Purchase of a LA

kelly422 · Post by **kelly422** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:13 am

Hello to the quilting community. I am new to machine quilting. I have pieced several quilt tops and have sent them out to be quilted. I have been disappointed more than thrilled with my finished quilts. Nothing is more upsetting than hours of cutting and piecing then to have the quilting ruin or not display a beautiful quilted finished project.

Anyway, I figured, I could quilt as well as what I was getting back. Purchased a Grace Pro Frame and have started quilting with my Bernina 165E. This is okay, but with only 3.5 to 4 inches of quilting space available, you can only imagine the time it takes. To really do intricate work just doesn't cut the mustard.

So I have been dreaming of getting a LA or a SA. What is the difference in these two? Have joined several quilt forums to become more informed before a purchase of a machine.

Will be attending the Houston Quilt Festival. So I am looking for the opinions of experienced LA quilters on their machines and the pros and cons of the different brands.

I know I want a stitch regulator. Beyond that, everything becomes muddled.

Any input and information would be most greatly appreciated from all of ya'll!!

Thanks in advance!

SFOQuilter · Post by **SFOQuilter** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:46 am

Hi,

I am the proud owner of new Handi Quilter 16 with stitch regulator. I LOVE it. I can tell you a few things. I went to the Nashville quilt show in August and test drove all the mid and long arm machines (the Handiquilter is not a long arm). Each of them "felt" different during operation and each and pluses and minuses. I was looking for:

1. A home solution for me, I will not be starting a business.
2. Stitch regulator
3. The option to take it down easily, portability.

Since I know I don't do king size quilts and won't need the ability to do them for customers, the 10 foot frame of the HQ 16 was totally fine for me. In fact, I have mine set up on an 8 foot folding table. I like that flexibility. All of the other machines are set up on permanent 10 or 12 foot tables. The machine also requires no oilng or outside maintenance. Only need to oil the bobbin case each day. The HQ 16 was also most affordable for what you get. The show special was great. The stitch regulator works great. I seriously considered a Gammill but they wanted to charge an additional $500 for delivery and setup. If you belong to AQS at $25 per year, HQ delivers your system for free and the local rep (if you live near one) will come to your house and set up. I am very happy with the service. I would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Michelle

cindyg · Post by **cindyg** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 12:34 pm

Welcome Kelly. I have the same type set up that you have now. It is VERY limiting. Good luck with your new quilting machine search. What fun. When will you be at the Houston show? If you are there on Friday or Saturday you will have to meet us for lunch. They will have every type of machine you can think of at the show so you will be able to test drive them all.

1quiltinnana · Post by **1quiltinnana** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:35 pm

My friend has a Handi Quilter 16 with stitch regulator. She likes it a lot. She had looked at several kinds. This one does beautiful quilting in a short time too. She learned the different threads you use do make a difference in how the machine works. Good Luck with your search for a new Long Arm. I will be hand quilting and using my own sewing machine and assorted quilting attachments for awhile before deciding on a Long Arm.

grandmajuki · Post by **grandmajuki** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 4:29 am

If you have a frame be sure to look at the PCQ and the Max throat. Makes any machine work and you are able to quilt up to 15-16 inch wide design... worth taking a look and NO I do not work for PCQ
J

cindyg · Post by **cindyg** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:56 pm

Grandmajuki - how does the Maxthroat work? Oh, I guess I need to go on line to find that out, don't I?

BeckyC · Post by **BeckyC** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:06 pm

has anyone got pros and cons of the tin lizzie 18? I would appreciate any info...thanks in advance, Becky

bearpaw · Post by **bearpaw** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:08 am

HI,

I went to the NJ quilt show on Saturday. They had quite a few machines to test drive. I tried the Tin Lizzie 18, it was nice, but felt it was a little crude. The Pfaff is basically the same machine as the Tin Lizzie. I tried the HQ 16 and loved it. I also tried the Baby Lock Jewel. I decided on the Jewel because of price. The Jewel is made by HQ16 and has 2 extra inches of quilting space. Can't wait to get it!

Ask about warranty, who will service your machine, etc. Good luck in choosing!!

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