Wow, 4 years after you created this video and its still extremely helpful in understanding the difference between home machines & long arms, and especially the questions you should ask yourself when making decisions! ❤
I had two reasons for buying my longarm. One, I hate basting with a white hot passion. I didn't have a large enough area, it killed my fingers and my back. Two, I make mostly larger quilts and it took forever to get them quilted on my domestic machine. Plus the weight of moving a 70 x 90 or bigger quilt around killed my arms and shoulders. I personally want to make my own quilts from picking fabric to hand stitching the binding and all in-between. Sending out wasn't in my game plan. My husband spent more on his Harley he just had to have than I spent on my machine. I am lucky I could find away to afford my machine and I know not everyone is in that position. btw, I got rid of my couch in the formal living room and put the longarm there instead. lol
LOL! That's great! I completely agree - I hate basting! I love that you realized this was your passion and made the investment so you can do every step of the quilting process without having it kill your body. I think that's great!
Beautifully explained. Like you I wanted to quilt faster and I started with a 9” Pfaff Grand Quilter with a 10’ frame. I finished a small mountain of quilts in it for 11 years. 4 years ago I upgraded to a Qnique 15r with a 10’ frame, with rear handles because I wanted to do pantos. It took a while, but now we are very good friends and we work well together. Thanks for addressing the afraid factor. I love teaching other people on how to use this machine, too. ❤️
I just want to thank you for the advice about getting involved in the process of setting up the machine. I would have had someone else set it up for me and wound up intimidated and afraid to use it. You are so right about getting your hands dirty and really trying to understand how it works. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you for everything that you do!
That's great Kerry! I've met many women that ask their husbands to set up their frames and end up unable to even turn it on. It's sad and the solution is to tighten the screws yourself so you can see how it works and runs and not be scared of it when it's all put together.
@@LeahDay My daughter works for Bilt - which is a company that has been making videos for setting up and working with the Gallant and Moxie machines. Hopefully, this company will get to all the quilting machines!
Super great video, I made a decision to buy a high end Janome Continental M7. In Canada exceeds 5,000.00. My decision to buy was the fact it has a 14 “ throat, giving me the extra space and be able to do ruler work. My quilting is strictly for my personal hobby/challenge. I will never paid out to have my quilt machine quilted by someone else. The cost here in Canada for fabric and quilting supplies is crazy, so I’m keeping it in perspective. Thanks for your great video. 👍❤️😊
Thanks so much for this great information and insight! You helped me come to the non-emotional decision that my home machine really is just right for me at this stage of my life and for the style, size, and number of quilts I like to make. I can carry on in contentment with what I have, and that's a great feeling!
Wonderful! Yes, stick with what works for you and makes you happy. There is no reason to feel pressure to switch machines unless you actually want and need a bigger machine!
My sister in law makes a quilt a day, six days a week, because she loves to make quilts. She has some one do the long arm sewing for her as she is to busy making a quilt top a day. I have watched your podcast for many years and find you have an awesome attitude. Owen Prince
Hello. This is absolutely one of the best explanations I have found about home machines versus long arm quilting machines. I wish that I had seen it years ago. Thank you so much for your positive, detailed explanations. They are so helpful.
Hi, Leah. Thank you for posting this. Helped with my decision! This is the definition I was given regarding various machines: Sewing Machine - has feed dogs, machine is stationary, fabric moves Mid Arm - NO feed dogs, machine is stationary, fabric moves (most sit down machines like Tiara, Q20, etc) Long Arm - No feed dogs, machine moves, fabric is stationary. Hope this helps.
I've heard this too, but unfortunately that term for midarm changes with every person you meet. There are only two ways to build a machine - with feed dogs or without. Why do we need a third term when there are only two types of machines? As far as HOW you set it up, that's just an extra description like Frame mounted home machine or sit down longarm.
Thanks Leah you are the reason I'm free motion quilting !!! You gave me the I CAN DO THIS .,now maybe one day a longarm will be for me.you are inspiring.!!!
First thing - the Grace Co. was very smart & lucky to get you as a spokesperson! Please suggest to the Grace Co. to build a frame for us sitdown quilters where we can roll up the quilt sandwich for large Queen-Kinq quilts by either pinning or spray basting. I think quilters who can't spend mega dollars on long arms would consider paying for a frame that stops us from having to clip to a table that hurts our backs & having to shift it over for more room -Or Heaven Forbid - having to get down on the floor! The sandwiching is the worst part of quilting!
Thank you Dawn! We do have the new Q-zone hoop frame that allows you to quilt larger quilts in a smaller space. Unfortunately you do have to have the quilt basted before it goes on and personally to me that makes it challenging to use. I prefer the Continuum frame which allows you to load the quilt and even the layers through the rails. Unfortunately this means it takes up far more room - you need the frame set up bigger than the quilt you wish to make. Grace Qnique longarms aren't super expensive which is one of the reasons I became a dealer. They are very good value for the money and I love that about these machines and frames!
I am thinking of starting quilting. I was so confused on what machine to get, and what all the terminology meant. You really cleared up many things. Thanks.
Another excellent, informative podcast, thank you--I think you have talked me out of a long arm, at least for a while. It will not solve all my problems, I just need to practice more on FMQ on my beautiful machine, and appreciate the one I do have.
Thank you Leah, your podcast taught me so much about quilting styles and machines that I had just not given any thought too...it was full of concrete information that was truthful and thought provoking and very doable. You obviously put a lot of intelligent thinking into creating this podcast to be so useful to the majority of quilters...your a terrific educator.
I just wanted to tell you how helpful your podcast has been. Your honest discussion of the confusing world of long arm machines has really helped me decide if I should invest in a longarm machine. I have wanted to make many quilts over the years. I would get one pieced and quilted only to end up not making any more because of the pure strugle I experienced. I have a wonderful old Singer Quantum CXL that was my grandmother's. I have loved this machine for a long time and made many a quilt on it over the years but I want to make my quilting experience better. I have so many quilts I want make but don't because of how difficult it is. I have quilted more than half of my quilts by hand because it was just to daunting to use the machine. My finger's could use a break. Thank you!
Thank you Nita! I'm so happy you found this helpful and I hope you'll look into renting time on a longarm in your area, if possible. You CAN quilt your own quilts and finish them and it doesn't have to be so hard. Just stitching straight lines across with a longarm is SO much easier than using a home machine or by hand. Good luck on your new journey!
Leah thank you so, so much for this. At times it gave me goosebumps. I came across it at the right time for me. I am often intimidated and afraid of diving into this passion of mine. Not giving myself permission to do the things I really like and that would make my life easier (tell me how you do one thing in life and I"ll tell you how you other things in life...the saying goes...). Well, thank you. I like your sincerity and I now know that everything you do has been well thought through with a great amount of reflection. I have quilted for a few years, trained in traditional hand quilting by a great teacher in Northern Durham quilt here in the North of England, Lilian Hedley. Then I have had a big break and now I am starting again. I am really passionate, and now learning FMQ with an old home machine, my first machine, a Janome 4623 Limited Edition Plus, bought in 2003 which is still going strong and that I love to bits, but which I know I will outgrow at some point. I want to see how far I will go this year and how much I will accomplish. By asking the right questions, I wanted you to know that your video has been incredibly encouraging and really felt like a friend talking. Thanks.
Yes! It's very important to make sure this is a sustainable craft. You won't be able to enjoy quilting if it kills your body every time you need to quilt a quilt!
I like this video. This video has given me an option of taking a small machine and attaching it to the frame and using that like a long arm. It's less intimidating and a whole lot cheaper to start quilting throws. Thank you.
Thank you ! I bought a used Q-14 have had it serviced a couple of times (that’s price-e),my guy was very informative so I learned a lot about my machine and looking forward to using it when we get back from vacation.
