Hi everyone! I had the opportunity to play with the HQ16 w/stitch reg. yesterday for the first time. Wow, was that great! They're offering a price of $8259 and saleswomen said she thinks they will deal on it. Do you think this is a good price?

On the way out of store after hours(only because my DH dragged me out), I picked up a brochure on the HQII. Not knowing anything about these, I'm wondering if you can use any home machine with these and approx. price range. Haven't been able to find prices on their website, and hoping this would be more in line with my budget. I would appreciate any info you can give me re pros and cons of the tabletops. TIA - Donna

I have the HQ16 with stitch regulator. I bought mine about 2 years ago for less than that, but everything has gone up since then, so I think the price you were quoted is reasonable.

I don't know about the other literature you picked up. I can tell you that I had the original Handiquilter frame that I used with my regular machine. It drove me crazy! The throat space on my machine is pretty standard, and trying to quilt a large quilt on the frame with it was just nightmarish.

Are they still offering the financing with the HQ16? That would be worth investigating. Also, find out about service--is it local or do you have to ship the machine somewhere if you have problems? Who will set it up for you? How will you get training on it?

It's a big commitment of space, time, and money, but I love every minute I spend with my machine. Well, almost. Tension re-setting is not my favorite thing to do. Other than that, I love it!

I bought my HQ16 a little over 2 years ago and paid a little more than that. I think it really depends on which table you will be getting. I have the quiltable and love it. The new pro table they have just came out with looks good too and it is longer than the quiltable.

I looked at HQ16 a couple of years ago and the price was about that then. I saw it on the frame but never tried or had much info on the table model.

I was also interested in George by APQS, a 20 inch mid-arm table model. I ended up with George with a table that expands from 60 x 20 to 90 x 40 and has drawers on the left. My George was listed at a price under the 8000 that you mentioned. That could be another option depending on the way you like to quilt.

I bought mine in February for $7495, table free (basic table), it has the stitch regulator.

I'd go to a major show where HQ is present, and see what the show special is.

I love it. I'm taking an all day class on Sept 20 on using it.

Holly

I can't think of a thing I don't like about my Ellie. The price is right if you can't buy one of the big ones and I am able to do my customer quilts on it just fine. I do not have the HQ table - we bought a very heavy duty one when I got my machine because we did not like their table at the time - 3 years ago. And customer service with the company is like none I've ever dealt with - they are very customer oriented and so patient!

Check here, it is a home quilting message board i belong too..
Home quilting Systems

they have a File where everyone posts what machine/table they own, and the pros and cons on it.

also check with :
www.patternreview.com
i know they have public ratings on all kinds of machines..
try before you buy..it's a big investment..quilt/sewing expo or show it a great suggestion!

are you already a quilter on a machine/frame?
there are other options out there., juki/gracie pro, for one..and under $2000. Janome makes frame machine too..

Good luck with your choice! Happy Quilting!

If you are looking at the Juki and sizes like it, be sure that you want to quilt the style that only needs about 5-8 inches of design before rolling. I bought a Juki and frame for under 2000 and it just wasn't what I should have gotten. It didn't fit my quilting style or need. Five years later I got George and the Juki still sits here.

So decide to save for what you really want instead of getting an "it will do for now" set-up that causes more frustration than it's worth.

Gma, I bought my HQ16 in March about the same price as Holly. They had a special offer to get the table for free at that time. Your dealer should be able to tell you if there are any special offers or they may be on their website. That's where I say it.

For the past 6 years I have had the orginial handi-quilter frame with a Brother 1500 (same as Juki) machine on it. I loved it, I am very glad that I started with that. Now it is nice to have the bigger area to quilt in.

Sometimes you can get used frames, maybe this would work for you to start if you can't afford the HQ16. I sold my frame and machine when I got the new one. The lady that bought it wanted to get started also, I'm sure someday she'll upgrade also.

Thank you all so much for your input. I knew I would get some answers by coming here, you are always so willing to share your knowledge and experiences. I have never used a long arm but sure would like to and am hoping to find something less expensive. I will definitely check those sites out Kim. Looks like I have some work to do. I really appreciate everyone's help. - Donna