Longarm Quilting Studio Tour & What to Know BEFORE Buying! Why a Longarm May Not Be Right for You.

Рет қаралды 65,058

Күн бұрын

I get asked a lot of questions about my longarm and longarm quilting in general. Today, I'll show you my longarm quilting studio and talk about some of the realities of owning a longarm. I recently upgraded from a Handi Quilter Simply Sixteen to an APQS Millie 30 and have learned a lot about what to look for in a machine before taking the leap into a purchase.
Details on my new machine: APQS Millie 30: www.apqs.com/machines/millie30/
The options I chose were Bliss tracks, hydraulic lift, and fabric advance. I also added the Quiltpath robotics.
Video Sections:
0:00 Introduction
0:52 Studio Tour
9:19 What I Wish I Had Known Intro
9:47 Throat Space
13:27 Costs of Quilting as a Business
16:31 Extra STUFF You'll Need
17:31 Service and Repairs
18:21 Why I Upgraded
20:55 Longarm Shopping and Buying Tips
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Пікірлер: 197

@kellyp6724 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for the "real" talk. I have been contemplating the purchase of a longarm for a while. I REALLY needed someone to explain the down and dirty reality of investing in a machine. This video helped me tremendously and you are so enjoyable to listen to.

@KatieBSewCrafty 2 жыл бұрын

As an insurance underwriter and licensed agent: THANK YOU!!! Most people don’t understand the limitations of a homeowners policy or that you can be held personally liable for an unlimited number of risks associated with the business. I really appreciate you touching on all of the “hidden” expenses that don’t get talked about much.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this!! Since I’m not an expert on insurance, I worried about including this but I’m so glad I did. Insurance is so important!!

@SewJoyful 2 жыл бұрын

Longarm insurance is news to me! Is it a rider on homeowner policy or completely separate? Is it expensive? OhMyStars! So many questions now 😵‍💫

@barbarameehan113 2 жыл бұрын

Excellant tour. I don't have plans of longarming at my age(80) but I love seeing young people like you having a business. My best to you. This video is sew informative. You soeak so well.

@terriesa9883 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! You are a fantastic speaker with well-organized thoughts. Pleasant to listen to, easy to follow. Lots of valuable information concisely presented. Frankly, I don’t know how you haven’t been snatched up by one of the big quilting businesses as their spokesperson. But thank goodness you are here for us! 🌼

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

What a compliment! Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m actually super shy in person 😂

@petmomful2260 3 жыл бұрын

I agree completely with everything you said!

@keithquier9165 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent speaker! thank you so very much! I am thinking about getting a longarm and this helped me tremendously! You are awesome!

@heathergange5784 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for making this video. It really helped me quite a lot as I buy my first (and hopefully only) longarm. Without this video I likely would have had to upgrade as well.

@Bluebird22727 5 күн бұрын

I loved your informative video… I had tried only a few but my sister directed me to APQS. I did buy a demo during COVID … not much sewing was going on. I got a Millie 26… I got with a 12 foot table. I was lucky .. blessed to have our detached garage turned into my she cave.. I didn’t get the computer as I wanted the personalized quilting that I enjoyed. I had an issue but APQS was awesome in getting me the part and I have had it for over 3years. They are also lifetime warranty. My first kind of long arm was a Juli on a wonderful grace metal 10 foot long frame with a bench along the bottom. I so loved my Juki… simply awesome machine, it was difficult to let it go but… it was the throat space you were explaining…soooo true. I would end up rolling back and fourth… flipping around my quilt, it was frustrating. I am not a business… I quilt my own quilts so was on the fence of did it make sense for me to invest. So that is the reason I went with a demo… it was completely warranted and I was less than 70 miles from a dealer. I have managed to do even my own part replacement with direction from them. Customer support is always great. With the tutorial videos I have even reset my timing when I had a bad needle break. You covered issues very well. I was happy to come across your video… it simply confirmed my choice and the reasons I had. Have a great 4th stay safe. I love my Millie❤

@shannonbrown7488 2 жыл бұрын

Where I live I have an APQS dealer who allows you to use his machines once a month to do charity quilts for free. This has been a good opportunity to use all the different APQS models and features and see what I do and don't like (all while someone in need gets a free quilt through my guild). This has been a great learning opportunity and I encourage anyone to see if they have similar opportunities through there guild. One thing I did learn by using so many different machines is that while some of the bigger machines have much more fancy options as I am fairly short I found them hard to use and handle and that by the end of my quilt I tend to get much more fatigued than on some of the smaller models (a friend with an APQS machine has a smaller model and has used the larger models and agrees that as she is short like me she prefers the smaller model). Bottom line it really has helped to be able to use the different models on different occasions and get familiar with them. While I haven't purchased yet, I intend to and I know this charity quilt experience will prove valuable when the time comes.

