I am deciding on my first longarm and could really use some advice I plan to do this mostly for me, but perhaps for a few others down the road if I can get proficient (but not huge quilts, not too many others). I am 5'3" and I'm concerned about the 26" size machines. I'm thinking that size is wonderful, but probably overkill for me. However, I do love the electronic channel locks on the Millie. I do a lot of modern quilts and love the look of "matchstick" straightline quilting.
I am thinking of either the Lenni or the Millie. If the Lenni had the features of the Millie, just smaller, then I think that would be the one I would get. Also, as a new longarm quilter I think the price of the Lenni makes it easier to step into this world of quilting. I just don't want to regret my purchase down the road, but I also don't want to go too big, too expensive and find I get too tired with the larger machine. I have tested MANY machines, become certified at my local shop on the Bernina longarm (able to rent there) but still desire a machine at home. The closest APQS rental is hours away so not a feasible choice for me.
A few facts to help with some guidance:
- 5'3" woman, good health but some carpal tunnel issues
- do both traditional and modern quilts
- currently do lots of straightline, cross hatching, circular quilting on modern quilts
- do mostly throw size quilts (only 1 full size bed quilt), do not see myself doing king size quilts; do I need a 12' table if I never do large quilts?
- would like the option of adding the computer down the road
How do you handle straightline quilting without the electronic channel locks? A ruler? But what about if it is a LONG line, like in matchstick quilting? I think if I can overcome this hurdle then the Lenni might be the one for me???? Should I do the Lenni with the thought of maybe trading up in the future, or go with the Millie right from the start???
THANKS for any advice you can give this newbie. I am going again soon to test out the APQS machines.