Suz

Please talk to me. One was demonstrated today and I am so tempted. Convince me to go forward or to back off. Thanks.

quiltedsunshine

Don't have one, but I'd take the HandiQuilter Avante over the Bernina. The HQ has more bells and whistles for a lot less, and is a very well built machine. And HandiQuilter has been making their machines for a lot of years. Where this is Bernina's first quilting machine, I'd give them time to work the bugs out. Bernina is putting a regular sewing machine needle in their machine that goes 3000 stitches per minute. Where HandiQuilter has put a special needle in their Infinity because of the high speed (3100 stitches per minute). If you can spend that much money, you might want to check out the HandiQuilter Infinity.

Prism99

Bernina is too new to the longarm scene to have gotten everything right. I believe this month is their very first month on the market -- ever!!! Janome is another one that is too new for my blood, although they have been around a little longer than the Bernina.

Here is a link to a previous thread on the topic where you may find more info:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...0-t261320.html

My advice is back off, back off, back off. A rule-of-thumb is to spend a year researching longarm options within your price range (and trying out machines for yourself at quilt shows) before making a decision. Seeing one demo is not going to give you a reasonable perspective.

Suz

One of the things I liked is that I am able to sit down. Too old to stand for long periods. Is this possible with the HandiQuilter Infinity? I also liked that it is compact and fit into a smaller space. It handled smoothly. Incidentally for this interested, the price is $999 plus tax.

I appreciate the feedback and the link to the other discussion. I will wait and to some more investigating. Thanks and I am anxious for further comments/recommendations. You guy are the best!!!

quiltedsunshine

We have a customer who's in a wheel chair who uses a saddle chair to use her HQ Avante'. It might work for you, too?

HQ has a sit down machine called the Sweet 16, but it's about $5,000. I believe the Bernina Q20 is around $16,000, as is the HQ Infinity. Where the Avante' is about $9,000.

Are you saying that you can buy the Bernina Q20 for $999 plus tax? Whoa! If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Prism99

I found this pricing for the Bernina in Australia:
http://www.sewthisandthat.com.au/com...g-arm-machine/
The Q20 sitdown there is listed at an introductory price of $13,000 Australian dollars (about $10,000 US dollars).

Are we talking about the same machine? I don't think it's possible that $999 plus tax is correct (maybe $9,999 plus tax?).

Many people love the Sweet 16, and it's been around for awhile. If you shop around, you might be able to buy one used for considerably less than list price on a new one. Keep an eye on Craigslist in your area and, if you belong to a quilt guild, let them know that you are looking for a used Sweet 16 or George.

cathyre

I test drove this machine at a craft show last week ,and I would have one at the drop of a hat ,Bernina have been testing is machine for the past 3 years it is not something they have just thought up , it their most expensive machine yet and worth every dollar of it ,I am trying very hard to convince my lovely husband to move into the garage so I could fit it in .Cathy

ManiacQuilter2

You have to really think clearly on the pricing of some of these LA. You could buy a car with what some of them cost!

Doggramma

I ordered one because I love the actual quilting on a quilt and the Q20 has 20 inches of throat space. And it comes with a Koala table that extends to 80 inches. When I tried it out at the Chicago show, I couldn't believe how easy and smoothly it stitched. Also, it's a fairly simple machine that uses regular needles and regular thread. Can't wait until it comes!

Suz

My error!!! The cost of the Q20 is $9999.00 plus tax not $999. Sorry. I should do better proofing before posting.