JENNR8R

I bought the HQ Sixteen (it wasn't a Sweet 16)... and I think I got a terrific buy. Now all I have to do is figure out how to use it!

It included user instructions (hard copy and CD), a CD on Taking The Mystery Out of Tension, the table, bobbin winder, 20 bobbins, extension cord, 12 cones of Superior So Fine thread, needles, horizontal thread holder, long-nosed oil container, and the names of at least three other people who wanted to buy it in case I change my mind and want to sell it. She gave me first refusal because I called her first. To top it all off, her son-in-law followed me home, carried it inside, and set it up for me.

Somebody pinch me... I must be dreaming.

azwendyg

BEAUTIFUL!!! You got a great deal with the table and ALL that extra stuff you got with it. CONGRATULATIONS!

QuiltE

Congratulations on your new machine!

Now I'm confused as I thought that the Sweet 16 was the sit down model, which it appears this is.

So what is the difference?

JENNR8R

This is an older version that I think can be converted to a standup machine if the handles and a frame were purchased. The Sweet 16 has a different light and the touch screen on the front (and I'm sure other whistles and bells). This one has the screen on the side at the back... not a very convenient location when you want the needle to go back up or to change the speed.

I'm not sure what all is different. All I know is that I would have had to send out alot of quilts to a longarmer to break even in spending another $3,200 for a new Sweet 16.

azwendyg

I have one about the same age as yours, but have it set up in a built-in table in my sewing studio so it sits just like a regular sewing machine. Because of that the display panel more convenient. I think the orientation in the table like yours is a fairly recent development and has become a "feature" of the new Sweet Sixteen model. That's probably why the moved the control panel. The second pic in this thread shows mine with a quilt in it (that I just finished). http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t204184.html That quilt is a kingsize and very bulky and I didn't have much problem maneuvering it through; just had to take my time and keep rearranging all the bulk frequently.

When I got to try out a new Sweet Sixteen at a quilt show recently, I found that although it did have more bells and whistles like you said, it stitched exactly like mine. I was very happy see I wasn't really missing out on anything I wanted by buying an older model (and saving lots of $$$) like you did! That just means we have a whole lot bigger fabric budget!

JENNR8R

I wonder if I can sell this table and make my HQ Sixteen setup like yours?

azwendyg

I'm really happy with the built-in table I use for quilting big projects. I originally built it to hold my Juki TL 98 Q, then improvised a bit to fit the HQ Sixteen when I got it last year. I'd still like to make some changes to it but have been too busy quilting. I used a couple of solid core doors, some 2 x 4's, deck screws, paint and poly from Home Depot to build the table into an existing 5' wide dormer area in my studio (a.k.a. extra bedroom upstairs). One of the things I like most about my table is that it has walls on three sides so those big quilts don't slide off the edge when I'm working on them. If you have some basic woodworking skills and tools, or know someone who does, I'd be glad to take some more pics and send you details of how I put it all together. You just might motivate me to make the permanent upgrades to it I've been thinking about for my HQ Sixteen.

And I'm sure you could sell your table to someone else with a Sixteen or Sweet Sixteen. They are pretty pricey so you could probably buy the materials you'd need with what you could get for it.

strad

The Sweet 16 Yahoo group has a huge amount of information on all aspects of using this machine. I have found it extremely helpful.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HQ_Sit_down_Model/

earthwalker

The Sweet 16 is my dream machine (and I am a vintage freak). I had the opportunity to have a "play" with one at our annual Quilt and Craft Fair. As soon as I can save the $6,000.00 I need to buy one new, I will.....mind you it probably will be vintage by the time I manage to do it.

JENNR8R

Thanks for this link... I was wondering how to find it.