@dawnleonards6743 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experience. Your input was great. I am in the beginning stages of exploring purchasing a long arm and you brought up things I don’t have experience with and wouldn’t have thought of. This video has been very helpful!

@TinyOrchardQuilts 2 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad!! It’s certainly a huge thing to jump into and I realized so much after buying my first longarm and wished that I had made different choices. If I can save anyone from a wrong purchase, I’ll be so happy!

@frogkermit3639 Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad I found this video! I appreciate your honesty about your smaller machine and the features that you like about this bigger one. I loved the tour of your room and the section about all of the extras that I will need. I'm just beginning my journey down this path and have subscribed to your channel. You're very well spoken and organized and I find you delightful to watch!

@dianarosenberg5088 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Megan. I wish I had someone like you tell me all this information years ago, when I was at the point of buying my longarm. You absolutely hit every importnat point: from the net working surface of the throat space, to the extra cost in all the extra "stuff", to maintenance, to robotics. Well done! Someone will benefit greatly from this video.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Diana! I just really wanted to put some of those issues out there. It’s such a big decision and I really want everyone to be happy with their machines if it’s right for them. :)

@jamiekent3522 Жыл бұрын

Megan, I agree with the above comment and thank you for your coverage of the business side of this decision.

@JRaeQuiltArt Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the insightful and honest advice. It was all very helpful. The thought of a longarm is enticing, but you helped me to decide to continue with my domestic machine. Maybe someday I will be willing to shell out the money for a good longarm and contend with the challenges of owning a big piece of equipment, but not for now.

@Cathy_MidwestHome_Hens 2 ай бұрын

APQS is my choice because of the ease of maintenance. If you can’t work on your longarm (if company doesn’t allow it) then expect to pay $300-$500 annually for maintenance

@path6908 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video !!!! Many good ideas to think about before buying a long arm machine..You spoke from the consumers stand point not from a sales person stand point.

@aleishacollins6759 2 жыл бұрын

Great information! Thank you for sharing alllll the details. Very helpful in decision making as I venture into the longarm quilting world.

@LQ327 2 жыл бұрын

thanks for an awesome video!!! so many nooks and crannies you covered I would have never thought to think about!! I truly appreciated your take and input 🌹

@vikimoody8783 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for alll the great information! Exactly what I was looking for!

@adkmeg4657 Жыл бұрын

I subscribed based on this video alone! Thank you for your honest review of the many levels of thought that go in to the purchase of a long arm. What an adventure!

@peggyfinsterbusch852 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! Very helpful, well organized and informative. Thank you so much for sharing this. I bought a long arm that has turned out to be too small as well, so I’m looking to upgrade. I’m really glad I found this video just before I started the search.

@notmyname2229 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, with so much useful info. Thank you.

@CherryBlossomHill 2 жыл бұрын

Gammil is owned by a private equity firm, APQS is privately held, one of my biggest concerns is the long term viability of these firms for such a capital intensive piece of machinery to own and operate. One piece of advice I was given that always stuck with me is something another owner shared with me, maintaining your machine is a whole area of expertise that you also need to be prepared for, having access to an amazing dealer and supportive/friendly OEM customer support are extremely important. Some dealers will offer you time on their machines through classes to try them, many of these models can be tested at quilt shows and there are annual long arm trade shows where you can try them all. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the smaller machine, good to know!

@gloriwest 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing!❤️

@brittawrolson5936 Жыл бұрын

Such an excellent, informative video. Thank you👏🏻

@monicakostak9841 2 жыл бұрын

First time stopping by...I just took a longarm class today and am researching now and came across your video which gave me something to think about....one of my longarmers has your same machine (Millie used to be my lab who passed afew years ago too and so the name sticks with me) He had alot of good things to say about his APQ Looking at and trying different machines is important. The Dallas quilt show will be in a few months, hopefully that will be an opportunity to test drive....Thank you for sharing...

