I'm thinking about getting a longarm

[RobinQuilts]

I am looking for some advice. I am thinking about getting a smaller longarm machine - I will only be quilting for myself and not for others, but I think I would like the flexibility of doing larger quilts which I can't seem to manage on my domestic. I have been intrigued by the "home" models that Gammill and APQS have put out, as well as APQS' George machine. Then there are the Handi-Quilters, etc. How do I compare such different options? Trying one out for a few minutes at a quilt show really doesn't allow me to compare, features, feel, etc. of the various machines. Where's Consumer Reports' ratings of longarms when I need it?
I have been quilting for about 5 years, am only OK when it comes to quilting smaller pieces (art and contemporary, not traditional) and I really would like a longarm in my near future.
Please help! I'd like to hear from people in a similar situation to mine who have gone through this process. What did you end up buying? Are you happy with your choice?
Thanks.

[tkwritr]

For the money, I LOVE my HandiQuilter 16. It's done everything I've asked it to do and can be used with PC Quilter for computer-driven quilting. I don't do that myself but know of two guild members who do and they are very satisfied as well. The HandiQuilter web site has a check list of things to ask before you buy. http://www.handiquilter.com/?a=TNQU

Buy as much machine as you can afford so it will grow with you as your increase your skill level.

[tkwritr]

I love my HQ16 as well, in fact I'm on my 2nd one. My first setup used the PCQuilter, now they have the ProStitcher that looks so cool! I just opted for a stitch regulator instead though, LOL.

The new Studio frame is fantastic, it's a HUGE improvement over the old portable pro frame. It can be set up at 12 feet (oh that I had the space!) so doing a king size quilt wouldn't be any trouble.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

[tkwritr]

I have the Janome 1600 that is a long arm and I Love it. I make all different size quilts. I believe I gave around 1,600 new. I didn't get a stitch regulator put on mine but would like to in the future. I'm not doing to bad with even stitches. I've put alot of miles on this machine in the last three years. I Love my Janome machines. I believe you really have to test different machines to get the feel of what you like. I do know once you get a long arm you will be much happier with quilting, I sure was. I struggled awhile fighting the bulk under reg. machine. "Good Luck"
Kathy

[RobinQuilts]

Thanks for the advice, All. As soon as I finish the quilt I'm working on now (which has a deadline) and will be the largest quilt I attempt on my Bernina, I'll be going around to various places to test-drive small longarms. There is one place not too far from me that will give lessons and then rent time on a machine ($17.50 per hour seems reasonable if I want to play around and get a feel for the machines).
Maybe aI can talk my husband into getting me one for Christmas - that is, this Christmas, next Christmas and about 10 more Christmases after that.

[RobinQuilts]

i have the apqs george machine and love it. the majority of the time i do wall quilts and it meets my needs perfectly. in addition, the support, customer service and online forum at apqs is among the best i've ever seen.

good luck!

[RobinQuilts]

I love my HQ16 as well, in fact I'm on my 2nd one. My first setup used the PCQuilter, now they have the ProStitcher that looks so cool! I just opted for a stitch regulator instead though, LOL.

The new Studio frame is fantastic, it's a HUGE improvement over the old portable pro frame. It can be set up at 12 feet (oh that I had the space!) so doing a king size quilt wouldn't be any trouble.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

Why did you get a 2nd HQ was it an upgrade? Do you have the studio frame? I've heard that the leaders are not very good--have you had a problem with them? I want to buy a longarm and I've looked at all of them I'm leaning toward the HQ because of the price. What do you like about it and what would you change if you could? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Margo]

I love my HQ16 as well, in fact I'm on my 2nd one. My first setup used the PCQuilter, now they have the ProStitcher that looks so cool! I just opted for a stitch regulator instead though, LOL.

The new Studio frame is fantastic, it's a HUGE improvement over the old portable pro frame. It can be set up at 12 feet (oh that I had the space!) so doing a king size quilt wouldn't be any trouble.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

Why did you get a 2nd HQ was it an upgrade? Do you have the studio frame? I've heard that the leaders are not very good--have you had a problem with them? I want to buy a longarm and I've looked at all of them I'm leaning toward the HQ because of the price. What do you like about it and what would you change if you could? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This thread is from last fall, but if you will send me a personal e-mail (access the e-mail function when you click on my profile photo) I'll be glad to send you a letter that I've shared with several people about why I bought my HQ16 last spring.