@Leah Day idk if you’ll see this comment on a video that’s 4 year old video, but it’s worth a shot right? Thank you so very much for the knowledge you’ve shared regarding long arm machines I just recently started sewing 8 months ago, I have made 2 quilts I love it and am wanting a long arm or a sit down fmq machine I’m so appreciative of your honesty I agree with you fighting a 76 inch x 76 inch into my small janome 3160 was more than a challenge but I did it. Thank you again for this video you’ve got me reevaluating want over need
Hi Leah another fantastic podcast, I think you explained that very well, the question is also which machine should I go for as there are so many out there asking you to buy their machine. I'm getting away from todays podcast and I think you handled it really well. They are the 3 main questions and you should be able to be honest with yourself. You also stated very well that the long arm does not mean you can do away with a home sewing machine. I was really interested in that as they tell you what it can do but they never say it won't replace your home machine. Your honesty came through even though you own a Grace machine and I appreciate that more than anything. Thank you for your honesty and fantastic way of explaining things as usual, that's why I like you as a tutor you have a special way of explaining things without making people feel stupid. Laura x
Thank you Laura! Yes, I want to give you the info you need to ask more questions and do more research. But it is confusing and especially that Midarm term can make things even more difficult. I'm so glad you enjoyed this podcast!
My mom has the APQS George and has heard it called mid arm too due to it being sit down vs stand at...I thought it was strange someone would say that to her.
I have been following you for quite some time now and you are wonderful, I will be 80 inJune and have been wanting a “mid “ arm , I have room in my basement for along arm but would have to get rid of some things, you made up my mind for me. Not getting anything, I do just fine and neither of my daughters have my passion for sewing so thank you sweet Leah!
Thanks for this. Lots of info. I don't make that many quilts to invest in a long arm. I've been watching your QAYG tutorials and am going to try it with scrap blocks. Been also experimenting with your starch info on those videos. Not sure yet if I like the tactile feel of the fabric while working, but it will wash out. Again, thanks.
I also have a Qunix 15r and a Baby lock pro long arm but it's a manual 8and half inch reach on an 8 ft table. I don't know how I managed several years on a standard machine. It became increasingly difficult to sew anything without so many wrinkles., And competition at fairs became too hard to enter with prequilted automatic machine work.. I wouldn't go back to my old way, it was hard to learn on my own, but I did it, and the satisfaction to finish it all sooner than months later allows me to gift my creations and to help others with theirs. Thank you for your very informative tutorial. Blessings.
Thank you! I realized I’m afraid of quilting on my machine! Afraid of messing up! I need to just go headlong into it on smaller pieces until I get comfortable with my (home) machine! Living in an apartment, I don’t need a big long arm. Thank you, once again!
Just watched your video. Super informative and full of good sense. I have just purchased a Grace Cutie table top frame, which will be used with my Bernina 570. I will never make enough quilts to warrant spending such a large amount of money, but also find quilting on my Bernina quite a struggle at times, dealing with weight and size. The Grace Cutie bridges that gap. Followed your video on how to set it up, which was also excellent, you gave lots of tips which would never have been included if done by a non quilter, thank you.
Leah I just loved the clear consise information! I've been asking myself questions as to what I want to use the machine for but clearly didn't know ALL of the questions to ask. Thanks again my quilting friend!
Hi Leah, I think you're so right. It definitely depends on what your intentions are and what your able to comfortably spend on your machine. I know I would like to eventually own a long longarm, but knowing what a large investment it is, my husband and I are waiting until it makes more financial sense. Recently, and meanwhile, my husband purchased a Juki TL2000Qi for me. It has a larger harp space which seems to take some of the physical burden off of me concerning being able to move the quilt around, plus I can piece on this machine as well. I have affectionately named it "the beast",lol! But being a larger machine really opened up some freedom for me for fmq while still being reasonably priced. Great video, Leah! Thank you! Have a great rest of the week!
I just recently bought a juki LT2010Q. It is still sitting in the box. I have never used a sewing machine in my life. I have decided this is not the machine I need or want. I called a juki dealer, and this was the machine recommended. So I went with it but have since changed my mind. I will be selling this machine as I donot see it as a good machine for my needs as a beginner with minimal needs. I am going to buy a Singer.
It's a good idea if you are a total beginner at sewing to buy a simple machine and get classes with your dealer. A lot of local dealers offer deals like this and if you can commit to taking the classes, it really can pay off!
Thank you. I have been quilting for a year. I have made 14 quilts. I currently have three at different stages. I want to make bed quilts. My arms are so tired pushing the quilt around. I have a Baby Lock Tempo that does all my fancy stitches. I have a 12 year old Husqvarna I bought used which I love as it goes fast. I always have the pedal all the way down on the Tempo. I started FMQ 5 quilts ago. I love doing it, but again get frustrated at pushing on all that fabric. I am convinced after answering your questions, that I am ready for a long arm. Now all I need is to decide which one. Thanks for helping make it so clear to me. I was looking at a Jazz II with the long opening, but, it has feet and isn’t a long arm.
Thanks for educating me, who was calling my Janome 1600 a mid-arm because of using it on my New Joy Frame. Knew it was not long-arm quilting because I did not have the same throat space to work in and didn’t know how/what to call my set up!
This was an excellent video. Defining what you are wanting to make and how many quilts per year/month really was so enlightening. Also the basic difference between machines was great.
Thank you Martha! I'm glad you enjoyed this video. Having your quilting goals in mind is very important, and that also helps you avoid impulse purchasing a bigger or more expensive machine than you need.
Thank you so much for this video. I just purchased a 15 Pro and you really nailed the mental issues. I have four other machines...this is just a machine that will help ME make quilts quicker...
I had and learned how to quilt on the Qnique. I had it for about 3 years. Learned so much about tension and threads, also how to move the machine like drawing lines. Then I moved to the A.P.Q.S. Lucey with 26 inch threat space. Love this machine. Moves like a dream!! Thank you for all you do to bring awareness about quilting.
I view machines with a 6x9 throat and 1200 spm a mid arm. My treadle has a 6x9ish throat so i put a motor on it and ordered some presser feet. $100 and I can do a queen quilt in a week. Next ill get a Jukie TL-18 QVP with the microlifter. Although the sit down Sweet 16 is appealing! 😁
I really found this helpful! I’m considering a long arm. I have to admit- I got a little emotional when you spoke about ‘allowing’ myself and leaving out the ‘squishy’. Thanks!
Oh wow! This helps so much! I was looking for the wrong thing and getting frustrated when I could not find the right machines out there. This simplifies everything. Thank you so much for this video!
Thank you Leah. This was very insightful. I have been thinking about a long arm machine as i have trouble free motion quilting on my home machine, it has a throat of about 4 inches. After watching you, Iv'e decided that I don't need to invest as I only intend to quilt for myself, friends and family. I will continue to persevere with my home machine. Maybe down the track I will look to purchasing a machine with a wider throat. Well done!
That's great! It's all about looking at your goals and amount of quilts you want to make. A huge investment in money and space like this only makes sense if you want to make a LOT of quilts in a short amount of time.
I have a Juki 8700 that I use for quilt piecing ang free motion. It has a very large throat space for sit down machine. I absolutely love the stitch quality and sturdiness of this industrial machine. I am surprised how rarely they are used by quilters. It is super fast and reliable for a very affordable machine. Just throwing that option into the mix....
Leah, fantastic overview. Quilting a large quilt on a small domestic (>8" ) is like wrestling an allipython. (A mythological creature that comes to life in the quilt that you are trying to push through a stupidly small space). At 62, I really didn't want to invest in a long arm to include the learning curve--and frankly, the quilting portion of the project is not what I enjoy so much. After going through that evaluation process, I decided that I just needed more throat space. After looking around, I bought a like-new, used Juki Kirei. It has 12" of throat space, and tons of great features (smart feed, lighting, thread cutting, starting ending automation), that were not on my Bernina B 530. It made ALL the difference in the world. Even though a built an overhead quilt suspension system, with all of that throat space, I rarely have to use it. For quilt basting, (which is a !#$^$#!%&^, dreaded chore), I baste on my design wall. It allows gravity to work with me, and I always have a perfect visual for center alignment for both vertical and horizontal axis.