@SewGrannySew Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. You presented a lot of points to think on. Well done😊

@christinereliford8131 2 жыл бұрын

Great and thorough info!!!

@monataylor2600 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Your videos are well presented! This was very affirming for me! I have a sit down long arm and enjoy pushing the fabric. You’re so right about the physicality of making the quilt sandwich. (I make baby quilts, throws and perhaps twin size.) Love the intrigue of a queen or king, but I believe I would rent time at our local LQS for that rare occasion.

@loriar1027 2 жыл бұрын

I’m hoping to retire soon and I just bought a long arm, which I’m going to put in our spare bedroom. I’m still waiting for someone to come set it up for me. I just today thought about homeowners insurance so I’m glad you mentioned that. I realize now I also need to go out and buy some thread bc my little spools won’t cut it. I’m really excited. I’m thinking of doing a little quilting for other people but I wasn’t thinking about making it a full fledged business.

@abigailstaab5103 2 жыл бұрын

Great info!! Thank you!!

@christinevanderberg7989 8 ай бұрын

What a valuable video with great information!

@vickiheath6133 Жыл бұрын

This was so helpful. Thankyou

@ritawhitney210 Жыл бұрын

You are the best❤. I wish I could have had advice on buying my domestic machine that would have help me. So thanks for your advice and wisdom of a purchase or even a bucket list LA machine. Meanwhile I’ll keep watching you do your awesome work. TY 😊

@jodyclark6688 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing what you learned about the long arm machine. I am toying with the idea of getting one and I saw one that has a 15 inch throat. I had just seen your video. I know I will not be going with that machine. You did a great job at explaining the pros and cons and what you wish you knew then. I am subscribing to your channel as I see other videos that you post and you speak well and get to the point. Thanks again

@TinyOrchardQuilts 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, Jody! My 16” machine had a lot of good things going for it but I don’t think you’ll be at all sorry going for something with a little more space. :). Good luck with your choice!

@trishlovesdogs3188 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful information - thank you!!!

@janephillips6604 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing!

@dariwolf364 10 ай бұрын

Thank you! Very helpful info! Thanks for sharing!

@abigaildolinger2754 3 жыл бұрын

Great advice, Megan. I bought my APQS Millennium in 2006 (w/o robotics). The machine is a work horse, and the service techs are excellent. I have not had any mechanical issues, and I have completed hundreds of quilts! Congrats on your upgrade, you will love your Millie.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

That is so good to hear!! I’m so happy with my purchase so far :)

@susanriffert5283 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Great info.

@CGeeThompkins 2 жыл бұрын

Dying to buy a LA! I SIMPLY CANNOT justify the cost! Loved your video.

@bluestarhealingangels9162 2 жыл бұрын

Ooo nice I hope to have a long arm in my next life..! Wow what a machine..!!

@pragmatic111 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! I'm still going to get one. I've been looking only at local sales that service the machine and will set up most give free classes. Im waiting for prices on packages available. I too learned difference in frames.🤑🤞

@revrou2911 3 жыл бұрын

So much great information, as always! Thanks so much.

@quilts-by-carmel6754 2 жыл бұрын

Great feedback … Thank you! I have a Simply Sixteen and considering upgrading for similar reasons. Did your APQS dealer accept trade-in or did you have to find a buyer?

@charliepinto9657 2 жыл бұрын

Good information

@Cathy_MidwestHome_Hens 2 ай бұрын

I’m considering an APQS for my first long arm!

@paulanevermore2612 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very informative video. I’m thinking about getting one and you gave me very good questions to ask like the quiltable space at the end of the quilt.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

It’s definitely something to ask about. I was really surprised at how the frame can make such a difference. I think APQS redesigned the tables recently and it changed the quilting space on the machines by 2” or so. It doesn’t sound like a lot but it adds up over several passes!

