Please help me decide between these two machines --- APQS Millie and Handi Quilter Infinity
My husband and I are planning to purchase one of these machines by summer to start a home business for machine quilting. We also plan to buy either the ProStitcher or the IntelliQuilter software for the machine, because that is the primary focus for developing our business. I DO want to do my own custom quilting manually on my machine, but that won't be the type of quilting I will do for our customer base until I master the techniques for myself.
I know this is an APQS board, but I know that there have been reviews and comparisons of other machines here as well. I would so much appreciate any insight from anyone who has used both brands of machines to talk about quality, features, and service. What is it that I MUST know about either machine that could seriously impact my decision?
My husband is learning toward the Handi Quilter machine now, primarily because of the difference in cost and that the dealer is less than 1 hour away from where we live. The Handi Quilter does have a financing plan of no interest charges for up to 5 years which is VERY attractive to both of us.
I like the APQS because of its lifetime warranty, and I prefer the design and sturdiness of the table that it comes with.
Trying out both machines hasn't really shown me any preferences in easy or functionality of one machine over the other. But, then again, I have not done any longarm machine quilting before either.
I don't want to be too short-sided, however, and make a decision on cost alone and wish that I had considered other features before buying. Hence, my questions to those of you kind enough to read my question.
Thank you!
Lisa
