Esqmommy

Where do you get cheater panels for FMQ??

pittsburgpam

I don't know where anyone else gets them but I was just looking at Hancock's and they have many panels that are real cheap, a few dollars each for 24"x44" ones and other sizes.

Just do a search on "panel" and sort low to high.

dixiechunk

Is it justified? I'd give it a definite thumbs up. But...
I purchased a Viking Megaquilter and Inspira frame about 4yrs ago. It was a good deal, I had the money, it would have paid for itself in a year. However, I found after just quilting 4 tops my knees and back just could not take it. My point - please take a good long test drive before you buy anything.

Good luck.

kayjak

I bought my Tin Lizzie 18 two plus years ago and it is the best thing I have ever done. I don't do any fancy quilting yet but have done about 20 quilts on it so far. I told my husband that I did not want to wait to purchase it (I was age 60 at the time). I told him I wanted to get it now while I could enjoy it rather than wait until I was older and maybe not physically as able to enjoy it. I hope that makes sense. I love my Tin Lizzie!!! Go for it!!! Sounds like you deserve it. I have to say I did not set my Tin Lizzie up by myself, my husband did it for me. I am not sure I could have done it by myself, but maybe. I bought mine over the internet and not locally, so setup is a consideration you might want to think about. I hope you get it.
Good luck!

quilter1

I just purchased my Tin Lizzie in October, best thing I ever did (almost). I set it up at 10' length and I am having a great time. It is a wonderful machine, easy to use and not complicated like some of the others. Go ahead and jump in to long arm quilting, you won't regret it!!

Marlys

June, thanks for your input on the Bailey. I have been thinking about purchasing one, but the closest dealer is 600 miles away. I have a hard time spending that kind of money without trying it first! But I have 14 quilts ready to be quilted and can't afford to have them all done. I have been trying to justify the expense of a longarm or midarm. And most people around here have never even heard of the Bailey.

ckcowl

well, here's my 2 cents worth...it would pay for itself...if you like doing it...and could be a (part-time) retirement way to make extra $$. if at all possible you should find a shop with a machine set up that offers classes..when i purchased my long arm i took a certification class on the machine, decided with practice it was doable and received a discount for the purchase. make sure if you buy the one you are looking at there is (tech support) somewhere within driving distance...you want a machine that you can get serviced when necessary...( i bought mine in Florida and live in Michigan...it sucks! i have no support and spend lots of time on the phone long-distance talking to reps in Utah when i have a problem) they are good, and have helped me, but sure would be a lot more convienient with something closer.
remember you are not going to set it up and immediatly quilt wonderful quilts...it takes practice......but with all that, it is a good investment, especially if you want to make a little extra, and you may find you make more quilts because you don't have to send them out.
i invite members of my quilting group to (rent time) on the machine, after they take a class($50) to learn to use the machine and do a couple practice quilts they can then call and set up time to come in and quilt their own for an hourly charge and i am here for help when needed and i help load them up and get it going...
good luck with your decision

dlf0122quilting

Do you have any friends who are long armers that would let you "do a practice run? on their to see if you could handle it? Or at least they could give you some idea of what it takes to own one.

quiltinggolfer

I purchased a long arm in September and abolutely love it.
It is an Innova 26",,, I would love to have more time working on it.. It does take a lot of practice but it is the most fun

pittsburgpam

I've been looking online at classes like at Longarm University. I will ask the ladies at the Sew Much Fun Friday that ESQMommy and I are going to this month about recommendations.

I've been watching videos online too. I am so excited to get my hands on it!