CBing

Jim, every day I look at Longarm University, this forum, Accomplished Quilting, the Longarm Network, Nolting. House of Hanson hasn't updated their page since 2015. Three roller means as you roll the quilt you have to raise, is this right? Gammill also has 3 roller. Is it difficult to do? The 2412 has 22" field. The Innova 22 has 19" field. The 22 has throat height of 9". Prodigy has 12". What significance is throat height? I am looking at 22- 24" as I only have 5 - 7' depth of space, not ideal, but it's all I have to work with. I do think that either machine would be light enough to move easily.

I think at present, I am leaning most to Innova or Prodigy. Innova 22" or Prodigy 24". The Prodigy 2412 has electric quilt advance included and the frame can be lowered and raised with a smooth crank. Both of those features are very appealing and would add close to 5k to the price of an Innova. Both can glide over very thick layers (aka seams). Watching YouTube videos, users say that you cannot outrun the regulators or get long stitches. I have tested both LS and regular stitch regulator on Innova. I could not out run it, nor get a long stitch. Personally, I could hardly tell the difference between the two. Is LS worth the extra $3999? The Prodigy only has L bobbin, would buying prewound bobbins make up the difference in size? If anyone out there has a Prodigy within a 3-4 hours drive of East Tennessee would you be willing to let me come look at your machine? You rarely see Prodigy listed in used machines. This makes me wonder, do people love them and keep them OR does the manufacturer just not sell very many? Innova 24/7/365 service is ideal. I have called Prodigy and they were prompt to answer phone calls, emails etc. Iquiltit, why do you say "don't tell them you are quilting for a business"? ~C.

Hi all, yes I am still on the hold pattern. In June of last year I was diagnosed with cancer. Surgeries and now chemo has kept me from continuing moving forward. My goal is by Christmas of this year. I am doing well. God's got this and He is so good to me!! In March, A Mountain Quilt Fest in Pigeon Forge. I won't be up for a class, chemo brain is a real thing, however Sharon Schambler will be teaching so I am going to see if I can find her and ask about her Prodigy experience. I have been able to test Handi Quilter, Nolting, APQS, Innova, Pennywinkle, Q'nique 14+, Juki 2200 QVP, Baby Lock Crown Jewel, and Tiara III. I was at a Tin Lizzy dealer buying fabric, a renter started her quilt and within 10 minutes I had a headache, it was so loud - that's definitely not an option. Thank you all for your input. I admire and respect you all.

Is this company still in bussiness? I have never heard of it. Why are you selling?

I had not thought about the weight. In most things I would have thought heavier equals a more solid build, but I do see your point on easier stopping and starting. Mind blown. Tim Taylor.....Cagey, you crack me up!!

Ultimate II, is that 18" Here's another question I have. I am asking because I have heard 2 different theories. (1 the person has something to gain of it .... a sale. The other has nothing to gain.) Throat length. I have been told that anything over 18- 20" will cause neck and back pain with extended use. The other says the bigger the better. Both theories have merit. The only difference that I can tell with my very limited, albeit miniscule knowledge, is under 18" is no bueno, and pantograph size will change with throat size. For all you pantograph quilters, is a 26- 30" machine worth it? Does it change the depth needed? My sewing room is roughly 16' × 12 1/2'. I do have my DHM , an ironing board and a small cutting table (kitchen island). Is a 12' table the best option? Looking at longarms is intimidating! Is a 30" machine like driving a semi? Lol. I truly wish I lived in an area that I could go try out machines without making it a vacation. As always, your opinions are greatly appreciated! Thanks, ya'll!!

Thank you Janice. I just read your blog posts. How frustrating! Thank you for sharing. That was the first machine that got me thinking of taking the leap from domestic machine quilting. I still have not taken the plunge. Life keeps throwing financial curve balls. I like your post on quilt being your own or a collaboration.

Diane, How did you like the Voyage? What did you not like about It? Still looking. Cannot afford my used dream machine that is close to 14k. It still boggles my mind that buying a long arm is as expensive as a car. Although, there is the potential of the one actually making money. How long would that take?

How difficult is it to learn on a non stitch regulated machine? I am sure if I went really slow I could eventually get it. I have been told that going slow heats up the motors. Anyone have experience you can share with me on This?

I was thinking the same thing!Why not just post It? That is the reason I haven't bought a Pennywinkle. I liked the simplicity and how it drove but the tension issues I have read about has kept me from buying.

So here's a quirky question. I was told that the In nova design was a knockoff of the Pennywinkle. Could it be true? Looking at Innova's site, It looks the same! I would think if that was false P. Would get sued be ordered to stop selling. I looked at Pennywinkle 24 and liked it, but no stitch regulator. Hubby liked the simplicity of it.

Thank you very much. These are the things I needed to hear. Helen, I looked online for Intellistitch Regulator. Offered only in a few states, mainly the South West. So I guess in Tennessee it's not an option? On the older used machines they come with wood top tables with metal legs. Can you buy new frames? Is an old frame ie. Ultimate II frame a good one? Thank you all very much for your input.

All I know about tables is that I want 12 foot. Wheel system? I am not educated on that. Could you share some of your knowledge on that? I did not know regulators and Intelliquilter could be added later. That's brilliant! Thank you so much for letting me pick your brain. Very helpful.

Helen, I haven't been looking too hard until just last few months. I have only begin making quilt tops 3 1/2 years ago. Saw my first long arm machine when I picked up my first quilt from the quilter. I was memorized. I knew I wanted one. Didn't know where to begin. I saw a Gammill at the first quilt fest 3 yrs ago. It was the biggest, fanciest thing. The lady asked if I quilter. When she saw my curiosity she told me if I wanted to quilt I needed that one. 32,000! I was so shocked I decided I was going to learn to quilt on a home machine. I got a Janome 3160QDC, as I didn't want computer. Love it. Saw a Lennie at the following year show. Loved it but didn't pull the trigger. Looked at HQ. I didnt think Gammill an option. I was told by other companies that Gammill is a great company but you are paying for a name, not the quality. When I read reviews, everybody says their product is the greatest. No one has any comments about what they don't like. Which makes it confusing. After all, if they were all so great, why would there be so many used ones?? I have been told a stitch length regulator is a must. I would like to do pantos. That is where the market is here. I want to do front work on my own quilts. (I have close to 20 waiting to be quilted). I didn't even know one can do ruler work on a LA or domestic until last week. Lol How long will a LA last? Should I avoid early to mid 90's? You mention hydraulic lift. I think that is one thing that intrigues me about A1. I cannot find any personal reviews on them. If you were to buy a new one, would you stay with Gammill? Would you but Vision 2.0? What size is you harp? Is get the biggest frame and machine you can fit in your space really true?