Barb Schroeder
Me with gift from a friend
I started quilting in 1990. At that time things were pretty much hand quilted. I worked full time so I was not able to get very many tops finished but liked the process. I then started quilting on my home machine but was frustrated with the handling of the bigger quilts. Then in early 2000 I got a HQ frame and used a domestic machine. I progressed from there to a robotic machine. I had always marveled at how beautiful some of the longarm quilts were but always felt I could never afford those big machines. Finally in 2005 I took the plunge and got my HQ16. Since then I have added the stitch regulator and computerization.

I have made many Project Linus quilts, baby quilts, lap quilts and full size quilts for charities and friends. I now have the choice of doing meandering, all over quilting, custom or computerized quilting. I really enjoy the quilting experience now. I have more than paid for my machine compared to what it would have cost me to hire the quilting done locally.

I am now part of a small group of ladies in the center of the state that meet quarterly to share what they have learned about their handiquilter. It is a great way to see what others have done as well as learn and teach new things.

I have found the Handi-Quilter a great way to make friends, sew beautiful quilts, and get my tops done at a reasonable price. My latest is a wall hanging all over design on silk.

I love my HQ16 and will not part with it. I have even named her Gretchen (after a friend of mine). My HQ is my friend.

I own the following HQ machines: HQ Sixteen, HQ Pro-Stitcher