@user-jl5gg9bv7b 5 ай бұрын

Hello, I love all the information you passed on, wish I had had all that info prior to purchasing my machine years ago. You mentioned having a Handi Quilter in the past, is there a hydraulic available to raise and lower the HQ machine? Please and thank you

@maryhiker 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! I am seriously considering a Simply Sixteen because there is a dealer close to my town. I’m wondering if the throat space would be ample for wall pieces no larger than 4 by 7 feet?

@lindasmith3502 2 жыл бұрын

I’m very interested in learning more about the powered device that advances you quilt. Is it specific just to your frame or can it be used on other frames. I own a long arm with robotics. My room is a tight fit too. It is a bit difficult to reach over the frame to advance my quilt. Thanks.

@mmaylaw9079 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video, Megan. APQS machines are real workhorses, it seems. I test drove a Lenni (20" throat) recently and loved how straight forward the controls are and how comfortable the grips are. The bliss system is slick and felt like ice skating for the first time. Next up was a test drive on the HQ Amara (also a 20" throat), which felt smooth, too, but a little more controllable for a newbie like me. I planned on sleeping on it and possibly trying a Gammill 20". I was interested in trying Innova, but the price was slightly more for no more options. But, as luck would have it, there was a discount on the HQ products to boost sales after our TX ice storm and give quilters a break. By the time all the accessories a girl could want were tacked on, the computer system was basically free (at the discounted price, of course). It seemed like a no-brainer at that point to go with the Amara whose regular features are closer to those of the Millie in the size of a Lenni. For now, I only plan to quilt for myself and have been eyeing bolts of batting, wide backing and thread. Your collection is enviable, and your room is cozy and inviting. Thanks so much for sharing your space and tips so freely and so succinctly. I enjoy your style and look forward to watching you in action with your new machine!

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

I took a few classes on the amaras and they were wonderful! I had no complaints at all with how my handi quilter ran-and tension was pretty easy to adjust. And it sounds like you got an amazing deal!!! Yay!!

@sandybomer5214 11 ай бұрын

Hello. I just came across your video. Thank you for taking the time to go over this info. Do you still have this APQS machine? If so, how are you liking it? If not, what have you changed to?

@beckypetersen2680 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for talking about all the points - as I'm looking into a long arm right now.

@marq9955 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations, thanks for keeping it real. I asked my dealer and a used mid arm was the right fit for me. I love it!

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

Yay!! I’m glad you got a machine you love!

@joane8651 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the video, many things I never considered were so helpful. I think you talked me out of buying one, lol! I have a good machine, larger throat space than most and do not really need another machine to just quilt since I'm 77, disabled and make very few bed quilts every year. You have encouraged me to consider taking classes and learning more at my local longarm shop instead.

@pjinlaca5489 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, everything you needed/wanted to know about a long arm. Excellent presentation!

@chrislittebrant5235 3 жыл бұрын

Good Morning Megan 💖 What an informative video! Congratulations on your new purchase. Thank you for sharing all this information, it’s very helpful 💜 It’s so nice to see you again 💗 Have a wonderful week, always, Chris-Raleigh NC

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Chris!! ❤️

@elsafischer3247 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you I wonder how everything worked

@StitchedbyTasha 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thanks for the info. Where do you buy your backing and white fabric on the bolts? And your batting?

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

I bought it from a mix of places. I did have wholesale accounts open for a while and purchased some then. I have snatched a few others when the price was low on fabric.com.

@SewJoyful 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your APQS Millie30 longarm! So excited for you!

@donnastjules8157 3 жыл бұрын

I love your videos. you always share so much information. thank you for giving so many important things to think about

@SammiJarrad 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all of this great info! 💜💜

@kimcarlson8238 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your new longarm machine! Loved your studio.

@maryvarnell9665 3 жыл бұрын

This video was the most informative regarding what I needed to know that I have seen. Thank you!

@ecoquilting7077 3 жыл бұрын

This was so informative! Congrats on your new machine! 😃

@stitchinginthebarn8307 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great non-salesman information. There's a quilt show going on on YT that is very tempting. You've given me a lot to think on without a sales pitch. Fortunately, I'm not going to buy one without saving at least half of the cost first, so I can't jump in head first. I like how you say to talk to people to find out their opinions. Test driving may not be enough. Let us know how both of the machines handle different batting, ruler work, free motion and regulated stitching if you can. I trust your opinion, on the machines you've used, because you are delightfully honest and real. Thank you so much for this video!

