Hubby upped the $$ for long arm, and now I'm more afraid to buy ??
03-22-2016, 06:46 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 948
There is definitely a learning curve with a longarm and they can be intimidating, but I guarantee that you will get better with each and every quilt you load. I have a small Gammill (Vision 18/8 on a 10 foot frame) and love it. I do quilt for the public and have more business than I actually want. I would recommend attending the two day course that came with my machine even though I had to travel and stay in a hotel. It was well worth it and got me off to a good start.
03-22-2016, 10:39 AM
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tennessee River Valley, Alabama
Posts: 121
2 things I haven't seen mentioned yet:
2. I have a couple of friends who find the 26" machines uncomfortable. They are petite and the machine is too big for them to move across the entire depth of the frame. This is not something husbands consider very often, at least not MY husband, who thinks the new couch is perfectly fine, while I struggle and squirm to get comfortable on it.
2. I have a couple of friends who find the 26" machines uncomfortable. They are petite and the machine is too big for them to move across the entire depth of the frame. This is not something husbands consider very often, at least not MY husband, who thinks the new couch is perfectly fine, while I struggle and squirm to get comfortable on it.
My question is have you quilted on a Gammill? I did a 6 hour class sponsored by Gammill at a quilt show and I was surprised at how little I liked the machines they were demoing. It was not computerized but did have a stitch regulator. The machine I loved was the Innova but even the ugly old Tin Lizzie was easier to free motion quilt with.
Disclaimer: I don't own a Gammill, an Innova or a Tin Lizzie. I quilt on a HQ Avante.
03-22-2016, 11:14 AM
#24
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
My question is have you quilted on a Gammill? I did a 6 hour class sponsored by Gammill at a quilt show and I was surprised at how little I liked the machines they were demoing. It was not computerized but did have a stitch regulator. The machine I loved was the Innova but even the ugly old Tin Lizzie was easier to free motion quilt with.
Disclaimer: I don't own a Gammill, an Innova or a Tin Lizzie. I quilt on a HQ Avante.
03-22-2016, 01:18 PM
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 210
Thank You all for your comments.
Of course, I still don't know what to do; but I am only 5'2" so I am now (thanks to the posts) thinking that I should stick with 18-24 inch machine.
A neighbor invited me over to watch her on her HQ Fusion 24" and it was very impressive looking.
We had seen the newer S Sixteen table model at the show, and didn't like it and the show didn't have the frames, but the local store (about 10 minutes from home) has one set up that I can go see.
Would like to get the computerized part, but seeing that it is anywhere from $10 to $15 thousand, that will have to be down the road. The machine alone either HQ or Gammill is still going to be close to $16,000.
The Gammill dealer is not close and I could not drive to her store by myself. That is my main fear there. The maintenance looks intimidating for the Gammill (more oiling points, two tensions, etc.).
I always bought my sewing machines due to dealer being close, so that is scary knowing that I won't have a dealer close where I can just run down there and see their machine if I had a problem.
The neighbor had hers on a 12 foot frame, and I definitely don't want to go that big, and Gammill charges $400 to go down to the 10 foot, which doesn't impress me. After that, everything seems to be the same as price point. The 22 inch Gammill is same price as 24" HQ Fusion.
As I said, I would never do custom quilts for people, if anything I would make a quilt and then try to sell it, but I don't want the responsibility of working on a quilt that a person put their heart and soul into.
Thanks again and any more posts are greatly appreciated - I am always learning from this wonderful group.
karensue
Of course, I still don't know what to do; but I am only 5'2" so I am now (thanks to the posts) thinking that I should stick with 18-24 inch machine.
A neighbor invited me over to watch her on her HQ Fusion 24" and it was very impressive looking.
We had seen the newer S Sixteen table model at the show, and didn't like it and the show didn't have the frames, but the local store (about 10 minutes from home) has one set up that I can go see.
Would like to get the computerized part, but seeing that it is anywhere from $10 to $15 thousand, that will have to be down the road. The machine alone either HQ or Gammill is still going to be close to $16,000.
The Gammill dealer is not close and I could not drive to her store by myself. That is my main fear there. The maintenance looks intimidating for the Gammill (more oiling points, two tensions, etc.).
I always bought my sewing machines due to dealer being close, so that is scary knowing that I won't have a dealer close where I can just run down there and see their machine if I had a problem.
The neighbor had hers on a 12 foot frame, and I definitely don't want to go that big, and Gammill charges $400 to go down to the 10 foot, which doesn't impress me. After that, everything seems to be the same as price point. The 22 inch Gammill is same price as 24" HQ Fusion.
As I said, I would never do custom quilts for people, if anything I would make a quilt and then try to sell it, but I don't want the responsibility of working on a quilt that a person put their heart and soul into.
Thanks again and any more posts are greatly appreciated - I am always learning from this wonderful group.
karensue
03-22-2016, 03:39 PM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nevada
Posts: 6,958
We are all biased towards are brand but I am wondering about your husbands research. Innova has a MUCH better frame, especially because it has a deadbar and you don't have to adjust the take up roller as you advance the quilt. Also it is made of aircraft grade aluminum and is made kind of like an erector set so you are limitless in ways to modify it for your own personal use. My friend converted her panto table to a light table that runs the entire length of 14 ft frame! She modified her roller for the top to be a tension roller so she can roll her quilt back and forth after basting. It is amazing the ideas people have come with for these frames, they are so versatile.
