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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: May 24, 2007, 9:42 AM
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I am looking to purchase a quilting machine. I would really like the millenium by APQS however do not really want to go to that expense and feel the need to start a business to pay for the equipment. I have friends that have a baby lock and a grand quilter by Pfaff but I do not think these would make me happy in that the throat space and quilting area are so reduced. I have read on this forum about people being very happy with their 16 and would like some discussion on the pros and cons of investing in this unit. Also is the quilt easy to install on the frame, my friend has a frame with zippers and sews the tops and backing to the zippers, I read one letter from a lady who is wanting to add these to her frame? Any input from you experts would be greatly appreciated. Isabel Alberta Canada |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: May 24, 2007, 11:41 AM
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Isabel, I purchased my HQ 16 a couple of months ago. I upgraded from a Grace frame and Juki. I am delighted with the HQ 16. It does all that the more expensive longarms do but the investment is much less. I did quite a bit of research and the HQ 16 best fit my wants and needs. I suggest you play with several of different machines and find what is best for you. The quilt is very easy to install either with pins or basting on the leaders that are attached with Velcro and easily removed. I am sure the zippers would work. Ila McCallum |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: May 25, 2007, 9:10 PM
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I also did A TON of research on longarms. At first I had eyes set on the Gammill Premier Plus. In fact, I was ready to put a down payment on one but the dealer jacked up the price nearly $2,000. I even showed the dealer the quote I was given just 3 weeks prior and was told that price was only good for that day only. I want to my hq16 dealer and this time REALLY worked with the machine. Here is what I found: The hq16 is a lighter machine and much easier to use and move especially when stippling. The hq16 will allow use of decorative threads much easier than the Gammill The hq16 comes standard set up for king size quilts-you have to order the larger table for the Gammill The hq16 has a much easier thread path The hq16 uses the M size bobbin The hq16 is the quietest machine I've ever tried and I've tried GAMMILL, A-1, NOLTING, TIN LIZZIE, and HOMESTEAD Needless to say, I put my deposit on the hq16 and the QuilTable just this past Thursday 5/24/07 and saved myself well over $3,000 dollars to boot! The above information is strictly MY HUMBLE OPINION and I am not associated with any companies. Just a happy quilter! |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: May 29, 2007, 9:24 AM
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I've had my HQ16 for a year and am very happy with it. It's being repaired right now because the hopping foot has been sticking in the up position. I purchased the stitch regulator but haven't been happy with it at all. They are fixing it too. Other than that, I feel the HQ 16 is a great machine. Donna from Illinois |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: June 4, 2007, 5:55 AM
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| Hello, I have just joined the Forum and have the opportunity to buy a secondhand Handiquilter frame this coming week, it is probably an older model. I have a Janome 6500P sewing machine, what I need to know is do I need a stop/start piece of equipment or is the foot pedal used? sorry to sound so dense.... I am British but in Saudi Arabia so cannot buy any equipment here, the frame is a private sale. Is it usuable with just the foot pedal of the Janome? the lady that owned it is no longer here so I cannot ask her. thank you for any information you can give me. |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: June 5, 2007, 8:10 AM
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I used to use a Jamone 6500P (which I love)on a Big Grace frame and the foot pedal sat on top of the carriage for the machine. There were handles on the carriage with levers that made the machine go and when you let go, the machine stopped. I did purchase a device from Kathy's Quilts.com that plugged into the back of the machine so you didn't have to hold the handles while you quilted. This helped alot. I used my Janome6500P for quilting for about 1 year. I've since switched to the HandiQuilter HQ16 which I've been using for 1 year. Since you have access to the internet, look up Kathy's Quilts and look at the set up for the Grace Frame. This might give you some idea how to set your machine up. Good Luck Donna from Illinois |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: June 5, 2007, 10:47 AM
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| I have a chance to buy a quilt frame for use with a standard sewing machine. I know my quilting area will still be limited by the depth of the throat of my machine and that the HQ16 may be an option I want to pursue. Does anyone have comments, good or bad, about using the quilt frame with just a standard machine versus sticking with just the machine only. I primarily do charity quilts so not too many exceed 45x54. Thanks for your help. |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: June 6, 2007, 10:46 AM
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Mejensen, If you don't make anything too large, the standard machine should work well. It will be easier to quilt using a frame because you move the machine rather than moving the quilt. I did a queen sized quilt on my Janome 6500P and had to turn it, but was able to quilt it. Donna from Illinois |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: Sept. 5, 2007, 6:17 PM
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| I as well am looking for advice and comments. I have a Pfaff GQ and a Little Gracie2, there is just not enough space. I get very frustrated having to stop and roll up the quilt after each pass. Plus the Pfaff can be very fussy, the only thread it seems to like is Superior MonoPoly. I bought the Pfaff when the Inspira frame came out, the frame was horrible. This Xmas I got the Little Gracie 2, love the frame but not enough space. Hubby says I had better make sure this time, that this is the right machine and going to last! So how long have some of you had the HQ16? Any major issues? Do you have to use the Portable frame? Thank you, very much. Angela |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: Sept. 5, 2007, 9:54 PM
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| I've had mine since July and love it. I had the original handiquilter frame and a Brother PQ1500. It was better than my standard head size Singer, but was too limiting. My husband, also said, "This is your last one so make it the right one." I have had no problems with mine. I just got the upgraded circuits that are even better than the one that came with the machine. I know I don't have as much experience as many, but I'm loving what I've done. I use the Adjustable Length Table and the HQ 16 frame. Love them both. |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: Sept. 15, 2007, 8:13 AM
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I also started with the HQII frame and the 9" throat Brother. I played with a HQ16 at the Denver show in May and had to walk away because I liked it so much but when a new HQ16 with stitch regulator came up on Ebay from Bayside I bought it for $6000 . Last year's model but that's ok for now. I'll upgrade when I have all the info down and quilt for a while. So far love it and plan on putting it on a PCQ carriage on Sunday. Can't wait so far loving it! Judy |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: Sept. 16, 2007, 1:24 AM
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| If you can, get the HQ16. I love mine. I've had it since June of 2005. Tried the juki on a grace frame, very limited. Where I live not many dealers of mid arms or long arms(Hawaii) but there is one for the Handiquilter. Thank you for being here. |
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newbie quilter what machine should I get
Posted: Sept. 29, 2007, 7:35 PM
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| Thanks to all of you for your valuable input. I have been researching long arm machines for months now and I will be ordering my HQ soon. I am fortunate to live within an hours drive of a dealer here in NC. I have a Juki/Gracie set up and have never liked it. I've been trying out different machines and I was like a lot of people and thought that Gammill was the only way to go but the price was really holding me back. The HQ seems to have everything I need and the price is much more affordable. Thanks again everyone for helping me decide! |
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