Great points! And you're right - a longarm isn't for everyone. I'm really happy you found the machine and setup that works for you. And I so agree - I love basting on my frame. I wouldn't go back to any other type of basting because this is so much faster and easier!
SO GLAD I FOUND THIS VIDEO!! I’ve been thinking about a long arm machine… but not really considering all the points you brought up here. Thank you! I plan on watching all your videos, I’m there’s a lot more I can learn from you. 💜💜
My husband bought me a sit down longarm, which is great, but doesn't deal with the hating to baste that has stopped me finishing quilts for years. I probably have 35 quilts that are ready to quilt...but he was a sweetie to get what he got for me.
Deborah, my 3 sisters and I have each bought a felt like cork board at a hardware store and had our delightful husbands install these in our own garages a garages to create a quilt basting wall. Absolutely the easiest way to baste. We use 505 spray and also I use Quiltak gun around the edges. See this tutorial by Patsy Thomson which gave me the idea - th-cam.com/video/2UoUzK19Vww/w-d-xo.html
Thanks! Am not in the market for a long arm but appreciate the explanation on differences between machines. And now I am going to spend time thinking about what I want to do and what that looks like. ☺ Thanks for the insight!
You're super welcome Melanie! More than anything else I think it's great to ask yourself what do you really WANT to make. Sometimes I catch myself spending time on projects that just aren't my favorite.
great JOB telling us to just dive in...You should have reminded us that we learn the most from our mistakes...we should be brave and start making them...Good to know that that machine is too much for me...I've no one to help and I'm not strong...guess I'll just stay with hand quilting. It takes longer but I enjoy it.
Yes, yes, yes! Mistakes are great! The more mistakes I make, the more I learn. Troubleshooting is part of this 100%! I'm so happy this video helped you know what to stick with and to be happy with what you enjoy. That's awesome!
I do mostly thread painting and I am not sure if long arm is a good investment for me. My goal is to make a piece every 6 weeks. I paint my fabric and add texture with threads. Thank you for the great video. I c
Thank you Leah, I also was confused about midarms. I was happy with the explanation. I am saving up for a long arm and as my decision gets closer, I love hearing how people feel about their own machine and why they chose it. I am looking forward to attending a national quilt show next summer to demo as many models/manufacturers as I can. I also really appreciated your reasoning behind why some extra features can wait like the pantograph stuff but I will likely get the ruler base/foot right away since that is a big component of my current quilting. As always thank you for your honesty.
That's great Tara! Read online reviews and look for other quilters that blog that do longarm quilting. They will often share their thought on their machines regularly.
I made 3 lap quilts this year and one top....lol. I did them with an entry level machine with a very small throat. Now I have the pq1500sl n it has a 9.75 inch throat and I'm so excited. If I had the space n budget I'd buy a long arm n frame for sure.
Thank you so much.. i gave myself a Desinty sewing machine with upgrade too myself. I enjoy all the possibility. Thank you for clearing up some confusion with long arm's. i don't have room right now but look forward to making the room. I'm glad I ran across this posting. I really enjoyed watching you grow and inturn helped me grow
New to quilting, thank you for talking about being honest with yourself. I just pieced my first quilt top and found out how much it would cost to quilt afterwards. WOW! I want to make more and faster as well so buying on the cheap is not going to cut it. I bought my sergers and was so excited, guess what, I was overcome with anxiety about actually using it, like I would break it or it would break me. I finallly took a deep breath and made a. rolled edge table cloth and placemats and I lived and I was also a star with my firiends. Now, being honest, I love machines, my father had a fabricating company and we had machine galore. The fabic however was variious types of metal. He made a very good life for us and in my retirement, I would like to have a small quilting biz to supplement my modest retirement income as well and have a field day with my own creations for friends and family. So at the end of the day, the 15r, is that practical to think that I can make a little extra with this machine, would it hold up long? Your thoughts would be appreciated. pardon any typos or grammar flubs.
Thank you for sharing Johnnie! The 15R is a very sturdy longarm and from what it sounds like, it should do the job you're wanting to do. I've been very pleased with my 14+ / 15R (same machine, just updated numbers) for more than 2 years.
Great podcast. I thought a midarm was just a sit down longarm. The one thing I had to acknowledge, like you did, is that damn it, I deserve one!!! Don’t we all? Having that amount of space to play with is what I’m calling an essential luxury. I’ve just bought the Bernina Q20 which is wonderful and the best of both worlds as I can do my intricate designs accurately and do larger designs without having to move my hands midway through the line of quilting. I’ve had a quick play with rulers on it and that looks like it will be fun. I love that I can use the quilting foot with the best visibility (foot 24) on it. I quilt for me and don’t make many quilts a year but I wanted the space to quilt large quilts without bunching it up under the machine. I’d often heard that people can experience shoulder and neck problems with the moveable machines but this was years ago and the tech has probably changed since then. I have my domestic machine table set up so I don’t have any neck and shoulder issues. The Bernina Q24 has very adjustable handles for anyone that has issues and you can even get flat handles to rest your palms on to simulate normal sit down quilting hand position. I’ve also found you have to use the larger needles in the Q20 so I’m glad you mentioned that as it’s not something I had ever heard of when setting up a longarm. I like the Bernina bobbin tension gauge too as I don’t have to guess the correct tension for it. I’ve never really used the BSR but on the longarm, it’s great for ruler work and larger swirling designs so I’m going to learn how to use it well. This isn’t a Bernina ad, I’m just a Bernina girl. Because of the two red BSR lights in the throat plate, I’ve called my machine the Terminator. They look like eyes. Can’t wait to see more of your work on the longarm.
Feequilts thank you for posting this. I, too, thought the mid arm was a sit down long arm. I’m about an inch away from purchasing a Q20 so was very interested to read your post. So glad to hear you love it.
Eunique Enjoy! You deserve it. It’s easy to use and a lot of fun. If you don’t live near the dealer, check out the delivery and installation price as I’m two hours away from the dealer and it cost $600 (Australian Dollars). Bernina insist on installing it and it would have cost $900 if they’d come out during the week. That was a shock. I bought mine at the state quilt show so it was on special. The accessories are expensive like the horizontal spool holder but when you need it, you need it. Check the needle size you need for your thread as it’s not like the standard thread weight to needle size you’d use on the domestic even though they are the same needles. I love the tension on the back side of the quilt. Have a great day!
I'm not in the market or desire for a longarm machine. BUT I have to say I have learned a lot about the question of do you want a machine or do you need this type machine. Thanks for all the great informative insight to this true investment.
Thank you for your feedback. I am beginning research for long arm. Since I only quilt a few give away quilt a year, maybe I will keep strugling with the domestic machine for free motion for the moment. Mu husband surely agrees to wait before we spend that kind of money :)
I'm so happy you found this podcast helpful! Yes, do your research and understand the costs, benefits, and reality of owning a longarm. Most importantly - take your TIME! My first longarm was an impulse buy at a show and I regretted it almost immediately.
really helpful video thank you. I have physical limitations so I am thinking the standing long arm is what I need - sitting and pushing heavy fabric around is really hard on my shoulders and neck. thanks again.
Definitely think about how much mobility you have and what you're capable of. Also think about the type of quilts you want to create most. Check in your local area and see if you can rent time on a longarm and that will definitely help you understand how they work and if it will help you do what you want to do.
Thanks for the very informative video. I just went to a quilt show yesterday. At this time long arms are way out of my price range it is a good place to see all of the brands and get information and test drive. I noticed that several vendors commented that people will buy the long arm and then quilt other people's quilts to pay for it. Having only test drove the machines I can't imagine jumping in and doing other people's quilts. I realize that's part of how they get the sale but I think more people need to be realistic. That's when my husband brought me back to reality and said do you want to quilt other people's quilts and I said no. So I agree, there is definitely a lot to think about in a purchase this big. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and reminding us we can do our large quilts on our domestic machines.
