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Originally Posted by darlyevanson
I am 76 and purchased a Gammill Classic 6 years ago. I paid for it with quilting for others in 2and 1/2 years. I added Intelliquilter computer system in July of last year. No regrets. I only wish I had made the purchase when I was much younger. Great source of added income and so rewarding.
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If I had the room I would love to own one. I have paid as much as 200 to have a quilt done. It seems to me that whenever we make a big purchase we get cold feet - second thoughts - trying to justify it - but I think you will enjoy it once it is there and you can play on it.
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Originally Posted by Shelbie
I'd really recommend that you try one someplace before you buy. I have always thought that I'd love a long arm system but after spending a day with my friend Chris on her Gammill and spending several days on a midarm setup at my local LQS, I decided that I really didn't like it nearly as much as I thought. Now I really appreciate even more what longarmers do and why they charge what they do. It was time consuming and a lot of work to get everything loaded and ready to go. The actual quilting was ok but not something that I would want to do everyday or as my new business. My LQS rents out their room with the midarm for $50 a day. My friend and I rent it once in a while, help each other and can finish a quilt for each of us in a day (if it's not king sized). I'd do more "homework" before you spend all that money.
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Originally Posted by cgroark
I guess I'll stick my 2 cents in now. I have a mid-arm (Handiquilter 16) which I love and never regret purchasing. I have found that the quilting is the part I enjoy most of the quilt process, just above designing and selecting the fabric. I am now considering trading up to the 24" Fusion by Handiquilter and I am having the same doubts, but going full speed ahead because I already know I enjoy it. You, however, have to do what is most comfortable for you.
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Well, I think I feel a little bit better about it. I mean, I wouldn't hesitate to go out and buy a car, now would I? I always get buyer's remorse though. But, so far I've gotten over it. But, oh, which one and how much? Help!!!
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I would look into buying a used machine to save money and
there are also some less expensive machines, eg: Bailey |
I tried on a home machine quilt frame first(Inspira). Not too pricey and was able to realize that a long-arm was not for me. Good luck with your descision.
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I belong to two large quilt guilds and each of them has several people with longarm machines that do beautiful work. A couple of the girls have burned out and gotten rid of their machines. Unless you can afford the machine just to do your own work you may find it is a burden. Once doing other people's quilts to pay for your machine becomes a necessity it takes a lot of the pleasure out of the process. I was a handquilter for hire who is basically out of business because of the longarmers so I probably sound like sour grapes. Having to deal with other people's tops, loading and unloading the machine etc. and just he time and space it requires can become a burden. You will have to quilt a lot of quilts for other people to pay for the machine before you can feel free to leave it sit when you are tired of it. IF money is no object enjoy your new toy. If it is a problem it won't belong before you feel like you are working in a sewing factory. Just my two cents.
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I know the feeling. I bought mine and am still struggling but am doing wall hangings and baby quilts. One of these days I will graduate to the bigger quilts. I wish I had done this years ago, I am 75 yr old and hard to teach an old dog they say ha ha. If not now you may regreat it. Hope your dealer gives lessons. Mine don't which is the mistake I make. Good Luck. Just do it.......BJ
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If you're questioning your choice now, you may want to reconsider and test drive more or even rent time on a long arm before making a final decision. There is more costs into owning a long arm than just buying the machine and frame. I'm very happy with my choice of buying a long arm and knew I wanted one from the start. I don't quilt for others, just myself and for charity. I have a job and a busy life so it's just a hobby for me, I may do 2 tops a month and maybe none at all, but that's okay with me. Good luck with your decision!
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