susanlh

I am wanting to know from all you nice folks on the Board which one you would choose. I had a Tin Lizzy 18 but she has decided to die on me. I had her for 12 yrs but the service for this company has been a nightmare in the past and I do not wish to deal with them to get her fixed. I have decided to buy a new machine. I have narrowed it down to the Avante 18 or APQS Lenni. If you have either of these machines, please let me know any pros or cons you have had with them. I know that there are other machines out there but I want to keep with a dealer that is close to me. The dealers for each of these companies has been very nice to work with so far, answering my questions and allowing me to"play" on the machines. I value your opinions and want to thank you in advance for any advice and comments you make.

jokir44

Angela Walters quilted on an Avante for years before she upgraded to her big one. There may be some info on her website about it.

Cari-in-Oly

I would suggest you go back and play some more on both machines. If dealer service is equal for both then pick the one that "feels" right for you. I have an Avante and don't regret my purchase one bit, I love it and my dealer is fantastic.

Cari

ckcowl

I too have the Avante and a great dealer. I've had mine 3 years and no complaints

jmoore

I cut my FMQ teeth on a Lenni but now rent an Avante... I love the fact that APQS has a lifetime warranty and I often have tension issues on the Avante which I didn't have with Lenni. Would you have customer support from either where you live?

ksdot417

Love my Avante.

JT

I have an APQS Millenium that works great. I bought it used. The main reason I chose the APQS is the service and support, both from the APQS company, but also the online users forum.

Mariposa

I have an HQ, and I love it!

Wanabee Quiltin

I would test drive each of these many times before investing. I have an Avante and the tension can be very difficult to set.

Kwiltr

I have a HQ Sweet 16 sit down I bought second hand. Handi Quilter in Utah has been a great support to me, since I had no dealer close to me to go to. The tension vexed me on that machine but I finally got it to a somewhat acceptable level, but I never considered that aspect of it seamless nor easy. I decided to take the plunge and bought a Lenni last fall. I like the machine and the service from the dealer and APQS has been great. I still have tension issues but I'm trying to work it out as it is a learning curve and I guess I'm a slow learner :-(. I got a Blissed set up and 12 ft table. It was one of the more affordable options in a new machine in a Longarm with a dealer near me I had confidence in. A Lenni is a bit lighter weight than an Avante I believe and is a 20" harp vs 18" on the Avante. I was concerned with adapting and felt less weight would be easier on me. I also like the Lifetime warranty and service. Good luck with your decision. It's not an easy one!