 |
| Handi Quilter HQ Avante |
She's Here!!!!
In a box!
I promised YESTERDAY that I would tell you the who, what, where, why and hows today!
Disclaimer: I am currently not being paid to review any products or services by any of the quilting machine companies. These opinions are based on the my personal shopping journey. But if they would like to sponsor me, do you think I will complain??)
My number one purpose was to shop Long Arm quilting machines at the quilt show. Even though I really did not expect Mr. Boss to purchase one this weekend, I knew if I did not get my hands on a few, I would never really know which one I should even set my sights on!
I have been dreaming of a Long Arm for about 10 years now. I have avoided many quilts and turned down requests from friends and customers based on the fact that doing a quilt any larger than 70x70 inches make me go crazy! I actually start going crazy once a quilt exceeds 48x48 inches!!
I have actually never touched a machine until this weekend.
Can you believe it?
I have watched countless episodes on quilt TV shows. Countless Youtube videos. And of course, have seen a gazillion finished products.
Okay...back on point. The Houston Quilt Festival!
A little birdie (maybe my very own local quilt shop?) told me that the long arm companies bring many machines to demonstrate and some conduct classes all week. They would prefer to have someone take them off site, then haul them all back home. And they are used..they can't sell them for full retail to a customer. So, DEALS, ladies....DEALS on DEMOS!!
We bee lined to the booths. We hit Gammill, BabyLock, A-1, HandiQultand kind of swept by the others.
First off, why did I rule out the others? They were not on my top list after my extensive online research the past few years. Did I mention that I used to send links of machines to Mr. Boss on occasion. Marketing to your hubby is pretty key, especially if he is in the business of marketing, right?
Second reason for passing them by. Basic construction. You can literally SEE the difference in frames and machines. Steel versus aluminum. Bulkiness versus too simplistic.
Now to my final top picks. (Note: I was looking at 18inch throats only)
I will give you the SIMPLIFIED breakdown. There is so much more, but I don't want to bore!
_______________________________________
PROS:
- gorgeous.
- sturdy.
- smooth.
- Dazzle you with the fancy lighting.
- The oldest company in town.
- price reduced from their usually VERY high retail prices
CONS:
- background is commercial machines.
- A lot of constant maintenance (i.e. more oiling than any other machine)
- questionable servicing/support
- no deals on demo models
- No deals on shipping
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS
- I am a proud owner of 3 machines (Symphony Domestic Machine, Emore Embroidery, and Evolve Serger)
- A little birdie told it is manufactured by HandiQuilter (kind of like Kenmore appliances being made by Whirlpool)
- Offer shortened frames...as small as 5-8 feet so for small spaces, can be an option
- Service. My quilt shop would be my go-to guys. Perfect support!
- Offered a "decent" deal on the demo.
CONS
- I just didn't like it.
- It just "felt" strange to me.
- The movement was not smooth. Maybe it was the set-up. Maybe it was the environment. I just felt that if you are at a show, the machine should be running at it's best...and it wasn't.
- The price was 3,000 more than the Gammill? It was a bit perplexing.
- Only ONE demo was available. So they were very pushy on us making a quick decision.
Note: I REALLY wanted to like this one, I swear. I just didn't, which saddens me a bit!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pros
- Beautiful
- Smooth
- Actual owners were demonstrating and helping
Cons
I didn't spend much time because it was too expensive
------------------------------------------------
PROS
- Company was founded by a quilter. A woman that wanted to make a LA for women just like me...at home, making my own quilts and a small home business.
- The NICEST salespeople ever. Informative.
- Smooth
- Sturdy construction
- Smooth (did I say that again?)
- USER FRIENDLY
- Maintenance. Just the bobbin case every other bobbin change.
- 7 Instruction DVD videos with purchase.
- Didn't mess around. Gave the quote right away and didn't pressure us to buy.
- Every FMQ I did turned out exactly how I wanted it. Effortlessly. I was making leaves, hearts, flowers, and even attempting the difficult feather patterns!!
- Did I mention that the President of the company gave out his cell to arrange for pick up? Then he helped box the machines up. That kind of service is just my style!
CONS
The only concern is that they were bought by an investment company. But what sewing machine company HASN'T been lately? It just wasn't a deal breaker.
<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Upgrades?
Yes....to all. EVERY SINGLE MACHINE could be upgraded with computers and it didn't sound like too much work (except possibly Gammill).
I hope this helps if you are looking, searching. I must reiterate, I have not been paid or received any special deals from any of the companies. This was just MY experience. I would not be surprised if someone else had a completely different experience!