Thank you for sharing Olivia! Yes, it takes a LOT of practice to get to a point of quilting other people's quilts. And do you want to do that? That's the reason why I think it's good to be clear on your goals. Some quilters want to turn this into a business, but many do not. And YES, so long as you're not wanting to speed through quilts lightning fast, your home machine will work just fine for years!
Just had cervical surgery and had my quilt to finish. I did not realize how many muscles you use without a long arm. I paid for it for 2 days. I make about 2 quilts a month and would love to have one. I, still need to get to run one and see if it’s really what I want. Then what kind to get. Thank you for your information.
Thank you for this podcast as it was very enjoyable and very informative. I have found I am a machine collector. But machines have become too expensive for my budget. The information you have provided helped me to decide to stay with a home machine because I don't do a lot of quilts. I might if I had a longarm machine but knowing me that probably wouldn't come true. LOL thank you again for this podcast information and bringing out of the "wishing cloud". Will be watching for you again on TH-cam. Best wishes.
Thank you Linda! I think the best thing is to be happy with what you have, love it, appreciate it, and USE it! I've heard from a lot of quilters that they have invest a lot of money in different machines only to never use them out of fear, not enough time, etc. Stick with what works, and love what you do - that's the best!
I have a midarm. You just take the feed dogs off when it is on a frame. I think the long arm would have been nicer to quilt my wedding ring. But I am at a point in my life that I think I may go back to doing more quilt as you go and smaller projects. Good video with lots of good points to help others to decide.
I think the most important thing is to have the quilting system that fits your needs and how you wish to quilt. Good for you for honoring what you want to make... and you've given me an idea for a Quilt as You Go Double Wedding Ring - I wonder if that's even possible!
@@LeahDay what fun! I love your enthusiasm. I have seen a wedding ring that is made in blocks. You might be able to do that one! Sorry I can't recall the name of that one. I made several from Shar Jorgenson's rotary templates. I hand quilted the first 4 and machine quilted my last one. I love it but had to do pantograph because not enough room under the mid arm.
Hello Leah, thank you for taking the time to share with us all of the subjects that you feel you can help out with. The part where you stated about people making big investments and than when the time comes to finally have pleasure using it, there is an overwhelming feeling of fear, that freezes you that you can’t get rid off because of the complexity of all the different menus and the size of the monster. Well I can understand because I bought, a few years ago, an embroidery machine because I was told it was what I needed to be able to quilt much better, because off it’s powerful motor, because of all the built in designs and over 100 different built in stitches. So I went ahead and invested $7,000. plus taxes and after I found out that the quilting designs built in the machine covered only 5 inches and I was working with 12 inch blocks. I had to purchase a program for my laptop computer that world make it possible to transfer from the internet to my embroidery machine larger quilting designs. I also bought from you the CD-ROM with beautiful designs and transferred them to the language that my computer could understand and communicate to my embroidery machine. It got so complicated...I attended one of the 6 courses that came with the $800. program and after going once over all of what it could do I was so scared I never went back. But after listening to your podcast I realized that no matter what, I should go back. I have so many ideas of things I want to quilt and include in between blocks that would be embroidered... I have pieced 20 blocks that you taught on a video, about 4 years ago, that are all completed except for the 20 embroidered blocks I want to add in between the pieced ones. After watching your video I decided I was going to make an appointment with the store I bought everything from and get another go at it, going this time with a precise requirement and that is how to establish the communication between my laptop with the program installed on it and my embroidery machine and after assembling the 40 blocks in the quilt-as-you-go method. So be proud Leah you just made my day!!! Roseline, Québec
You can get a HandiQuilter for about $6K, including the frame(5ft). An electronic tension is about another $300.00, but worthwhile. There’s also accessories like couching and ruler feet. It has stitch regulation as well. Some of the higher prices also account for larger frames and computer-assisted quilting. But if one wants a simpler version but with a bigger throat space, a set-up like Leah, or my friend Ja has.
great info,thank you again Leah. One more thing I would like to add,if I may, make sure the machine you pick has other quilting feet available for it like the ruler foot and there are other that make the quilting easier.I bought a Husqvarna free motion machine and it has the one foot only, ruler work is almost impossible. Also find it difficult to move the quilt under the needle vs moving the machine, very hard on my arms and back.
Yes! It's very important to check foot compatibility. It's really no fun to have a machine that has no extra feet or it's difficult to find feet for it.
@@nellieflanders2531 ok I think they hv a Conversion Kit you can use for other feet. I think the Handiquilt use same feet..(hopefully I hv the name right)...different machine but use same feet...Look into that...
I’m soooooooooooo grateful my friend bought a mid-arm(HandiQuilter Simply16). There’s quilts I’ve made that simply would NOT exist without access to this. AND my friendship with Ja is priceless.
Leah, what a great service you have provided!!! Thank you for the video 😊👍💕
Wow, 4 years after you created this video and its still extremely helpful in understanding the difference between home machines & long arms, and especially the questions you should ask yourself when making decisions! ❤
Great to hear! Thank you for sharing your kindness and appreciation!
I had two reasons for buying my longarm. One, I hate basting with a white hot passion. I didn't have a large enough area, it killed my fingers and my back. Two, I make mostly larger quilts and it took forever to get them quilted on my domestic machine. Plus the weight of moving a 70 x 90 or bigger quilt around killed my arms and shoulders. I personally want to make my own quilts from picking fabric to hand stitching the binding and all in-between. Sending out wasn't in my game plan. My husband spent more on his Harley he just had to have than I spent on my machine. I am lucky I could find away to afford my machine and I know not everyone is in that position. btw, I got rid of my couch in the formal living room and put the longarm there instead. lol
LOL! That's great! I completely agree - I hate basting! I love that you realized this was your passion and made the investment so you can do every step of the quilting process without having it kill your body. I think that's great!
agree with you, the pain in the back, shoulders and neck on a regular machine is not worth it. Thanks for your perspective.
Genius! My sofa is never used and takes up a lot of space! Thanks!
Gotta have our priorities 😍
Hey you have your priorities lol.
Beautifully explained. Like you I wanted to quilt faster and I started with a 9” Pfaff Grand Quilter with a 10’ frame. I finished a small mountain of quilts in it for 11 years. 4 years ago I upgraded to a Qnique 15r with a 10’ frame, with rear handles because I wanted to do pantos. It took a while, but now we are very good friends and we work well together. Thanks for addressing the afraid factor. I love teaching other people on how to use this machine, too. ❤️
I just want to thank you for the advice about getting involved in the process of setting up the machine. I would have had someone else set it up for me and wound up intimidated and afraid to use it. You are so right about getting your hands dirty and really trying to understand how it works. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you for everything that you do!
That's great Kerry! I've met many women that ask their husbands to set up their frames and end up unable to even turn it on. It's sad and the solution is to tighten the screws yourself so you can see how it works and runs and not be scared of it when it's all put together.
@@LeahDay My daughter works for Bilt - which is a company that has been making videos for setting up and working with the Gallant and Moxie machines. Hopefully, this company will get to all the quilting machines!
Super great video, I made a decision to buy a high end Janome Continental M7. In Canada exceeds 5,000.00. My decision to buy was the fact it has a 14 “ throat, giving me the extra space and be able to do ruler work. My quilting is strictly for my personal hobby/challenge. I will never paid out to have my quilt machine quilted by someone else. The cost here in Canada for fabric and quilting supplies is crazy, so I’m keeping it in perspective.
Thanks for your great video. 👍❤️😊
Thank you. I was struggling between emotions and practicality. You brought my decision into focus.
Thanks so much for this great information and insight! You helped me come to the non-emotional decision that my home machine really is just right for me at this stage of my life and for the style, size, and number of quilts I like to make. I can carry on in contentment with what I have, and that's a great feeling!