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome! It is, as you point out, a big investment and something you want to be sure of! I’m so glad to hear there are quilt shows happening again!

@tonirollison8950 3 жыл бұрын

Great information and as always you are adorable and positive in your delivery. Thanks so much.

@karen0961 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for doing this video. I someday want a longarm and you covered so many things I hadn’t thought about.

@petmomful2260 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, I never thought of the ACTUAL throat space. Very interesting, Your videos are full of so much info. I really enjoy them.

@valeriesuttonpayne7413 3 жыл бұрын

OMG! You have my favorite curtains of all time on your window. I bought so many of these panels at Lowe’s and hung them everywhere. Sadly, they are no longer with me. But I love them! Your long armer is amazing, too. Thanks for sharing.

@alicehwang4961 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for all the info on longarm machines. Much appreciated!

@ArtemisSilverBow 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great video. I bought a used Juki 350 with a table that I can upgrade to a frame in the future if I wish. I like the option to not upgrade it, too. I love your closet desk and colorful Kona wall!

@sabastiannacostanzo121 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Lots of relevant and important information!

@verafernandes4913 2 жыл бұрын

Hello! Im what i think am in the market for a long arm quilting machine. You’ve provided questions and answers that i did not i needed to know, thank you for that. My question, when a long-armer states she only does edge to edge quilting, what does that meN in pricing or difficulty? Also, is there an a average cost per inch/foot?

@barbarakempen2482 2 жыл бұрын

So why do you use a different thread on the top in a different thread in the bobbin? It is the bigger number the thinner the thread?

@estelasteele1173 3 жыл бұрын

I'm in the market to upgrade my long arm and I've been looking into the Millie. Your information is very timely. Thank you.

@michelle9536 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. I am about to purchase a long arm, and although I haven't been able to practice on many machines (only one!), I think I may go with APQS for a couple of reasons. First, you are the second quilter I follow on youtube that has bought an APQS machine in the last couple of months (with good reviews), and second, I'm in Canada and have to consider the company support issue. There's an APQS dealer pretty close to me (about a 90 min drive). I'm trying to do enough research to be happy with my decision BUT not too much because it can get overwhelming! It's a BIG purchase for me (I've been saving for two years!) and I finally have the house space and time for it.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

How exciting!! Having a dealer even 90 minutes from you is such a bonus! I’ve called apqs with questions now a few times and they have been amazing, so I’m sure you’ll find the same with them. :)

@BrendaH289 3 жыл бұрын

I love your long arm...

@easttennesseeguineapigrescue 18 күн бұрын

What kind of board are holding you thread? I need a better system.. this looks nice

@beatrizfimbres3778 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I'm also thinking (years down the line) of buying a long arm. Thank you for all the information.

@ckl5590 Жыл бұрын

I am in the process of getting a long arm. Do you know if you have to have hard wood flooring or can carpeting be ok?

@suehorn4182 3 жыл бұрын

WOW......how nice. Very organized ❤️

@michelletothill8551 2 жыл бұрын

Can you please share your source for 108 fabric for dying? A friend has been looking for a few months and not found a source yet. I chose to buy a smaller second hand machine, knowing that one day I will upgrade. 6 years later I am still happy with my older HQ16. Likely will be about 4-5 years before I upgrade. But I only quilt for myself.

@fatstitchfabrics Жыл бұрын

Are you still loving your choice? Are you finding the 3000 fast enough for FMQ and is it smooth enough to do manual detailed work, and accurate enough with automation?

@sandraengstrand2784 3 жыл бұрын

Great video!! And congrats on your 20K subscribers!!! 🎈🍰🥳✂️🧵❤️

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Sandra! It’s been quite a journey!

@sandraengstrand2784 3 жыл бұрын

@@TinyOrchardQuilts I can't imagine how much time and effort goes into creating the videos, and making all the quilts for the videos. You make it look effortless!! 😁❤🧵✂️

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

It’s definitely a pretty decent sized job! One of the full quilt videos probably takes 30-40 hours total.

