quiltingshorttimer

I'd add that I totally agree with Lyric Girl--when a customer contacts me the first thing we talk about is their turn around time expectation. Next is what type of quilting and costs they are thinking--if either of these is not a fit for me, I also let them know that and give them a referral--like Macy's did in Mircle on 34th Street! I figure that while I may lose a customer, that other quilter is likely to refer to me at times too--and that does happen.
Since this is such "word of mouth" business, I don't want an unhappy customer bad-mouthing me at some guild meeting when it's something that could have been addressed immediately and not lead to disappointment.

cathyvv

Ninab, I have a friend who started with the 9" Juki set up. She learned a lot from using it, including that she would have preferred a larger throated machine. After a couple of years using it, she bought a used Innova 18 inch machine.

If you have the space for a larger machine, at least look into a used set up with larger throat. Also, Grace has a 15 inch throat/frame (Q'nique) set up that might work weil for you and not be much more than your price range.

kittiebug

I got mine for me only , started quilting my friends , Then for a quilt shop . I stopped quilting for the shop they would call and say oh I for got I have a quilt here has to be done in 2 day . I stopped quilting for them . But I do quilt for the women , They come to my home and I do love quilting . I do not custom quilt , only Pantographs . Just don't take on to much . Good luck

SusieQOH

I don't have a longarm and don't really want one but if I did I know me too well. I wouldn't want to quilt for other people, no matter what. Having said this I'm glad there are longarmers out there because sometimes I send mine out.
Happy for you that you have one. You'll figure out what works best for you.

Edit- for my purposes the amount of money I spend sending quilts out is well worth the cost. I still hand quilt and am learning FMQ so it's not every quilt that gets sent.

cashs_mom

This is my feeling about making a "job" out of my hobby.

kacie

I don't use mine for fun OR profit. I love every part of the quilt-making process EXCEPT the quilting (I'd rather sit and bind all day). I bought a bunch of pattern boards and pantographs just so I could get the things finished in a reasonable amount of time, otherwise I'd have piles of tops just sitting in the closet. Plus, the 7- and 9-year-old grandkids can use the pattern boards and do their own quilting. Whatever encourages them!

lbaillie

Thank everyone, you have given me a lot to think about.

Still Sew N

I took free motion quilting as far as I could on my domestic machine. Each time I priced a sit down machine, I could not overcome sticker shock. Finally, the price dropped enough that I was able to purchase it with free financing. Starting a business never entered my mind and it still hasn't. I like doing what I do when I want to do it. More times than not if I make a free motion quilting design mistake, I say oooops and keep on going. Pretty sure that kind of attitude wouldn't make for good business! I have quilted for my sister and she is super easy to please. I'm still learning and am shocked at the learning curve of free motion. Who knew? Anyway, since I wasn't interested in paying someone else to quilt my quilt - owning a longarm seemed to make good sense. I know that I have more than paid for my sit down longarm had I paid someone to quilt my quilts. Glad I made the purchase as it is always good to go and ready for it's next quilt! No business for this gal!