Regarding resale value the Innova is also known for holding it's resale better than the Gammel. In fact good luck finding someone who is trying to sell theirs. You rarely find used ones on the market because they are such great machines no one wants to give theirs up unless they are upgrading to another Innova. LOL
Finally with an innova you are not limited to Statler in your robotics. You can go with other brands but they do have a "Panto vision" robotics. I personally know of other longarmers who have switched from Gammel to Innova and are doing better quilting as a result.
Now product plug aside (I am not affiliated just a very happy customer) If your DH is willing to make this investment and you are in a financial position to do so... Go for it.
Regarding resale value the Innova is also known for holding it's resale better than the Gammel. In fact good luck finding someone who is trying to sell theirs. You rarely find used ones on the market because they are such great machines no one wants to give theirs up unless they are upgrading to another Innova. LOL
Finally with an innova you are not limited to Statler in your robotics. You can go with other brands but they do have a "Panto vision" robotics. I personally know of other longarmers who have switched from Gammel to Innova and are doing better quilting as a result.
Now product plug aside (I am not affiliated just a very happy customer) If your DH is willing to make this investment and you are in a financial position to do so... Go for it.
After doing my research before purchase, I found the following:
1. Innovas are easier to update and upgrade without having to purchase a new machine as well extremely low maintenance in general.
2. Innovas are built by a company that builds commercial quilting machines.
3. They have 24/7 support.
4. They also have 3 levels of computers: Pantovision (for doing pantos from the from and create your own - still operator run), Navigator, and AutoPilot (which just received an software upgrade).
Here is their website: http://www.innovalongarm.com/. I don't know where you live, but Innova lists their dealers on their website, so you can find one near you. There are at least 2 innova longarm yahoo groups (one is run by Innova and one is run by an Innova owner).
Since your hubby has expanded your budget, go with the biggest one you feel comfortable with. I went with a 26" head (gives me about 22" of actual quilting space) and a 12 ft table. I am 5'2" and don't really have a problem. I don't use a computer.
If you really want a computer, you could go with either the 26" or the 30" head. The 30" head is mainly recommended for use with a computerized system, because it is such a large quilting space and is quite a distance to reach across when doing non-computerized work.
03-22-2016, 07:12 PM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Kenai, Alaska
Posts: 1,150
Wow, what a wonderful husband. Makes me wonder if he might just be a little interested in learning how to quilt himself. Sure would give him the chance if he asked--LOL. He certainly has done his research and wants the best for you. I have a feeling he is never disappointed in you or what you do. You will be great at it--don't even think less of yourself and your abilities.
03-23-2016, 01:57 PM
#28
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 210
Update on hubby upping the $$ for long arm
I want to sincerely Thank You all for your comments/advice on my looking at long arms (hubby liked the Gammill). I decided to go to a local dealer that I can easily drive to and spent 2 hours just playing with the Innova machine. For the first time EVER, I felt totally comfortable and not intimidated with a long arm.
It was wonderful; don't get me wrong, I still stink at free motion, but this machine makes me feel that I can actually get better and learn by practice-practice-practice.
And the Navigation system is definitely in the purchase, or near future.
The sales lady/teacher was patient, understanding, full of information, and encouraging in making me do lots of different types of designs on the machine -- it felt natural to use it.
When trying out other machines I always felt nervous and embarrassed at my not being good at using them, but for some reason I didn't have that feeling when trying the Innova???
I actually left the store with a silly smile on my face, feeling very comfortable in having hubby do such a Large purchase, as well as giving up his space in the basement for me.
Thanks again for your comments and letting me "talk" about my experience.
karensue
It was wonderful; don't get me wrong, I still stink at free motion, but this machine makes me feel that I can actually get better and learn by practice-practice-practice.
And the Navigation system is definitely in the purchase, or near future.
The sales lady/teacher was patient, understanding, full of information, and encouraging in making me do lots of different types of designs on the machine -- it felt natural to use it.
When trying out other machines I always felt nervous and embarrassed at my not being good at using them, but for some reason I didn't have that feeling when trying the Innova???
I actually left the store with a silly smile on my face, feeling very comfortable in having hubby do such a Large purchase, as well as giving up his space in the basement for me.
Thanks again for your comments and letting me "talk" about my experience.
karensue
03-23-2016, 02:14 PM
#29
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
The first time I laid hands on an Innova (at a show) I felt like it was meant to be. I'm so glad you tried one. And yes you do get better.
This is a picture of FMQ I did the day my dealer set mine up:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]545821[/ATTACH]
Here is a picture of what I am doing now, 5 1/2 years later:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]545822[/ATTACH]
This is a picture of FMQ I did the day my dealer set mine up:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]545821[/ATTACH]
Here is a picture of what I am doing now, 5 1/2 years later:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]545822[/ATTACH]
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