HQ Sweet Sixteen May be in my future. Opinions greatly appreciated.
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
HQ Sweet Sixteen May be in my future. Opinions greatly appreciated.
I am looking into purchasing the HQ Sweet 16 with table and possibly the Tru Stitch Regulator Option. I have not yet seen a demo but will do so in the next week. There is a dealer about 40 miles from me and they have one demo model. I have some experience with FMQ with my Pfaff Creative Vision and although I manage to get through it, it is always a chore with a large quilt even though the throat is a pretty good size. Can anyone tell me if it is really that much better than using a domestic machine, particularly with bed size quilts? Also, are they standard priced or is it possible to find discounts (reg price $5200 and $6200 with Tru Stitch) and if so where. How about maintenance - have you had many problems or is it a work horse? I really appreciate any input as I am walking in the dark with this one. I'm in the northeast USA.
Jobago
Jobago
#2
Ooooohhhm, I am so JEALOUS!!I have played with it at two shows and both gave better prices if you bought there. VT Quilt Show had $4,500 I think. I talked with David Taylor there, check his website. He's really knowledgeable and represents them. However, he does not recommend the stitch regulator. It's not what you expect - it's a weird little gizmo that you put under the fabric, and you can always buy it later if you find you need it. Do check around for specials, but you need a relationship with the rep, I think. You'll want lessons, etc. In my area, a local FMQ is designated dealer though her studio is in her house. If I could buy one, I'd go to her. Also there are a couple of good dealers not far from me - Notion to Quilt, in Shelburne MA, and one in Middlebury VT. There should be more around if you look for them.
They give you so much space to move the quilt around!! In general, I've hear HQ has a good reputation, but I'm sure you'll get all kinds of pros and cons on this board. I don't like the feel of a longarm, and don't have room for those huge setups. You could fit the Sweetie in somewhere. OK, there is no commandment about coveting quilting machines, so I'll continue to do so. Good luck to you!!
They give you so much space to move the quilt around!! In general, I've hear HQ has a good reputation, but I'm sure you'll get all kinds of pros and cons on this board. I don't like the feel of a longarm, and don't have room for those huge setups. You could fit the Sweetie in somewhere. OK, there is no commandment about coveting quilting machines, so I'll continue to do so. Good luck to you!!
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Thanks Lynn, good suggestions. I'm thinking it might be worth the full price if the dealer really knows a lot about it and isn't just a seller of machines. I can get there in an hour. I'm hoping to travel there in the next week and take my first look at it and try it out. Thanks for the tip on the regulator. It's probably an option they'll improve on in the future. I guess it is better to learn the technique without it and I can always add it later. I too don't have the room for a frame and even this will be a squeeze, but you know what quilter's are willing to do for a new 'baby'!
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SC
Posts: 1,909
I have a LA, and can easily do king + sized quilts on it...and there's NO comparison between that and a DSM...I couldn't quilt if not for my LA...but, in all fairness, there are a lot of quilters out there who only use their DSM's and do absolutely jaw-dropping work! Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 64
i ran the hq 16, alot of vibration. drove to NC to drive Gammill, heavy and ended up buying the APQS. open blog and discounted houston show class model. the blog is invaluable and the customer support is oustanding. test drive all you can and make surevits the right machine for you before deciding on one. and i highly recommend a stitch regulator.
#6
I'm going to visit a dealer tomorrow and test drive it, so I will let you know what I think (and if I ordered one!) when I get back. I'm interested in the stitch regulator and will see what that's like as well. I don't have room for a frame, unless I take over the living room, and I don't really want to do that.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SW Minnesota
Posts: 1,120
i ran the hq 16, alot of vibration. drove to NC to drive Gammill, heavy and ended up buying the APQS. open blog and discounted houston show class model. the blog is invaluable and the customer support is oustanding. test drive all you can and make surevits the right machine for you before deciding on one. and i highly recommend a stitch regulator.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SW Minnesota
Posts: 1,120
I am looking into purchasing the HQ Sweet 16 with table and possibly the Tru Stitch Regulator Option. I have not yet seen a demo but will do so in the next week. There is a dealer about 40 miles from me and they have one demo model. I have some experience with FMQ with my Pfaff Creative Vision and although I manage to get through it, it is always a chore with a large quilt even though the throat is a pretty good size. Can anyone tell me if it is really that much better than using a domestic machine, particularly with bed size quilts? Also, are they standard priced or is it possible to find discounts (reg price $5200 and $6200 with Tru Stitch) and if so where. How about maintenance - have you had many problems or is it a work horse? I really appreciate any input as I am walking in the dark with this one. I'm in the northeast USA.
Jobago
Jobago
#9
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2
I purchased my HQ Sweet Sixteen sit down with the Tru Stitch and the overlay for the table. The overlay takes away the vibration when the Tru Stitch gets near the needle plate, and it tries to go over the "hump". I've moved from a standup longarm to the sit down setup due to progressive spine disease. I just love it! I use a small craft table from WalMart next to it when needed for larger quilts. I'm still learning to FM but just love the even stitches I get from the Tru Stitch. Have fun with whatever you choose!!
#10
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 1,070
The HQ Sweet Sixteen is by far the best quilting item I have bought. I purchased the extensions for the table and the overlay but not the stitch regulator. What someone said is true. It is a strange gizmo to me although others love it. Can always buy one later.
I bought mine from an HQ dealer about 40 miles away. Paid $5100 including shipping and tax.
Hq has named their sit down machine the Sweet Sixteen (Babylock has the same thing called a Tiara). HQ calls their stand up long arm the 16. ( no Sweet involved!).
I bought mine from an HQ dealer about 40 miles away. Paid $5100 including shipping and tax.
Hq has named their sit down machine the Sweet Sixteen (Babylock has the same thing called a Tiara). HQ calls their stand up long arm the 16. ( no Sweet involved!).
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