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Thread: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

  1. #1
    janbee is offline Senior Member
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    Default What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    What long arm machine do you own? Did you purchase it new or previously owned? How difficult is it to load a quilt into your frame? How long did it take you to feel comfortable quilting an actual quilt? Does your machine have a stitch regulator? If so, do you use the stitch regulator? Have you invested in software so that your machine automatically quilts by itself? Were you pleased with the training you received or did you receive any training?

    I am interested in purchasing a long arm machine. I am considering something similar to a Block Rockit. I understand that the quilting area is smaller but am thinking for me it would be fine. I am not considering doing quilting for anyone except myself.

    I would really appreciate your advice and thoughts. If anyone would care to share prices, that would be great but I understand if that is too personal.
    Equilady likes this.

  2. #2
    SuzyQue is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    I just recently purchased my long arm machine. It is an Innova, 18 inch on a 12 foot frame. I purchased it used from a dealer. It is super easy to load a quilt on my frame.....I use Red Snappers. I practiced for about 2 months on layers of sheets and batting. I just finished my first baby quilt last week and have the second one on the frame. I am really loving doing ruler work and geometric designs. My circles and curves are not perfect enough for me.....yet. I have never been much of a doodler and that is one thing that is really helpful. I have placed drawing pads all over my house and force myself to doodle whenever I can. It has really loosened my up and has caused me to explore new patterns. If you can draw it, you can quilt it........or just about. My problem is I can't draw. It is getting better, but I tend towards things that I seem to do well naturally......lines and geometric designs. My machine does have a stitch regulator and yes, I am using it. It keeps all my stitches uniform and allows me to concentrate on my stitching not my stitches. I do not have any software that will automatically quilt a thing. I want to be in control and be creative. I am not interested in pantographs nor all over quilting, but prefer to master more custom style quilting. I have recently learned of heirloom style quilting and that is very interesting to me! I have a lot to learn! I do have pantovision installed on my Innova. That would allow me to do pantographs using a tablet mounted on the machine to follow a design, instead of doing pantographs from the back. I also have the laser that can be used front or back to do pantographs or copy from a book, etc. I am only interested in using these for custom blocks.....not all over designs. I did get a full day of lessons with my machine purchase and the dealer is awesome to work with if I have any questions or problems. Innova also has a 24 hour/7 day a week phone number that will help you with anything you need..........I think this is the only company that does this at this time. I purchased this machine to just do my own quilting. I could not find any quilters that would do custom work and I am done with pushing and pullling a king size quilt through my home sewing machine! At this time, I am not considering quilting for others, but that could change if I would improve greatly and needed the income. I LOVE my Innova! I have never felt a machine that glides so easily in all directions, with just a finger at the contols. It is the only machine on the market that can be updated with each new techonology that is created, so I will never have to trade my machine up. (unless I need to change sizes!) These machines are created by engineers that really know how to assemble machines that will last forever! My training also included a half day lesson on taking it completely apart and reassembling, fixing most things on my own. AWESOME, yet scary at first. I really feel these are the best machines out there!!!
    Precious1 likes this.

  3. #3
    SuzyQue is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    Sorry------that was a little long! Just trying to answer your questions!

  4. #4
    janbee is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    Quote Originally Posted by SuzyQue View Post
    Sorry------that was a little long! Just trying to answer your questions!
    What an awesome reply!! I learned so much and imagine others did as well. Thank you for your reply.

  5. #5
    jokramer's Avatar jokramer is offline Junior Member
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    Default Re: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    I started out with a Pfaff Grand quilter and next generations frame. I loved it at first but then it turned into a hate relationship. I continually had thread breakage. Then the next quilt I would do all would be well. Then the next quilt thread shredding and problem after problem with skipped stitches and feeling completely miserable. I hated the machine. About then my daughter and I started getting quilts published in magazines. Working with my machine became even worse having a deadline looming over my head. I can't tell you how many time I cried over that machine.

    It got to the point that my husband was sick of the problems and he said go buy something else. In fast order I did a little research-very unscientific but research that made sense to me. I decided I was going to buy a machine from a company that specialized in long arms...not a company like Pfaff that specialized in domestic machines. Then I walked through the local quilt shops that offered machine quilting. Five of the six all had APQS. I asked it they liked them. I had an overwhelming YES. I also noted that two of my favorite bloggers whose blogs I read had APQS machines. I read their blogs religiously and never heard a single complaint about their machines. Being a blogger myself, knowing how much I was complaining about my machine had me knowing that they simply didn't have problems with theirs. I wrote them both a note to confirm that and they said no problems with their APQS.

    So I bought a refurbished APQS. I love it....no tears. No problems for the most part. I did have a tiny problem as I have automatic advance on my machine on my machine. I called in and the gal explained how to tighten a bolt - I did it while on the phone with her and it's worked like a charm ever since.

