livenlearn124

Has anyone used this machine / frame or is still using it.
If so, what are your thoughts? any pitfalls or complaints, what do you like about it?

It's a machine manufactured in Waverly, TN.


I test drove it today at the Quilt Fest in Jacksonville, FL. I really liked it!

Here is a link to the site:

http://www.fabricartshop.com/sunshine16.htm


Thanks for your time!

Wendys Quilts

Oh lynn, I was there and test drove a couple and I am hooked! I want one so bad now. It was awesome wasn't it? There were so great quilts there too. That was the first time tired the long arm machines. They were so smooth to run, compared to my little brother machine :)

livenlearn124

This was a day of firsts for me.. first time going to a quilt show, first time test driving a long arm (actually tried 3).. and the first time I thought I could actually be able to operate a long arm..
I"m hooked too! I'm thinking about dragging the hubs up there tomorrow =)

A girl's gotta dream =)

Wendys Quilts

OH OOOPPS, I surely did not mean to post three times. Sorry about that.

You are funny! My hubby was there and he was having fun too. We were both pretty impressed with the long arms.

The one you mentioned here, I did not test drive. Does it have the stitch regulator? I hope to hear some responses about it as well.

Yes, a girl's gotta dream :)

moonrise

I've never heard of them, but the prices don't look too bad at all! :)

livenlearn124

I couldn't resist stopping on my way home from work..I work in Regency, so I came home through downtown and stopped at the Osborn. I thought I would be saving the drive back downtown Saturday... now I REALLY want to go spend the day there!

The Sunshine 16 did not have the stitch regulator, it was a plain jane/straight stitch machine. But, it was very easy to use and not hard at all to keep the stitches even. That is why I was so impressed. Granted, I have NEVER used a long arm before, but this machine truly felt like it was floating over the fabric, was VERY easy to control stitches and loved the fact that you could sit down to use it. (back issues)

I would love to hear from someone who has this machine.
Of course the sales rep said she owns one... but she's the sales rep.

cathyvv

I tried it at the Philadelphia quilt show a week ago. I liked it, it was easy to use. BUT, and this is a big 'but' for me, it vibrated a lot.

My hands can't take the vibration. It sets my fibromyalgia off and I am miserable for a while. I hate to push shopping carts across the parking lot because of the vibrations from the rough parking lot surface, it's that bad!

Jerry, the guy who makes them, said all long arms vibrate. I tried a couple of others while at the quilt show, and they vibrated, too. I've heard from long arm quilters that if the machine and frame are balanced right, there is no vibration.

The machine did look very sturdy. Jerry told us that it is made from parts that can be purchased locally at Lowe's or Home Depot, so their is less dependence on the manufacturer for proprietary parts. My husband liked that!

LORNAD

I tried it at the Santa Clara, California show yesterday and I was really impressed. I do not want to send out my quilting for someone else; I want to do it myself. But the long arm machines are so expensive. This was reasonable and seemed like something I could do, plus was small enough that I would have room for it. I would like to find someone who has one and has quilted a whole quilt with one. Anyone . . . .

lots2do

I'm wondering about this set-up too. Any thoughts from someone who owns one?
Thanks in advance.

crashnquilt

I've not tried this machine BUT the only thing that worries me is LIMITED WARRANTY. Before plunking down the dollars I would ask to see a copy of the warranty, read it and ask the owner to explain it to me. Then ask questions of:

How often does it need service?
Where can I have it serviced?
How much is servicing?
How expensive it is when a belt breaks?
What type of needles does it use?
Where can I purchase the needles?
How expensive are the needles?
Can I re-time the machine myself?
Am I limited on the types of threads I can use?
What kind of "home maintenance" is required?
How often do I do "home maintenance"?
What kind of "after" support comes with the machine?
Does the warranty have an "hour limit" built in?
Does the machine have to be on a surge protector or UPS?
If the machine has to be shipped back to the factory who pays for the shipping?

I don't mean to be a downer, but any one of these questions can make or break a warranty. I am just speaking from personal experience as well as a former business owner. These are things you need to be aware of before making your purchase.