I bought my Tin Lizzie after testing out a few machines. I had been leaning towards the HandiQuilter, but when I was actually on the TL, I knew it was the one (same thing happened with my domestic). The machine arrived last May and immediately had a problem with one encoder (the thing that registers the side-to-side movement). Okay, no big deal, they replaced it after 2 weeks. But my rep never actually trained me. She spent 15 minutes with me, loaded the quilt wrong, said "play with it" and left. I had to watch the DVD a lot and come online before I could even do anything. And then the machine still wasn't working right. In February, I finally pitched a fit with the dealer and with TL themselves, since every quilt (the whopping 6 I made in 9 months) had issues. They sent the new rep (old rep was fired) and a tech. Tech said the other encoder (front-to-back motion) was also bad, which meant it had been bad for 9 months, awesome. Almost a month later, they replaced that - still issues. 2 weeks later, they just replaced the tension assembly. On the to do list is to get a quilt on there and give her a test.

I'm sort of in the buyer's remorse category. I still felt like TL was "the one", but I'm thinking I should've bought the HQ (since one of the gals I work with has one and LOVES the machine and the tech support, plus they have classes), or even a different machine. I dunno... trying to power through it since when it works, I really do like my machine. Hang in there, do some quilts, and make sure it's not just an expensive table like mine is...

(oops, sorry, double post)

Hope to get one
 

My sister, mother and myself, are thinking of getting HQ Avante. DBINL AND DAD Brought up how many quilts do you have to do to make it pay for itself. Why does it have to pay for its self? I don't think bil boat ever paid for its self.Why can't we just have something because we would enjoy it. We get together and make all sorts of scrappy quilts we have always tied them but we want to try quilting. I think we are going to have are way for once.

You go girls - go for it and enjoy yourselves!!!

I am experiencing this feeling at the moment but only because the Dealer that I bought my 18" Innova with AutoPilot is so new to longarm quilting that my buying experience has been absolutely horrible. I researched and test drove every single brand I could find for the past 4 years until I finally decided on the Innova and took the dive in March when the manufacturer had a great special on. I live just north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and found an Innova dealer in Toronto so I figured "BONUS", since he is the ONLY Canadian dealer listed on the manufacturer's website. Well... first off, they "lost" my machine in transit. So the dealer's 7-day delivery promise turned into 21 days. When the machine was finally delivered, the dealer and his sidekick proceeded to put the unit together by reading instructions and arguing with one another about what went where and in what order. Talk about inspiring lack of confidence. They started at 12:30 pm and 8 hours later - and I mean a SOLID 8 hours later, no food or restroom breaks even though I offered coffee, etc., seeing as it was going on 8:00 p.m., they decided to wrap up and return another day to finish the job. After they left, I realized that the machine, as set up, was way too high for me, so made a note to point this out when they returned. Two days later, they returned, lowered the unit to my satisfaction, then spent another 4 hours finishing the installation. Having become understandably nervous by now that my $24,000. expenditure was a good investment, I asked them to demonstrate the machine. The dealer (and this is the owner of the shop) gave me a funny look and said "Of course!" whereby he turned it on and sure enough, the needle went up and down and the carriage moved around. I gave them the rest of the payment, satisfied that the machine was operating satisfactorily, they left, and I spent the rest of the day pouring over all the on-line literature and tutorial videos. The next morning, I decided to inspect the machine more closely, and to my horror, discovered that the head of the machine actually rocked on the carriage, as neither the left rear wheel nor the front right wheel were making full contact with the carriage. To add to this, two of the belts that operate the robotics of the machine are rubbing together and creating terrible drag as the machine is pulled forward. I immediately called the dealer and explained the problem and his response was "Oh yeah, I noticed that rocking motion before I left your place." I just about fell off my chair as I responded "And you left it that way???". He then promised to call the manufacturer and "get back to me" but I haven't heard from him since and it's been more than 24 hrs.