Wonderful! Yes, stick with what works for you and makes you happy. There is no reason to feel pressure to switch machines unless you actually want and need a bigger machine!
You are a great representative for any company. You explain things that no one even touches on. Thank you
Aw! Thank you Mary!
My sister in law makes a quilt a day, six days a week, because she loves to make quilts. She has some one do the long arm sewing for her as she is to busy making a quilt top a day. I have watched your podcast for many years and find you have an awesome attitude.
Owen Prince
Hello. This is absolutely one of the best explanations I have found about home machines versus long arm quilting machines. I wish that I had seen it years ago. Thank you so much for your positive, detailed explanations. They are so helpful.
Hi, Leah. Thank you for posting this. Helped with my decision!
This is the definition I was given regarding various machines:
Sewing Machine - has feed dogs, machine is stationary, fabric moves
Mid Arm - NO feed dogs, machine is stationary, fabric moves (most sit down machines like Tiara, Q20, etc)
Long Arm - No feed dogs, machine moves, fabric is stationary.
Hope this helps.
I've heard this too, but unfortunately that term for midarm changes with every person you meet. There are only two ways to build a machine - with feed dogs or without. Why do we need a third term when there are only two types of machines?
As far as HOW you set it up, that's just an extra description like Frame mounted home machine or sit down longarm.
Excellent explanation on the machine differences!! Thank you for taking the time to do this!
I'm so happy you found this helpful!
Thanks Leah you are the reason I'm free motion quilting !!! You gave me the I CAN DO THIS .,now maybe one day a longarm will be for me.you are inspiring.!!!
Wonderful Sandra! I'm so happy to hear this!
Thank you for your time.
Good luck.
Best wishes.
I have always done free motion quilting on my brother Quattro 2.
First thing - the Grace Co. was very smart & lucky to get you as a spokesperson! Please suggest to the Grace Co. to build a frame for us sitdown quilters where we can roll up the quilt sandwich for large Queen-Kinq quilts by either pinning or spray basting. I think quilters who can't spend mega dollars on long arms would consider paying for a frame that stops us from having to clip to a table that hurts our backs & having to shift it over for more room -Or Heaven Forbid - having to get down on the floor! The sandwiching is the worst part of quilting!
Thank you Dawn! We do have the new Q-zone hoop frame that allows you to quilt larger quilts in a smaller space. Unfortunately you do have to have the quilt basted before it goes on and personally to me that makes it challenging to use. I prefer the Continuum frame which allows you to load the quilt and even the layers through the rails. Unfortunately this means it takes up far more room - you need the frame set up bigger than the quilt you wish to make.
Grace Qnique longarms aren't super expensive which is one of the reasons I became a dealer. They are very good value for the money and I love that about these machines and frames!
You are so incredibly comfortable in front of the camera. Thank you for another informative video.
Thanks for watching!
I am thinking of starting quilting. I was so confused on what machine to get, and what all the terminology meant. You really cleared up many things. Thanks.
Quilting is confusing and yes, there are lots of terms to learn. So glad I could help you get started in a small way!
Thank you, you answered all my questions in one video. The size and $$$$ scare me, but you've given me the courage to take the next step. Thank you
Another excellent, informative podcast, thank you--I think you have talked me out of a long arm, at least for a while. It will not solve all my problems, I just need to practice more on FMQ on my beautiful machine, and appreciate the one I do have.
That's great Joan! I think it's best to appreciate and love the things you have and use them to the fullest!
Thank you Leah, your podcast taught me so much about quilting styles and machines that I had just not given any thought too...it was full of concrete information that was truthful and thought provoking and very doable. You obviously put a lot of intelligent thinking into creating this podcast to be so useful to the majority of quilters...your a terrific educator.
Thank you Terri! I'm so glad you enjoyed this episode!
I just wanted to tell you how helpful your podcast has been. Your honest discussion of the confusing world of long arm machines has really helped me decide if I should invest in a longarm machine. I have wanted to make many quilts over the years. I would get one pieced and quilted only to end up not making any more because of the pure strugle I experienced. I have a wonderful old Singer Quantum CXL that was my grandmother's. I have loved this machine for a long time and made many a quilt on it over the years but I want to make my quilting experience better. I have so many quilts I want make but don't because of how difficult it is. I have quilted more than half of my quilts by hand because it was just to daunting to use the machine. My finger's could use a break. Thank you!
Thank you Nita! I'm so happy you found this helpful and I hope you'll look into renting time on a longarm in your area, if possible. You CAN quilt your own quilts and finish them and it doesn't have to be so hard. Just stitching straight lines across with a longarm is SO much easier than using a home machine or by hand. Good luck on your new journey!
Leah thank you so, so much for this. At times it gave me goosebumps. I came across it at the right time for me. I am often intimidated and afraid of diving into this passion of mine. Not giving myself permission to do the things I really like and that would make my life easier (tell me how you do one thing in life and I"ll tell you how you other things in life...the saying goes...). Well, thank you. I like your sincerity and I now know that everything you do has been well thought through with a great amount of reflection. I have quilted for a few years, trained in traditional hand quilting by a great teacher in Northern Durham quilt here in the North of England, Lilian Hedley. Then I have had a big break and now I am starting again. I am really passionate, and now learning FMQ with an old home machine, my first machine, a Janome 4623 Limited Edition Plus, bought in 2003 which is still going strong and that I love to bits, but which I know I will outgrow at some point. I want to see how far I will go this year and how much I will accomplish. By asking the right questions, I wanted you to know that your video has been incredibly encouraging and really felt like a friend talking. Thanks.
Thank you so much Anna! Yes, you should do the things you LOVE to do and enjoy this craft fully!
Thank you Leah for taking the time to reply to all of us!
Leah, thank you, thank you!!!
Thank you for helping me understand the differences in quilting machines and the need for a better ways to make quilts with less body fatigue
Yes! It's very important to make sure this is a sustainable craft. You won't be able to enjoy quilting if it kills your body every time you need to quilt a quilt!
I like this video. This video has given me an option of taking a small machine and attaching it to the frame and using that like a long arm. It's less intimidating and a whole lot cheaper to start quilting throws. Thank you.
Wonderful! I'm so happy you found this video helpful!
This was so helpful. Great explanations and reasoning. Thank you!
Thank you ! I bought a used Q-14 have had it serviced a couple of times (that’s price-e),my guy was very informative so I learned a lot about my machine and looking forward to using it when we get back from vacation.
@Leah Day idk if you’ll see this comment on a video that’s 4 year old video, but it’s worth a shot right? Thank you so very much for the knowledge you’ve shared regarding long arm machines I just recently started sewing 8 months ago, I have made 2 quilts I love it and am wanting a long arm or a sit down fmq machine I’m so appreciative of your honesty I agree with you fighting a 76 inch x 76 inch into my small janome 3160 was more than a challenge but I did it. Thank you again for this video you’ve got me reevaluating want over need
Thank you, I’m thinking about a long arm. Lots of new questions to ask myself 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Leah another fantastic podcast, I think you explained that very well, the question is also which machine should I go for as there are so many out there asking you to buy their machine. I'm getting away from todays podcast and I think you handled it really well. They are the 3 main questions and you should be able to be honest with yourself. You also stated very well that the long arm does not mean you can do away with a home sewing machine. I was really interested in that as they tell you what it can do but they never say it won't replace your home machine. Your honesty came through even though you own a Grace machine and I appreciate that more than anything. Thank you for your honesty and fantastic way of explaining things as usual, that's why I like you as a tutor you have a special way of explaining things without making people feel stupid. Laura x
Thank you Laura! Yes, I want to give you the info you need to ask more questions and do more research. But it is confusing and especially that Midarm term can make things even more difficult. I'm so glad you enjoyed this podcast!
My mom has the APQS George and has heard it called mid arm too due to it being sit down vs stand at...I thought it was strange someone would say that to her.
