Pricing of sit-down machiens vs. stand alone sewing/quilting/embroidery machines
02-25-2014, 04:47 PM
#11
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MO (the Show Me state)
Posts: 2,947
uhmm... Babylock is not made by Brother and the company is still headquartered in my wonderful city.
But I have also been thinking about a sit down quilter or perhaps developing a wonderful partnership with a LAQ.
But I have also been thinking about a sit down quilter or perhaps developing a wonderful partnership with a LAQ.
Last edited by Havplenty; 02-25-2014 at 04:50 PM.
02-26-2014, 06:09 AM
#12
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Usually in my sewing room
Posts: 813
I've seen th Bailey's machine and although the throat space is huge, the layout of the machine is different than the Handi Quilter Sweet 16, which you approach straight way. IMHO - still seems like it would restrict freedom of movement and you'd still have to wrestle with the machine on the right side.
Why not check out the Bailey(http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/), they have a great reputation and service, plus they have free shipping to the lower 48 states. When I have the room and the money, that's what I'm getting.
02-26-2014, 06:35 AM
#14
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 314
Sorry but Babylock machines ARE manufactured by Brother; you need only to look at the interface to know that. But the Babylock rep confirmed this for me at the Houston Quilt Festival last year.
02-26-2014, 07:00 AM
#15
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 677
I agree with the original poster. You are looking at $5000 for a sweet sixteen and weighing it against a larger throat DSM that has more features. I opted for a longarm on a frame because I disliked basting and preferred to move the machine, not the quilt. Don't forget to investigate used machines. I bought a 2003 APQS Millenium through a dealer in 2009 and I am still happy with the machine and the support.
02-26-2014, 08:39 AM
#16
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Usually in my sewing room
Posts: 813
A long arm machine is not an option for me. I don't have anywhere in my house to put a long arm so I have to go with the sit-down version. My house is very small and even a 8 ft frame wouldn't fit in my house. Have to focus on what I can work with.
02-26-2014, 08:42 AM
#17
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02-26-2014, 09:38 AM
#18
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: East Kootenays, BC
Posts: 947
I love my Sweet 16. Look for a used one. I found mine on Craigslist and saved about $1800 over the price of a new one which would buy you a fantastic Domestic machine to partner with it. Handi Quilter has been a great support to me, even tho I am not the original owner and I don't have any warranty or a dealer close to home. Just my 2 cents worth 
02-26-2014, 04:32 PM
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,917
Your question makes perfect sense to me. I've wondered the same. When it's time, do I get a new janome with a larger throat or a sweet 16? For now, I'm still working full time and barely can make the time to sew anything so it keeps getting put on the back burner.
02-27-2014, 05:18 AM
#20
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IL, USA
Posts: 376
I purchased a Janome 7700 in 2010 thinking I'd be able to happily quilt my quilts with the 11 inch throat space. I like the machine, but it nothing next to FMQ on my Sweet Sixteen. That extra space is so worth it. Plus I think the Sweet Sixteen makes prettier stitches. It's simple, does one thing and does it well.
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