Quite honestly, this experience so far has been a bit of a nightmare - and my husband, who is extremely handy and mechanically inclined, is fuming but not willing to tinker with anything for fear of voiding the warranty.

Buying an expensive toy in our current economy was a big leap of faith on my part. Now, I'm wondering what I've done. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE to quilt and have made more than 25 quilts in the last several years - many of them Queen sized on a domestic machine. But after carpel tunnel surgery last year, a longarm with robotics was the only way I could myself able to continue doing what I love. I just hope I didn't make a mistake with the choice of machine and dealer.

A friend of mine has purchased a zipper that is for the longarm machines. She says its easier and quicker and keeps the bottom fabric more even. I plan on visiting and seeing how this works. She said it was 35.00. =3 zipper system. I buy quilt tops off ebay to practice on and give away.

I have a longarm that I adore the Handiquilter 16. Pinning was the worst part of the procedure until I learned to just machine baste the leaders to the backing and the top then load them on the rails. The quilttop is free floating at the top, just sew across the length with the longarm after it is loaded(all three layers).

red snappers
 

I'm going to give a big yes to the red snappers also. I constantly stick myself with pins - the snappers are the best - also another one called Leader Snaps I believe.
Judi

Go for it!!! This is a case where you are absolutely right!!!

I am no where close to a long arm. In fact I just bought my first new domestic machine and agonized over which to get with my $500. (we are a young family.) but I really want to stress that if you can afford it, you should do it. We only live once and can't take our money with us when we go. Lots of things in life don't "pay for themselves" and there isn't anything wrong with that. While discussing my sewing machine budget I reminded dh about the cost of one set of his racing tires that he can maybe get 2 seasons out of. That ended all discussion. :)

The zippers are the best. You can sit while you put the quilt top and backing on zippers(and take them off) - no standing. It then only takes a minute to zip them to the leader zippers which you have permanently attached. As you use safety pins with the zippers you're less apt to poke yourself too. You can also have extra sets to have several quilts on zippers if needed. You can get them through this website http://stores.longarmconnection.com
The longarmconnection is usually at the MQX shows too.

Loving my Innova
 

Buying an expensive toy in our current economy was a big leap of faith on my part. Now, I'm wondering what I've done. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE to quilt and have made more than 25 quilts in the last several years - many of them Queen sized on a domestic machine. But after carpel tunnel surgery last year, a longarm with robotics was the only way I could myself able to continue doing what I love. I just hope I didn't make a mistake with the choice of machine and dealer.[/QUOTE]

Buying anything as expensive as a longarm made me shiver. I also tried every brand of machine I could find, that may be a bit easier here in the states tho I don't really know. I bought my 18" Innova, standard tension and no bells or whistles at a show so I really have no dealer. A young man from the company came and set it up from scratch, took him 5 hours and he gave a basic demo also. I overcame my fear of breaking something and have learned in a year how to do basic longarm quilting, can make a pretty fair feather, too. Anytime I have had an issue or a question, I call the toll free number for Innova and talk to Michael. He is in his 70s and has owned the company for many years. He knows these machines and how to correct the problems by walking you thru them over the phone. He needs to know about this dealer that gave such poor service so he can educate them or not let them sell these machines. His number should be on the literature you received with your purchase. If not, email me privately and I will give it to you.
The Innova is a great machine but may not work properly if it isn't set up correctly just as any other brand. I have never changed my setup as it runs perfectly just as Jake set it up. I feel for you, what a terrible way to get started with what should have been an exciting and thrilling event. Call Michael, if he isn't there right that minute, he will return your call soon.
Lynne from eastern KS

w7sue - you sound like you are doing a fine job of learning your machine without much outside help. Don't know where you are in Oregon but there will be a Machine Quilters Exposition(MQX) West in Portland this coming October go to this website for info http://www.mqxshow.com/MQX/West/Home/index.cfm . Your (or another) Gammill dealer will be there and the zipper company too. I got a Gammill in '08 and have a part-time business. Like you, I had no one to ask for help. I had my first two customers lined up before the machine was delivered! I had to tell them it would be a while before I was ready to work on their quilts. I did the first one two months later. I did attend classes at MQX East for the past 3 years and learned a lot. Gammill had a video by Linda Taylor that shows the basics of using the machine and her book was very helpful too.
With your positive attitude you'll have that machine mastered in no time.
See my comments about the zipper system it is worth every penny in time and energy savings.