Loved your Pro's and Con's and Honesty, on the differences. Thank you
I have been following you for quite some time now and you are wonderful, I will be 80 inJune and have been wanting a “mid “ arm , I have room in my basement for along arm but would have to get rid of some things, you made up my mind for me. Not getting anything, I do just fine and neither of my daughters have my passion for sewing so thank you sweet Leah!
You're super welcome! Sometimes closing the door on a desire is a bigger relief than buying something new!
Thanks for this. Lots of info. I don't make that many quilts to invest in a long arm. I've been watching your QAYG tutorials and am going to try it with scrap blocks. Been also experimenting with your starch info on those videos. Not sure yet if I like the tactile feel of the fabric while working, but it will wash out. Again, thanks.
I also have a Qunix 15r and a Baby lock pro long arm but it's a manual 8and half inch reach on an 8 ft table. I don't know how I managed several years on a standard machine. It became increasingly difficult to sew anything without so many wrinkles., And competition at fairs became too hard to enter with prequilted automatic machine work.. I wouldn't go back to my old way, it was hard to learn on my own, but I did it, and the satisfaction to finish it all sooner than months later allows me to gift my creations and to help others with theirs. Thank you for your very informative tutorial. Blessings.
Thank you! I realized I’m afraid of quilting on my machine! Afraid of messing up! I need to just go headlong into it on smaller pieces until I get comfortable with my (home) machine! Living in an apartment, I don’t need a big long arm. Thank you, once again!
Thank you this video explained a lot. I'm trying to upgrade my sewing/quilting machine.
Happy to help!
Just watched your video. Super informative and full of good sense. I have just purchased a Grace Cutie table top frame, which will be used with my Bernina 570. I will never make enough quilts to warrant spending such a large amount of money, but also find quilting on my Bernina quite a struggle at times, dealing with weight and size. The Grace Cutie bridges that gap. Followed your video on how to set it up, which was also excellent, you gave lots of tips which would never have been included if done by a non quilter, thank you.
So happy you found that helpful!
And I am so looking forward to having it and using it in my new huge craft room!
Leah I just loved the clear consise information! I've been asking myself questions as to what I want to use the machine for but clearly didn't know ALL of the questions to ask. Thanks again my quilting friend!
Hi Leah, I think you're so right. It definitely depends on what your intentions are and what your able to comfortably spend on your machine. I know I would like to eventually own a long longarm, but knowing what a large investment it is, my husband and I are waiting until it makes more financial sense. Recently, and meanwhile, my husband purchased a Juki TL2000Qi for me. It has a larger harp space which seems to take some of the physical burden off of me concerning being able to move the quilt around, plus I can piece on this machine as well. I have affectionately named it "the beast",lol! But being a larger machine really opened up some freedom for me for fmq while still being reasonably priced. Great video, Leah! Thank you! Have a great rest of the week!
Thank you Brenda! I'm glad you found this video helpful!
I just recently bought a juki LT2010Q. It is still sitting in the box. I have never used a sewing machine in my life. I have decided this is not the machine I need or want. I called a juki dealer, and this was the machine recommended. So I went with it but have since changed my mind. I will be selling this machine as I donot see it as a good machine for my needs as a beginner with minimal needs. I am going to buy a Singer.
It's a good idea if you are a total beginner at sewing to buy a simple machine and get classes with your dealer. A lot of local dealers offer deals like this and if you can commit to taking the classes, it really can pay off!
Thank you. I have been quilting for a year. I have made 14 quilts. I currently have three at different stages. I want to make bed quilts. My arms are so tired pushing the quilt around. I have a Baby Lock Tempo that does all my fancy stitches. I have a 12 year old Husqvarna I bought used which I love as it goes fast. I always have the pedal all the way down on the Tempo. I started FMQ 5 quilts ago. I love doing it, but again get frustrated at pushing on all that fabric. I am convinced after answering your questions, that I am ready for a long arm. Now all I need is to decide which one. Thanks for helping make it so clear to me. I was looking at a Jazz II with the long opening, but, it has feet and isn’t a long arm.
Thanks for educating me, who was calling my Janome 1600 a mid-arm because of using it on my New Joy Frame. Knew it was not long-arm quilting because I did not have the same throat space to work in and didn’t know how/what to call my set up!
Thank you so informative I was considering getting a long arm as get tired of wrestling the big quilts😊
Glad it was helpful!
This was an excellent video. Defining what you are wanting to make and how many quilts per year/month really was so enlightening. Also the basic difference between machines was great.
Thank you Martha! I'm glad you enjoyed this video. Having your quilting goals in mind is very important, and that also helps you avoid impulse purchasing a bigger or more expensive machine than you need.
This was SO informative. You just answered my questions and many I didn’t even know I had! Thanks for this 😉👍🏻
Wonderful! I'm delighted to hear this!
Thank you so much for this video. I just purchased a 15 Pro and you really nailed the mental issues. I have four other machines...this is just a machine that will help ME make quilts quicker...
Wonderful Jan! Don't let limiting thoughts get you down!
I am so glad you made this video. Thanks for the most informative and honest preseñtation I have seen.
Thanks for watching!
I had and learned how to quilt on the Qnique. I had it for about 3 years. Learned so much about tension and threads, also how to move the machine like drawing lines. Then I moved to the A.P.Q.S. Lucey with 26 inch threat space. Love this machine. Moves like a dream!! Thank you for all you do to bring awareness about quilting.
Thank you Ann! I'm so glad you enjoyed your Grace, but also gave yourself permission to upgrade when you were ready. That's awesome!
I view machines with a 6x9 throat and 1200 spm a mid arm. My treadle has a 6x9ish throat so i put a motor on it and ordered some presser feet. $100 and I can do a queen quilt in a week. Next ill get a Jukie TL-18 QVP with the microlifter. Although the sit down Sweet 16 is appealing! 😁
I really found this helpful! I’m considering a long arm. I have to admit- I got a little emotional when you spoke about ‘allowing’ myself and leaving out the ‘squishy’. Thanks!
Thank you very much. I’m trying to learn about these machines. Thank you so much. When are the shows advertised.
I am right there with you! ❤️❤️❤️
Incredibly helpful. Thank you.
You're very welcome!
Oh wow! This helps so much! I was looking for the wrong thing and getting frustrated when I could not find the right machines out there. This simplifies everything. Thank you so much for this video!
Wonderful! I'm so happy you found this helpful!
Just watched this video! Thanks so much for clearing up the confusion for me.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Leah. This was very insightful. I have been thinking about a long arm machine as i have trouble free motion quilting on my home machine, it has a throat of about 4 inches. After watching you, Iv'e decided that I don't need to invest as I only intend to quilt for myself, friends and family. I will continue to persevere with my home machine. Maybe down the track I will look to purchasing a machine with a wider throat. Well done!
That's great! It's all about looking at your goals and amount of quilts you want to make. A huge investment in money and space like this only makes sense if you want to make a LOT of quilts in a short amount of time.
I have a Juki 8700 that I use for quilt piecing ang free motion. It has a very large throat space for sit down machine. I absolutely love the stitch quality and sturdiness of this industrial machine. I am surprised how rarely they are used by quilters. It is super fast and reliable for a very affordable machine. Just throwing that option into the mix....
Thank you for sharing Mary! Definitely something to consider!
Leah, fantastic overview.
Quilting a large quilt on a small domestic (>8" ) is like wrestling an allipython. (A mythological creature that comes to life in the quilt that you are trying to push through a stupidly small space). At 62, I really didn't want to invest in a long arm to include the learning curve--and frankly, the quilting portion of the project is not what I enjoy so much.
After going through that evaluation process, I decided that I just needed more throat space. After looking around, I bought a like-new, used Juki Kirei. It has 12" of throat space, and tons of great features (smart feed, lighting, thread cutting, starting ending automation), that were not on my Bernina B 530. It made ALL the difference in the world. Even though a built an overhead quilt suspension system, with all of that throat space, I rarely have to use it.
