I was free motion machine quilting on my Bernina and fighting a losing battle. Thread breaking and stitch tension, just going nuts. My friend Hilary said its the tension. Yes, I agree, lots of tension going on. My husband Pete suggested getting it serviced at least 3 times in the last couple weeks which is a great idea, but then I'd have to go without, yikes! So I caved took it in to Moore's and they said it hasn't been serviced since 2008...oops. I thought it was only a year ago, but time gets away from me.I should be taking it in at least once a year and maybe even twice. I bought a service contract so now I can take it in as often as I like and they'll fix everything. Sounds like a great deal. The Bernina is a great machine but I have run it ragged, so a little RandR for Berny and he'll be right as rain.
"Pete says why don't you just buy a long arm machine, I know you want to!"...Oh baby... sweet talker! So now I am in the market for a long arm. Hopefully next year, I'll be able to make that happen.
Considering the
- Tin Lizzie18
- Nolting or the
- HQ Sweet Sixteen.
Want to stay around the $6,000 mark.
Any suggestions? What works what doesn't?
Hope you get to sew this weekend.
Love
Aunti Nicole
Call Cranberry Quiltworks/Fresh Picked Fabrics in Yorba Linda. They are dealers and can maybe hook you up with a used machine.
ReplyDeleteI have had a Tin Lizzie 18 for about 3 years. I've been very happy with it. There have been some improvements to it (and to other brands) since I bought mine, so I don't have the latest and greatest. I recommend going to a big quilt show where you can see many different brands in one day and compare them. That's what I did and I found that I liked some models better than others. Send me an email if you have any questions. I'll be happy to help.
ReplyDeleteI'm 100% with Pete on this one. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'd say test drive as many as you can! I was talking to someone the other day who has a tin Lizzie and she said noise wise it really lives up to the tin name.
ReplyDeleteUm, and I've has my bernina since about '95 and never had it serviced. Maybe I should look in to that!
I have a small Bernette as a backup for my Bernina...I hate being without. And yes, go to Gina at Cranberry she sometimes does have used machine available or knows of someone who is selling.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! I can't wait for you to get a long arm so I can use it! I will come down and be your stunt quilter. See if they will deal on two.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that the aaa one is top of the line, and the hq brand is. Good too, but I heard the lizzies are work horses.
Xx mom
I have the HQ16. Ive had it about 5 years and Im looking into getting an upgrade for my tracks and software. ( which is due in august.im very excited:))
ReplyDeleteDo you make a few quilts a year? or 3 a month?
I don't work.. I quilt for charity a ton and I still don't know if its really worth it..
I spent about 10K - table upgrade, thread, bobbins, accessories, backing, it gets spendy.
all that being said, I really love it at times..I feel great pride in my "making". and I feel really happy with my decision. I went to a longarm convention to try machines and tried renting before I bought. Im glad I did my homework.
I tried longarming for customers and learned I dont like it. I have about 5 people I quilt for but that really is just friends.
not sure any of that was helpful... :) good luck