@sandraengstrand2784 3 жыл бұрын

@@TinyOrchardQuilts Wow! ⌚⏰🕰

@nancys4874 2 жыл бұрын

great video, lots of info. I would caution you, however, on your plan to put a rug over your electric cord. This is considered a fire hazard. Might want to do a bit of research on this.

@michelepierce4454 Жыл бұрын

I want to go to a shop never done it. What to expect

@towinbuddy 2 жыл бұрын

Where o where do you buy batting?

@donnalanphear3567 Жыл бұрын

Are there any special electrical requirements?

@SewFun 3 жыл бұрын

This was a really great video. I would be interested in any information you'd want to share about what made you choose the APQS over the Innova or the Gammil. You covered that you wanted robotics and throat space, but what were some of the 'little' things that made you choose what you did?

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

I chose this specific machine for a few reasons-a balance of price and size. I liked the innovas a lot when I tried them but the price point for that brand with a similar size was significantly more than APQS. I also liked the lifetime warranty that only APQS offers. I have only tried a Gammil once at a show and it was a gorgeous machine but I have a good friend who has mentioned some things she didn’t like about hers-she’s had some stitch quality frustrations as well as the overall complexity of the computer system. I don’t think there’s a good or bad machine-it’s a LOT of personal preference!

@SewFun 3 жыл бұрын

@@TinyOrchardQuilts Thank you for the answer! I would get a Longarm in a heartbeat if I had the space, but that's been my limiting factor. I thought about getting one of the frames for small spaces but worried about how hard it would be to quilt a block and your information here really convinced me that it wouldn't be worth it. Thanks!

@benettemcneill984 Жыл бұрын

Teresa, how much space do you have that you can devote to a longarm? Initially that was my dilemma. I got a 5’ Brother Dream Frame. I have no complaints. ( no real complaints lol. ) After getting this frame I learned Innova can make their frame any size you need it to be. Fast forward 6 years. In about 2 weeks I am getting an Innova and my frame will be 9’. The machine is 22”.

@piacremer6170 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Meghan, really good tips 👍😀

@caroltytler7205 3 жыл бұрын

Love your honest, straight forward info. Did you have to put it together upon arrival or is assembly provided as part of the purchase?

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

I did assemble it on my own (with some help from my husband). APQS offers assembly for a 500 fee but I thought I could tackle it myself. The instructions were really clear but there are parts that are absolutely a two person job. If I ever had to move it, I would probably try to have it done by someone.

@vickichandler5872 3 жыл бұрын

Very good information... you've provided somewhere for me to start the process for a possible investment. Really don't know if a long-arm is for me but I want to research out my options. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Blessings to y'all.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

It’s definitely a big investment! I was really sorry when I realized I’d bought the wrong machine for me. Even though it was a great machine! I hope you find the one for you! ❤️

@kathleenknight7164 2 жыл бұрын

Do you have the 10 or 12 foot deluxe frame? My room is about your size so wondering if I could fit the 12 foot frame (with quilt advance). Heading to APQS roadshow next week to check these babies out! You provided lots of very good and organized information that will be helpful. I also plan to take a few longarm classes at the next available quilt show to see if I really love doing longarming (or if I just love the results)😉

@TinyOrchardQuilts 2 жыл бұрын

I actually have an 8 foot frame. I wish I had room for at least a 10 but I wouldn’t have been able to walk around it. I recommend measuring at the roadshow to get the actual footprint and then coming home and marking it out in your room. I originally thought I could do a different orientation but it didn’t work once I had it marked out because of the depth of the table/machine. You don’t have to decide for sure at the roadshow-if you order, you’ll fill out a form and then you’ll get a call a few days later to confirm everything and you can change/confirm your size then.