I bought a Gammill Vision 18-8 in November of last year. Yes, it is a lot of money and, yes, I could have paid off some bills with the money. However, I LOVE making quilts and I now LOVE my longarm. Since November, I have quilted as many quilts as I did in the 2 1/2 years prior on my DSM and I am able to easily quilt a lot more patterns than just a simple meander. I am still practicing on my tops, but hope to start quilting for others very soon. The first 100 - 120 quilts I do will pay for the machine. I work full-time, so it may take me a few years to quilt that many, but I can also do my own quilts at the same time. My plan is to use quilting to supplement my income once I retire. So I need to start practicing now...right???

If you are having trouble getting started, the Linda V. Taylor book mentioned above is excellent. Also look for her videos online. I have watched many videos online and also belong to several Yahoo quilting groups. There are Yahoo groups for most of the longarm brands as well as groups for people with different brands of longarms. I also am on the Machine Quilter's Resource (MQR) forum. I don't have a lot to contribute yet, and most of the work posted there is beyond my skills...so far, but I get a lot of information and ideas there.

All that said, only you and your family can decide if this is the wrong time for such a large purchase. However, if you just feel you aren't getting your money's worth from it, just get in there and get to quilting!

long arm purchase
 

I too have regretted the purchase of my machine. I have had it for several years. The timing on my machine frequently has to be adjusted and finally I sent it back to the factory. Because I have been so discouraged, I haven't practiced like I should. I hope you find working with your machine brings you more enjoyment. Good luck.

I am like you and do have regrets about buying my HQ 16. I have had it since 2010 and have only done several quilts on it. Not happy the way they turn out. I dont have a problem loading the quilting my problems are the stitches are not good. I always blame the machine but I sure its me I either move to fast or not fast enough. Taking classes are out of the question for me. HQ classess are around $300.00. My husband passed away and the bills just do not get it. Two incomes down to my little income is hard. Anyway after reading what is being said maybe I should just get my stuff together and practice more. Thanks everyone!
agentpatti

don't be afraid to experiment... sometimes people can find their own comfort zone.. i know i load my quilt in perhaps a very silly way, sometimes it takes a bit, but the main thing is, that if it stitches well,, just keep it up and find your comfort zone.. i'm a loop de loop girl... i need to invest in a "stitch regulator"... and will someday, but for now, i'm fine.. as for having the gammil.... my friend got the "computer program" and it's the best thing she's done,,, once that's learned. it's load, set and watch the thing go.. beautiful pantos built right into the unit...
have fun, don't be scared...

I bought my longarm in 2000 with the intent of making it help me take early retirement. Only took a one-day class and at the time was so excited. Things started out slow, but it was never my intent to work at this full-time until my 2008 retirement. There were times when I was very frustrated...pattern didn't seem to work, took forever, etc. But, I stuck it out and now I have a great business built up basically by repeat customers and word of mouth. Since the first of the year, I've gotten several new customers, which is exciting. My problem now...never enough time to work on my own quilts. There are a dozen of my quilts that need to be finished and stacks of material and patterns calling my name. I'm working another part-time job that I plan to retire from next year, so can devote more time to my quilting,

I have the same remorse, However mine is not as expensive as yours, I purchased a quilting frame and machine over 14 months ago and still have yet to guilt anything on it..... Still looking for help....from manufacturer or maybe just going to classes.

