That's why I asked this Board ... real people/users giving real comments (not an advertising video). I LOL re: the price of "men and their toys". My DH has been a golfer for years and I don't even want to know how many sets of golf clubs he has purchased over the years. That's the reason I justified buying my Juki F600 (I said it was my set of clubs - HA).

You ladies are really swaying me. I'll definitely keep researching. Next quilt show in my area isn't until Sept. (one in June I may attend about 2 hrs. away). I'll also search for a local LAQ to see about a class & renting time. Like many of you, I'm not interested in this as a business ... just want to make more quilts as easily and efficiently as possible and improve my quilting skills (especially FMQ).

Thank you and keep your advice coming!

Sharon

cat-on-a-mac

I have had the same experience as many others -- got my LA this past August. I don't really have room either, but my DH and I agreed to sacrifice the dining area of our house for it. Like many have said, I also HATED layering quilts with pins or spray baste. I was actually doing pretty well with FMQ on my regular machine, but it always gave me problems in my right shoulder. Some folks warned me that quilting on the LA would also be hard on your body, because you typically stand a lot, and sometimes it can bother your back. But, I find it more comfortable because I end up moving around a lot more. Another thing is I love the stitch regulator. I guess you could get one for your DSM; I never investigated that.

One nice advantage I hadn't anticipated was that now I have a 12 ft working space. My LA has a 12 ft frame, and the table (used for pantos) is 2' x 12'. I got 4 cutting mats (2x3) for the table, and now I have a nice long area for trimming edges, and for other work. It's a little narrow, but my largest work space up to now has been only about 2'x4' .... any usually piled high with "stuff"!

Pam S

I totally agree with CarolynMT. If you can afford it, have space for it and want it then you don't need to justify buying a LA. I first bought a Pfaff with a Grace frame (9" throat) and hated it because I couldn't quilt bed sized quilts without turning them. So I sold that one after about 4 years and bought a brand-new Gammill. That was 3 years ago. I love it. I quilt only for myself, do charity quilts for a church group and sometimes am persuaded to quilt for some of my good friends. I don't intend to start a business but I am having fun with what I'm doing. Only trouble is that now I really like the quilting part better than the piecing so I may have to start a business just to have enough quilts to LA!

nena

My sister had a lot of quilt tops made but was not able to hand quilt them so she bought a Tin Lizzie . She was going to leave to me when she passed , so I looked for the best deal i could find. She has not passed but after I got all her quilts finished . She gave it to me. I have never quilted for anyone else nor do I plan to. Don't think I am that good. lol
I do love it and quilt for family members. If you can fit it in your budget , Go for it. You only live once.

LITTLEOLDME

I quilt for the pleasure it gives me , my LAQ er saves me time and money, plus I no longer have to fight with the sandwiching on the floor or tables.. So what more can I say to justifie buying it ...quilt with joy

Doggramma

I just ordered the Bernina sitdown long arm machine with the Koala table. My husband encouraged me to go for it even though I only quilt my own creations. It will make the quilting process more comfortable for me, I think.

milly35

Thanks Sharonquilts for starting this post. I too have been researching quilting machines. I am not sure what the difference is between a mid-arm and long-arm. Space is somewhat of an issue but I have the room if I really want to. I do not that some people have their LA in the living room - do you just keep it there in the open or do you have a way to conceal it? Just curious. I do agree that if you can afford it and it makes you happy then you should pursue it. I currently work full time and look forward to the day I can retire and quilt away with pleasure. That said I also am thinking that if I am going to make the investment it needs to be soon because once I retire I would not spend the money.

I want to compliment the people on this board. Everyone is so helpful. Threads such as this one are invaluable and I so appreciate the comments, suggestions and opinions.