peaceandjoy

One thing to keep in mind is that you might find, after spending the money, that you don't even enjoy quilting!

A friend, who is fortunate enough to have the money to puchase one, was seriously looking into a longarm unit that was shown at a quilt show. She had used it for a few minutes and thought it was for her.

She found a LQS locally (well, an hour or so away) that allows customers to "rent" time on their machine. They help you get it all set up, get you started, etc. She found out that she really didn't enjoy the process at all!

Imagine if that purchase had been made! For her, it wouldn't have been a HUGE deal, as financially they are well off. But for many of us, it would have been a disaster.

I'd recommend looking around to see if there are any machines you can rent time on that are w/in a reasonable drive so that you can do a top or two and see if you really want to invest in the equipment.

Roben

Skeat, we've been looking at long arm set-ups for a little over 6 months now - and it'll make you go cross-eyed, that's for sure. The one thing I found the most helpful, without a doubt, is that we went to the AQS show in Des Moines last year. Most of the long arm companies were there - with machines all set up to play on :lol: We got to go straight from a Gammill to an HQ to an A1 to a Tin Lizzie. That was fantastic, because I could remember what I liked/didn't like between the machines, which is next to impossible for me if it is months between trying one and then another. They all feel different, have different frames, etc. All the dealers there had show specials, too. After quilting a queen size on the little 400 last year, I'm collecting big tops until I get my long arm or am having them done for me.

Right now I have my D1 on a computer table, with the companion table in the garage having a shelf put under it and DH cut out an acrylic piece for me so she'll sit flush. (Bonus: he's putting a light under there for me too, which will be invaluable for paper piecing!) That will continue to be my general sewing and piecing setup. Hubby uses the 400 with the acrylic quilting table for the piecing he's doing, on the kitchen table until he gets my table done :D

dojo36

well, yall think u got it bad? take a look at my setup. i took out my kitchen table and built my own sewing table - a piece of plywood 20" wide and 8 ft. long, bolted it to the wall and this is my sewing space. i cut out on the dining room table. i piece and such on this setup, but take my janome 6600 to the dining room table to do the free motion quilting. and i agree it is hard on ones shoulders and such but a person has gotta do what they gotta do to get by. my kids are grown and my husband passed away so i can pretty much do what i want anywhere i want. i don't cook much and if i do, i eat on a tv tray at the computer, lol. i'm a mess but nobody has to put up with it but me. i couldn't afford a big setup for quilting even if i did have the room and i'm too old (72) to invest lots of money in it anyhow, it would have to be put on a charge card and i don't want any debts either. so i'm kinda stuck with the setup that i have and it works for me.

Skeat

dojo-I love your set up and really love the no cooking idea!:))Thanks so much for allowing us into your quilting space!! I want to peek in those drawers!!LOL Skeat

Barbm

dojo- your work space works for me- Everything within reach- nice wall decorations. The wall shelves. Yep, move over, I want to sew with you. And cooking- hey, you must have pizza delivery, right?