My only regret is that I don't use it enough. I made peace with myself when I purchased this that I did not want to attempt to equal the work of professional quilting. If, with much practice and fun at the machine, I reach a similar quality to professionals, that would be awesome...but not necessary for me. This is for ME and my pleasure. I so admire the beautiful work by so many excellent and skilled quilters, but am very happy to do this for my pleasure. Made myself a promise that I would not take any work for fees so I would not put that stress on myself. I do quilt for charity quilts and my children, that is enough for me. Nothing would cause me any more stress than to have someones beautiful work and not be satisfied with my own quilting.

I can understand feeling that maybe I should not have spent so much money at that time and have even been there a few times when my machine sits too long. However, I can't get out of town even for a day trip much any more because of my hubby's health, so this is my "get away". Do hope you get to point that you enjoy your beautiful machine.

I was very lucky to get a 3 day learning retreat before my machine actually arrived. We learned how to set it up, load quilts and actually did some practice quilting on a machine like the one we would be be getting. It arrived by truck in several packages (which were just left on the porch!) and DH and I put the frame together with the help of a CD. I've had it now for almost 5 yrs and really enjoy using it. DH has been very good to me and very supportive. We had a 14' X 24' shed built last year and we have successfully moved everything to the shed. Sometimes I feel a little selfish, but I love the quilting, so no remorse. I occasionally quilt for other people, but my family keeps my busy! Just relax and put a practice sandwich on it. Just use a 2 or 3 ft piece of cheap fabric for back and another for the front. Cut the top one down 2 or 3 inches on all sides. Put a piece of batting between them and relax and practice. You'll probably start looking forward to turning it on and trying a new design. Pantos are easy. I use a laser to follow the lines. Use the broken line to help you line up for the next row. If you need help doing this, PM me. You'll love the results you get!

Update
 

I am delighted to say that within hours of my above post, I received a personal phone call from Neal, the President of Innova. He was thoroughly gracious and professional. He apologized for the problems I was experiencing, admitting that the dealer had not been properly trained by Innova, particularly on the AutoPilot. He offered to fly an Innova technician from Houston to Toronto first thing in the morning to complete the installation. Now, THAT's customer service! As I am not running a business, I couldn't honestly say that my situation required that sort of urgency, so I agreed to give the dealer another chance, on the understanding that I would request an Innova technician, if the dealer failed to perform once again. Neal gave me his direct phone number and e-mail address and assured me that my installation would be completed to my 100% satisfaction at Innova's expense. I was very impressed and my confidence in Innova was restored.

The dealer returned that same evening, and spent a solid 2 hours tweaking the carriage assembly and belt drives to my satisfaction - as well as my husband's, who is very fussy. The machine appears to now be operating solidly, although I won't know for sure about the belts until I engage the AutoPilot. But as it stands, I'm a happy camper.

I am now looking forward to learning this machine inside and out and making some beautiful quilts. As for the dealer... well, let's just say he's more salesman than techie and he's got a huge learning curve. But I'm a generous spirit and I'm willing to work with him, knowing Innova will always be there for me.

Thanks Neal.

That IS customer service. The manufacturers are very aware of the power of a negative review. There are stats on this and they know that the negative will always outweigh the positive.

I'm glad you were able to get the issue resolved. And even though your dealer worked it out for you - and you suffered through it - you can be gratified that the next purchaser from this dealer will not experience the same nightmare. Innova will ensure that it doesn't happen.

Thanks to the vendors and manufacturers who monitor our boards for issues. I asked a question of the board about a kit offered by Keepsake Quilting when KQ didn't seem able to answer my question. KQ saw my post and provided a contact so that I could get the answer. I did get my answer and purchased the kit. I'll remember their efforts.

to Boater4444 and all others
The customer service provided by Innova is unbelievable and was one of the deciding factors when I purchase my 22" Innova last fall. We have a small business ourselves (dairy farm) and deal with a number of vendors through that and I don't think in the 30 years we have been doing this that we have had customer service from any of them like I have experienced with Innova. I sure hope your dealer gets trained properly and gets to understanding their business ethic because they truly are one in a million. Fantastic product and the absolute best in customer service AND 24/7/365!!!!! How can you beat that??? I hope you are loving your machine:-)