For quilt basting, (which is a !#$^$#!%&^, dreaded chore), I baste on my design wall. It allows gravity to work with me, and I always have a perfect visual for center alignment for both vertical and horizontal axis.
Great points! And you're right - a longarm isn't for everyone. I'm really happy you found the machine and setup that works for you.
And I so agree - I love basting on my frame. I wouldn't go back to any other type of basting because this is so much faster and easier!
Thanks so much for all of your insights. I'm considering a longarm purchase. That's a big jump!
SO GLAD I FOUND THIS VIDEO!! I’ve been thinking about a long arm machine… but not really considering all the points you brought up here. Thank you! I plan on watching all your videos, I’m there’s a lot more I can learn from you. 💜💜
My husband bought me a sit down longarm, which is great, but doesn't deal with the hating to baste that has stopped me finishing quilts for years. I probably have 35 quilts that are ready to quilt...but he was a sweetie to get what he got for me.
Deborah, my 3 sisters and I have each bought a felt like cork board at a hardware store and had our delightful husbands install these in our own garages a garages to create a quilt basting wall. Absolutely the easiest way to baste. We use 505 spray and also I use Quiltak gun around the edges. See this tutorial by Patsy Thomson which gave me the idea - th-cam.com/video/2UoUzK19Vww/w-d-xo.html
Thanks! Am not in the market for a long arm but appreciate the explanation on differences between machines. And now I am going to spend time thinking about what I want to do and what that looks like. ☺ Thanks for the insight!
You're super welcome Melanie! More than anything else I think it's great to ask yourself what do you really WANT to make. Sometimes I catch myself spending time on projects that just aren't my favorite.
Fabulous video, Leah. Thank you very much. Hearing your own journey was especially helpful.
Thank you Barbara! I'm so happy you found this helpful!
My husband is handicapped. I will be putting together myself. I use power tools should not be a problem for me.
Love love love this philosophical and factual pod cast. Which question to ask myself. Etc. Thanks a million Leah :-)
Wonderful Ellen! I'm so glad you enjoyed this!
great JOB telling us to just dive in...You should have reminded us that we learn the most from our mistakes...we should be brave and start making them...Good to know that that machine is too much for me...I've no one to help and I'm not strong...guess I'll just stay with hand quilting. It takes longer but I enjoy it.
Yes, yes, yes! Mistakes are great! The more mistakes I make, the more I learn. Troubleshooting is part of this 100%!
I'm so happy this video helped you know what to stick with and to be happy with what you enjoy. That's awesome!
Terrific explanation.
I do mostly thread painting and I am not sure if long arm is a good investment for me. My goal is to make a piece every 6 weeks. I paint my fabric and add texture with threads.
Thank you for the great video. I c
Thank you Leah, I also was confused about midarms. I was happy with the explanation. I am saving up for a long arm and as my decision gets closer, I love hearing how people feel about their own machine and why they chose it. I am looking forward to attending a national quilt show next summer to demo as many models/manufacturers as I can. I also really appreciated your reasoning behind why some extra features can wait like the pantograph stuff but I will likely get the ruler base/foot right away since that is a big component of my current quilting. As always thank you for your honesty.
That's great Tara! Read online reviews and look for other quilters that blog that do longarm quilting. They will often share their thought on their machines regularly.
I made 3 lap quilts this year and one top....lol. I did them with an entry level machine with a very small throat. Now I have the pq1500sl n it has a 9.75 inch throat and I'm so excited. If I had the space n budget I'd buy a long arm n frame for sure.
Wonderful! That's a very popular machine for our Q-Zone Hoop Frame - leahday.com/products/grace-q-zone-hoop-frame
Thank you so much.. i gave myself a Desinty sewing machine with upgrade too myself. I enjoy all the possibility. Thank you for clearing up some confusion with long arm's. i don't have room right now but look forward to making the room. I'm glad I ran across this posting. I really enjoyed watching you grow and inturn helped me grow
Nice! I'm so glad you found this video helpful.
New to quilting, thank you for talking about being honest with yourself. I just pieced my first quilt top and found out how much it would cost to quilt afterwards. WOW! I want to make more and faster as well so buying on the cheap is not going to cut it. I bought my sergers and was so excited, guess what, I was overcome with anxiety about actually using it, like I would break it or it would break me. I finallly took a deep breath and made a. rolled edge table cloth and placemats and I lived and I was also a star with my firiends. Now, being honest, I love machines, my father had a fabricating company and we had machine galore. The fabic however was variious types of metal. He made a very good life for us and in my retirement, I would like to have a small quilting biz to supplement my modest retirement income as well and have a field day with my own creations for friends and family. So at the end of the day, the 15r, is that practical to think that I can make a little extra with this machine, would it hold up long? Your thoughts would be appreciated. pardon any typos or grammar flubs.
Thank you for sharing Johnnie! The 15R is a very sturdy longarm and from what it sounds like, it should do the job you're wanting to do. I've been very pleased with my 14+ / 15R (same machine, just updated numbers) for more than 2 years.
@@LeahDay Thank you for your response, Very generous of you to do so and share your skills
Leah, hello my quilting friend!!!!could you please 🙏 show in the lcd display what your settings are on the janome 6650? I can't get it to quilt?
Thank you for the explanation. You cleared up a lot of my questions.
Wonderful!
Damn i wanted one but after listening to half of your video I changed my mind. ✌🏻
Great podcast. I thought a midarm was just a sit down longarm. The one thing I had to acknowledge, like you did, is that damn it, I deserve one!!! Don’t we all? Having that amount of space to play with is what I’m calling an essential luxury. I’ve just bought the Bernina Q20 which is wonderful and the best of both worlds as I can do my intricate designs accurately and do larger designs without having to move my hands midway through the line of quilting. I’ve had a quick play with rulers on it and that looks like it will be fun. I love that I can use the quilting foot with the best visibility (foot 24) on it. I quilt for me and don’t make many quilts a year but I wanted the space to quilt large quilts without bunching it up under the machine. I’d often heard that people can experience shoulder and neck problems with the moveable machines but this was years ago and the tech has probably changed since then. I have my domestic machine table set up so I don’t have any neck and shoulder issues. The Bernina Q24 has very adjustable handles for anyone that has issues and you can even get flat handles to rest your palms on to simulate normal sit down quilting hand position. I’ve also found you have to use the larger needles in the Q20 so I’m glad you mentioned that as it’s not something I had ever heard of when setting up a longarm. I like the Bernina bobbin tension gauge too as I don’t have to guess the correct tension for it. I’ve never really used the BSR but on the longarm, it’s great for ruler work and larger swirling designs so I’m going to learn how to use it well. This isn’t a Bernina ad, I’m just a Bernina girl. Because of the two red BSR lights in the throat plate, I’ve called my machine the Terminator. They look like eyes. Can’t wait to see more of your work on the longarm.
Feequilts thank you for posting this. I, too, thought the mid arm was a sit down long arm. I’m about an inch away from purchasing a Q20 so was very interested to read your post. So glad to hear you love it.
Eunique Enjoy! You deserve it. It’s easy to use and a lot of fun. If you don’t live near the dealer, check out the delivery and installation price as I’m two hours away from the dealer and it cost $600 (Australian Dollars). Bernina insist on installing it and it would have cost $900 if they’d come out during the week. That was a shock. I bought mine at the state quilt show so it was on special. The accessories are expensive like the horizontal spool holder but when you need it, you need it. Check the needle size you need for your thread as it’s not like the standard thread weight to needle size you’d use on the domestic even though they are the same needles. I love the tension on the back side of the quilt. Have a great day!
Feequilts Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing! Yes, I played with that machine too and rented time locally. It's a very nice machine!
Thank you.
I'm not in the market or desire for a longarm machine. BUT I have to say I have learned a lot about the question of do you want a machine or do you need this type machine. Thanks for all the great informative insight to this true investment.