    I have a 2007 APQS Millennium. All totaled being it was used, it was just over $10,000- It's a lot of money-but a person can easily spend that on a machine made by a domestic sewing machine company too. I HIGHLY suggest getting a machine from a company that only specializes in Long Arms...they've been doing it longer and have worked out the kinks.

    APQS has a nice forum where people are often selling their used machines. If you call the company they often have models available too. They came out and delivered and set up mine with no extra cost too. That was a HUGE relief.

    I can't say enough good things about APQS!! I am sure there are other good companies out there too.
    Equilady likes this.

  6. #6
    LoveMyMachines's Avatar LoveMyMachines is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    I own a Handi Quilter Avante, and have recently added the pro-stitch upgrade (computerization).
    I love it!
    I quilt using free motion. pantos, grooved pattern boards, and more recently computerized patterns.
    Before purchase I took several one on one courses that allowed me to try different machines and familiarize myself with basic operation.

    I pin my quilts to the leaders. The time to load a quilt varies on the quilt size and if it was pieced well (wavy borders, good pressing, no stringers). To begin with. While I can control this with my own tops, the tops and pieces done by others in my stash can be more challenging ... I generally give myself about an hour to load a quilt, the take break! (My back usually needs it by then!). I find loading quilt to frame much preferred to traditional basting processes!

    My machine does have stitch regulation, and I do use it.
    I started on "real quilts" right away, but waited to do anything important until I was more familiar with the feel of my machine.
    I will be a lifetime learner. So far I have only completed quilts for my self, but by the time I "retire", (I'm only 36!), I might have fun supplementing my income by quilting for others. Right now, I have so many projects I have yet to let the frame sit empty for more than a day or two!
    I purchased my machine around Mother's Day and have quilted all but two of the quilts in my gallery since then. These are all examples of different methods I have tried.

    Best of luck with your search!

  7. #7
    mpattylou is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    I bought a used tin lizzie 18 for $3500. It was about 3 or 4 years old when I bought it and had been used to quilt for other people. I bought it because it was something I could justify for myself and not feel I had to quilt for others. (Quilting for others...that is a completely separate topic...) I have had some issues with the machine and cannot recommend the brand or the customer service (Tin Lizzie Co did not call me back...EVER) It was still under warranty at the time I bought it, but the warranty only applied to the original owner. Local dealer was a joke....they are now Handiquilter dealer. Mine has the wood Grace frame...I think I would go with a metal frame next time....if there is a next time. I think that availability of service would be the deciding factor for buying my next machine.

  8. #8
    LoveMyMachines's Avatar LoveMyMachines is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    Quote Originally Posted by LoveMyMachines View Post
    I own a Handi Quilter Avante, and have recently added the pro-stitch upgrade (computerization).
    I love it!
    I quilt using free motion. pantos, grooved pattern boards, and more recently computerized patterns.
    Before purchase I took several one on one courses that allowed me to try different machines and familiarize myself with basic operation.

    I pin my quilts to the leaders. The time to load a quilt varies on the quilt size and if it was pieced well (wavy borders, good pressing, no stringers). To begin with. While I can control this with my own tops, the tops and pieces done by others in my stash can be more challenging ... I generally give myself about an hour to load a quilt, the take break! (My back usually needs it by then!). I find loading quilt to frame much preferred to traditional basting processes!

    My machine does have stitch regulation, and I do use it.
    I started on "real quilts" right away, but waited to do anything important until I was more familiar with the feel of my machine.
    I will be a lifetime learner. So far I have only completed quilts for my self, but by the time I "retire", (I'm only 36!), I might have fun supplementing my income by quilting for others. Right now, I have so many projects I have yet to let the frame sit empty for more than a day or two!
    I purchased my machine around Mother's Day and have quilted all but two of the quilts in my gallery since then. These are all examples of different methods I have tried.

    Best of luck with your search!
    I forgot to mention. I bought my machine 2nd hand. It was about 3 years old. However, a call to the manufacturer and my local dealer were fruitful. I am having no issues getting my machine software updated and the manufacturer said that I could get the update needed without additional cost. My local dealer has been very good so far.

  9. #9
    CARRIE M is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: What Long Arm Machine Do You Own?

    I have a baby lock jewel. Prior to that I had a juki TL98Q on a frame. I was able to do plenty with the juki but must admit I do like having the longer reach with the jewel. I do have the stitch regulator which I use. I have added the computer program and red snappers for loading the quilt. I do like my machine but don't care for the dealer. About the only training the dealer offered was how to load the quilt and wind a bobbin.
    There are plenty of you tube videos on quilting that will help you. Good luck on your purchase!

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