Boater, as a fellow Innova owner I urge you to call Innova directly and tell them about your experience. You may want to ask to talk to Michael. I know he will want to hear about your experience and make it right.i am a relatively new owner with autopilot as well. I had mine installed by one of the techs! Keith . It took about 12 hours and it was a very good install. My tech taught me how to run the machine and bobbin winder, adjust tension and work with autopilot, and we can go to Utah for additional free training if desired. I did a lot of my learning on my own and called the company when i had problems and asked questions on the Innova forums. I admit that I was frustrated as most are with tension issues, but I feel like that is usually an newbies learning curve issue with gaining experience and knowledge. I know why they always offer tension classes at all the quilt shows:) watchingthe innova videos that Renae produced was very helpful and I feel much more confident that I can troubleshoot issues that come up now, 6 months on later. That being said, you can't and shouldn't fight a bad set up. Innova wouldn't want you to, I am sure. Call them and see if they will help.

Oops I posted after you received the help you needed:) I'm glad the company came through for you....I thought they would:) you can call them anytime day or night if you run into anything else...I would be happy to help if I can too...pm me if you want to:)

[QUOTE=Hockeyrabbit;5108255]Has anyone on this site, who owns a Long arm have any regrets about buying it? I am in the process of buyers remorse and feel I need to return the machine. There is something just not right with the timing of all this and I wish I could put my finger on it. Making me nuts! JC[/

This happened to a friend of mine. She is an excellent quilter and her husband bought her a quilting frame for Christmas. Then they bought I think it was the tin Lizzie machine. But I'm not 100% sure of that part. Point is she hated it. It sat like an elephant in her quilt room and she never used it. It got so bad she was avoiding her quilt room and her quilting. I tried to encourage her to find some sources for help but she is stubborn! Point is they have decided to sell their home and downsize so she sold her machine and frame. She is so much happier without it!

No buyer's remorse here! I was looking at Gammills, Noltings, and HQs when I found an Innova at a shop hop. It had everything I was looking for and the price was WAY less than the others, so I bought it!!! I had never even heard of it but I don't regret my purchase for a minute. I love the 24/7/365 tech service that is willing to help me get my tension balanced just right, walk me through my once-a-year timing of the machine as well as their willingness to send a tech from their operation in Texas for free to fix something that I can't be talked through. I had my machine a week when I had my first customer quilt on the frame. I love my Innova and don't ever intend to replace her!!!

Well, post first and read more posts later is what happened here! You are an example of just how far ABM International is willing to go to make sure the owners of Innovas are completely satisfied with their machines. Their customer service is head-and-shoulders above the service I've heard of with any other longarm.

If you subscribe to TheQuiltShow.com, Linda Taylor has a series of classes for how to load and use your long arm. Her method of pinning on a quilt is so sensible and quick, that alone is worth the price of the subscription.

Short explaination: Start in the middle of the quilt edge. pin out every 4 inches. When you get to the edge, go back putting a pin between each of the previous pins. When you get to the middle, go to the other edge placing a pin every 4 inches. Go back to the middle putting a pin inbetween each pin. She claims you can have a king sized quilt loaded in a half hour. She is right. So simple, but it organizes you and you don't take extra time to figure out what comes next.

Hope that helps some.

hugs, Jup

I have a "mid" arm and haven't used it much however, my 13 year old grandson started quilting on it when he was 8 and he does a fantastic job. It was worth the money to be able to share it with grand children. My 8 year old grand daughter will be trying it this summer when school is out. She made her first quilt on a regular sewing machine last fall and has filmed several segments for OREGON QUILTING on our local public TV.

I have a "mid" arm and haven't used it much however, my 13 year old grandson started quilting on it when he was 8 and he does a fantastic job. It was worth the money to be able to share it with grand children. My 8 year old grand daughter will be trying it this summer when school is out. She made her first quilt on a regular sewing machine last fall and has filmed several segments for OREGON QUILTING on our local public TV.