Thank you Carylanne! I'm so glad you found this helpful!
Thank you for your feedback. I am beginning research for long arm. Since I only quilt a few give away quilt a year, maybe I will keep strugling with the domestic machine for free motion for the moment. Mu husband surely agrees to wait before we spend that kind of money :)
I'm so happy you found this podcast helpful! Yes, do your research and understand the costs, benefits, and reality of owning a longarm. Most importantly - take your TIME! My first longarm was an impulse buy at a show and I regretted it almost immediately.
Thank you so much for dissipating my confusion, and for all your really helpful advice. I love your videos!
Wonderful! I'm so glad you found this helpful!
Thank you. You answered a lot of my questions
Glad it was helpful!
really helpful video thank you. I have physical limitations so I am thinking the standing long arm is what I need - sitting and pushing heavy fabric around is really hard on my shoulders and neck.
thanks again.
Definitely think about how much mobility you have and what you're capable of. Also think about the type of quilts you want to create most. Check in your local area and see if you can rent time on a longarm and that will definitely help you understand how they work and if it will help you do what you want to do.
Yes, I agree it is a “relationship”, one must truly know the machine and it’s needs.
Most definitely! All machines have quirks and you just have to take a bit of time and practice to discover them.
Thanks for the very informative video. I just went to a quilt show yesterday. At this time long arms are way out of my price range it is a good place to see all of the brands and get information and test drive. I noticed that several vendors commented that people will buy the long arm and then quilt other people's quilts to pay for it. Having only test drove the machines I can't imagine jumping in and doing other people's quilts. I realize that's part of how they get the sale but I think more people need to be realistic. That's when my husband brought me back to reality and said do you want to quilt other people's quilts and I said no. So I agree, there is definitely a lot to think about in a purchase this big. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and reminding us we can do our large quilts on our domestic machines.
Thank you for sharing Olivia! Yes, it takes a LOT of practice to get to a point of quilting other people's quilts. And do you want to do that? That's the reason why I think it's good to be clear on your goals. Some quilters want to turn this into a business, but many do not. And YES, so long as you're not wanting to speed through quilts lightning fast, your home machine will work just fine for years!
Just had cervical surgery and had my quilt to finish. I did not realize how many muscles you use without a long arm. I paid for it for 2 days. I make about 2 quilts a month and would love to have one. I, still need to get to run one and see if it’s really what I want. Then what kind to get. Thank you for your information.
A really great vid, and a very sensible talk about domestic vs longarm machines. Thx for the great insights.
Thank you for sharing ! So clear now! 👏👏👏🌺🍁🍁
Wonderful Mabel!
Thank you so much for your honest video it makes my decision more fun and easy.
Yay! I'm so happy to hear this!
Love your tutorials.
Thank you for this podcast as it was very enjoyable and very informative. I have found I am a machine collector. But machines have become too expensive for my budget. The information you have provided helped me to decide to stay with a home machine because I don't do a lot of quilts. I might if I had a longarm machine but knowing me that probably wouldn't come true. LOL thank you again for this podcast information and bringing out of the "wishing cloud". Will be watching for you again on TH-cam. Best wishes.
Thank you Linda! I think the best thing is to be happy with what you have, love it, appreciate it, and USE it! I've heard from a lot of quilters that they have invest a lot of money in different machines only to never use them out of fear, not enough time, etc. Stick with what works, and love what you do - that's the best!
Linda Bridges c
I have a midarm. You just take the feed dogs off when it is on a frame. I think the long arm would have been nicer to quilt my wedding ring. But I am at a point in my life that I think I may go back to doing more quilt as you go and smaller projects. Good video with lots of good points to help others to decide.
I think the most important thing is to have the quilting system that fits your needs and how you wish to quilt. Good for you for honoring what you want to make... and you've given me an idea for a Quilt as You Go Double Wedding Ring - I wonder if that's even possible!
@@LeahDay what fun! I love your enthusiasm. I have seen a wedding ring that is made in blocks. You might be able to do that one! Sorry I can't recall the name of that one. I made several from Shar Jorgenson's rotary templates. I hand quilted the first 4 and machine quilted my last one. I love it but had to do pantograph because not enough room under the mid arm.
Hello Leah, thank you for taking the time to share with us all of the subjects that you feel you can help out with. The part where you stated about people making big investments and than when the time comes to finally have pleasure using it, there is an overwhelming feeling of fear, that freezes you that you can’t get rid off because of the complexity of all the different menus and the size of the monster. Well I can understand because I bought, a few years ago, an embroidery machine because I was told it was what I needed to be able to quilt much better, because off it’s powerful motor, because of all the built in designs and over 100 different built in stitches. So I went ahead and invested $7,000. plus taxes and after I found out that the quilting designs built in the machine covered only 5 inches and I was working with 12 inch blocks. I had to purchase a program for my laptop computer that world make it possible to transfer from the internet to my embroidery machine larger quilting designs. I also bought from you the CD-ROM with beautiful designs and transferred them to the language that my computer could understand and communicate to my embroidery machine. It got so complicated...I attended one of the 6 courses that came with the $800. program and after going once over all of what it could do I was so scared I never went back. But after listening to your podcast I realized that no matter what, I should go back. I have so many ideas of things I want to quilt and include in between blocks that would be embroidered... I have pieced 20 blocks that you taught on a video, about 4 years ago, that are all completed except for the 20 embroidered blocks I want to add in between the pieced ones. After watching your video I decided I was going to make an appointment with the store I bought everything from and get another go at it, going this time with a precise requirement and that is how to establish the communication between my laptop with the program installed on it and my embroidery machine and after assembling the 40 blocks in the quilt-as-you-go method. So be proud Leah you just made my day!!! Roseline, Québec
That's wonderful! Yes! Push yourself to learn and refuse to be intimidated. You paid the money - now use it, love it, OWN it! Thank you!
The latest price point for the newest “Big Bertha” machines from Babylock and Brother is just under $20k. It’s crazy. I’ve paid less for CARS.
I know!! Why not buy a longarm when the home machines are so expensive and HUGE!?
Happy an't that the truth........Blessings
You can get a HandiQuilter for about $6K, including the frame(5ft). An electronic tension is about another $300.00, but worthwhile. There’s also accessories like couching and ruler feet. It has stitch regulation as well. Some of the higher prices also account for larger frames and computer-assisted quilting. But if one wants a simpler version but with a bigger throat space, a set-up like Leah, or my friend Ja has.
@@tammyeaton4791 thank you for the info. It’s hard to find good advice with price points and straight forward answers.
@@tammyeaton4791 are you still using the HandiQuilter? What would you review be now?
Very good information. I spend time dithering over choices. Will have to spend more time considering the info you gave.
Thank you for watching! Dithering is a good thing - it stops you from making a very big, very expensive impulsive purchase!
great info,thank you again Leah. One more thing I would like to add,if I may, make sure the machine you pick has other quilting feet available for it like the ruler foot and there are other that make the quilting easier.I bought a Husqvarna free motion machine and it has the one foot only, ruler work is almost impossible. Also find it difficult to move the quilt under the needle vs moving the machine, very hard on my arms and back.
Yes! It's very important to check foot compatibility. It's really no fun to have a machine that has no extra feet or it's difficult to find feet for it.
Is your Husqvarna a sit down quilt Machine? What model is it?
@@myronmitchell1791 it’s a sit down longarm Platinum 16
@@nellieflanders2531 ok I think they hv a Conversion Kit you can use for other feet. I think the Handiquilt use same feet..(hopefully I hv the name right)...different machine but use same feet...Look into that...
I’m soooooooooooo grateful my friend bought a mid-arm(HandiQuilter Simply16). There’s quilts I’ve made that simply would NOT exist without access to this. AND my friendship with Ja is priceless.
Love on your friend! That is so nice to be able to share!
I made a treadle and put my juk I on and put my quilt on my fan quilt frame and quilt them this way.
That sounds neat!