@kathleenknight7164 2 жыл бұрын

@@TinyOrchardQuilts thank you so much. This is really helpful. From my research I’m leaning toward APQS but want to get more hands on time before deciding. Wish the quilt shows were more doable now but hopefully soon.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 2 жыл бұрын

I think you’ll be really glad you went to the road show to get some hands on experience with them. I was surprised at a lot of things-like the weight of the machine. It was much heavier than I anticipated. I’m used to it now but I’m glad I knew before purchasing or it would have been a shock. I’m glad I could help! :)

@andreastone50 3 жыл бұрын

Your video has great information. Thanks for making it ad all your wonderful videos on piecing. I have learned so much. You might want to consider buying a floor cord cover for the electric cord on your longarm instead of getting a rug. I got one for my sewing machine and have been very happy with it. I feel like it's safer than a rug. Maybe not as pretty though.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

I did look at those but I was a little afraid to use the adhesive on the wood floor. I think I’ll get one to at least tuck under the rug to protect the cord a little! At least I don’t have to walk over that portion very often :)

@andreastone50 3 жыл бұрын

@@TinyOrchardQuilts mine is rubber, with a channel for the cord. No adhesive. I got it on Amazon.

@alexandrawellington8028 3 жыл бұрын

I bought an Innova years ago and had it shipped here to Australia....and there is no backup here. I just love to longarm and get those quilts done. You have heaps of batting and backings....I am jealous. It is so very tempting to get a computerised system for playing with. Cannot wait to see what you can achieve on it. xxxx

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

The computer was a big leap for me! When I bought my first longarm I was so sure I would be 100% hand guided on it but I am really appreciating the flexibility of being able to have the computer handle some of the quilts! I actually learned on an innova-it’s quite a machine!! I know shipping to Australia is crazy sometimes! I like buying batting by the roll but even here it can be $30-40 for shipping. I’ve had good luck on Amazon for basic cotton batting if that is an option for you. :)

@alexandrawellington8028 3 жыл бұрын

@@TinyOrchardQuilts Yes the innova is lovely, I had a REALLY basic longarm to be with and it was annoying to say the least!! I am intrigued by the 100% silk batting, where is it from and what quilts do you use it for? I love wool for the loft and Australia has a lot of sheep LOL. Bamboo is great for summer quilts as it gets hot here. xxx

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

I love the silk batting for thin lightweight quilts. I use quilts year round, so having some light ones for warmer weather is great!

@alexandrawellington8028 3 жыл бұрын

@@TinyOrchardQuilts ooo I will have to try it then xxx

@kj8142 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely video!

@lisaclark5599 3 жыл бұрын

This was awesome and helped me to make my decision to buy a sit down long arm. I just bought a Handquilter Capri 18. I will never have the room for a long arm so this is a great compromise. Unfortunately I bought site unseen due to no sewing stores near me. I bought extension tables and casters. I also got a heck of a deal with 0 interest payments for 60 months AND got a 250 credit and 10% off. Yay!!!!

@lissagilmore620 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the long arm advice.

@mimisgirls1 3 жыл бұрын

Great video...you are an excellent communicator, and when it comes to long arm quilting, we need things to be clear! I have a Babylock Crown Jewel 18" throat space, and it works well for me, but the next size up would be wonderful for the reasons you gave. I have one question...where is your sewing machine...is it in another room?

@dawnkennington2952 2 жыл бұрын

Question I have been looking into a purchased of the Millie and it comes in a 8,10 or 12 foot frame. You mentioned your frame was the only option. Does that mean you can make larger quilts on yours? I really love the APQS but I’m not sure I need the 12 foot frame due to my space. What are your thoughts? Also your video was very helpful!

@TinyOrchardQuilts 2 жыл бұрын

My frame was the only option that would work in my space. You can choose any of the sizes of frame when you purchase your machine. You cannot adjust the frame size without buying new rails though. I did ask about that since we may someday move to a different house. They said I could buy new rails rather than an entirely new frame which would save me a little money. I have an 8 foot frame. It has generally been fine since I usually make small quilts. However, if I had the space, I would get the biggest frame that would fit in my room :)

@TinyOrchardQuilts 2 жыл бұрын

My frame is 8 feet long so the largest I can do is about 74”. Honestly, it doesn’t come up that often that I can’t do a quilt since I don’t make a lot of really large quilts. For my recent 84” sample of my new pattern, I sent it to Tia Curtis for quilting.

@donnastjules8157 3 жыл бұрын

great space! love the aqua shelf. very pretty. where did you get your bobbin winder? I've been looking for one but have only found ones with European wiring.

@TinyOrchardQuilts 3 жыл бұрын

This bobbin winder came with the machine. I think most brands (at least I know for sure handi quilter and apqs) come with one. The apqs one is super fast! I think you can buy them from their website.