Longarm quilting can certainly be intimidating at first.......but if you spent the money you certainly must have looked into it rather intensely prior to purchase and decided you wanted to do this. I have been LA for over 10yrs and vaguely remember my first experiences....there have been so many satisfying moments since then.........just remember it takes time and patience to "master" the thing. Granted, there are a few who just turn it on and wonders happen, but most of us have to concentrate, practice, talk to ourselves, and whatever it takes to keep one grounded to continue. Start with either muslin sandwiches-top, batt, bottom or use some ug fabric just to practice on....those can later be bound and donated to animal shelters....they love to use them in the animal cages.......don't expect to have perfect anything at first.....if you do a panto, buy one that has lots of soft curves, not straight or diagonal lines...it is easier to fudge a curve than a line and keep your eye not on the laser but just ahead of it, like when you drive, your eyes scan the road in front of you, not glued to the spot in front of the wheels...sort of the same thing...and above all relax, breathe and be happy with what you are doing. If you decide longarming is not for you....and yes there is a bit of muscle strain occasionally, then put it up for sale.....it does not depreciate drastically andf you will probably get most of your initial output back. these are just my thought today...now I have to put up another top and quilt it.......

Thanks for the encouragement for all of us!

I just upgraded to a true long arm after using a Juki 2010 and got tired of the turning routine. I used it with Quilt Motion. I am transferring that to the Viking Mega Quilter that I just purchased. To learm I use any old inexpensive pieces of fabric, old sheets that I could find. The practice quilts were cut up and given to my local SPCA for pet beds. They were most appreciative.

It doesn't have to pay for itself. All it has to do is make you happy. There's little enough happiness in life. Do what you can to add to yours.

I use a HQII Frame extended to 12 FT with a PC Quilter and the MAX Throat. I love it! (max throat is a system that allows your 9in throat machine stitch up to 15", unlike most mine does work) I've had this set up for about 6 years. I love getting exactly what I want with every row. Last year I did upgrade the PC Quilter by retro fitting it with MRQ hardware which came with Pro-Q designer, a software program that allows you to lay out and program your complete quilt design. It's wonderful... I only wish I didn't have to sell it. I'm having some serious medical issues that need to be taken care of and won't be able to use the system when its done. Don't be afraid... take that first step and remember, whatever the timing if something happens you'll find a way to work through it... :)

I thought I wanted one until I helped a long armer do several quilts at her home. The quilting was fun but the loading and unloading wasn't for me. She has the top of the line Gammil with everything on it. I can send my quilts to the best award winning LA to do for me for years and still save money. If your passion is machine quilting then it's worth the cost but having to machine quilt for others to justify the cost would not be fun at all to me. I do decent all over quilting with a John Flynn Frame and it cost under $150.

If that works for you, great. but as far as loading goes, check out using red snappers http://quiltsonthecorner.com/red_snappers. loading and unloading truly is "a snap"! I think there is another brand of a similar type of thing but oh my, so worth the money they cost. Whether you have a mid arm/long arm or whatever.....

I too was so afraid of my LA that I thought of many reasons to get out of the agreement with the seller. I bought a Tin Lizzie and was one of the unlucky people who got a dud! Still even with the frustration of machine that constantly skipped stitches I made up my mind I would master it. Finally the store owner came to look at my LA and replaced the encoders and as if a miracle had happened all was well. I love longarming, the machine not so much. Before you give it up remember, no matter how much it cost, theraphy is probably a lot more expensive.

Before you give it up remember, no matter how much it cost, theraphy is probably a lot more expensive.[/QUOTE]

I LOVE IT! THIS HOLDS TRUE FOR ALL ASPECTS OF QUILTING:-)

(QUOTE- Before you give it up remember, no matter how much it cost, theraphy is probably a lot more expensive.-QUOTE)

I am getting one to make me and my family happy.