7 Reasons Why I DO Want and Need a Longarm - Quilting Podcast

[@nitahenderson4298]

Hello Leah, I love that you said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." So many times we comoare our own work with the work of people we admire. There us a reason we admire others work but it is not to compare ourselves to them. Everyone is on their own journey. You can't trade your journey for another's. Be proud of your work no matter where you are in your journey. Be kind to others because you don't know where they are in their journey. Remember the Golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I simply love your podcasts and videos. Even if you do get a little ranty. 🙂

[@LeahDay]

LOL! Me?! Ranty?! Yes, you are completely right. Avoid comparisons because they will only ever made you feel bad.

[@salliebeard1899]

Loved today. Thank you for being so honest, truthful, and allowing "change" to occur. I'm renting a longarm tomorrow. This will be my second time. And yes the first was not pieced perfect, but neither was the quilting. But it is finished, & on my guess bed. Quilt #2, pieced because of more practice, but also a new machine. I broke down and now own a Brother Dream machine 2. Used, but wonderful. Hoping to improve daily. Embroidery was never my niche, but excited to learn. I love thread painting. Didn't know I could.... Life is what you challenge yourself to reach for, go the untraveled path. Thank you for sharing....you go girl....

[@LeahDay]

That's great Sallie! How did your rental time go?

[@tammyc.8751]

I realize this is 3yrs old, but thought I would mention this. Best quilting purchase I ever made was an electric height adjustable desk, which I can sit, cut fabric, or stand to sew. Best of all making just an inch or two of height adjustment up or down while sewing, is great for avoiding pain. Now I'm putting a cutie frame

[@vickiemartinsen8600]

Hi Leah, I know this is a few years old, but I just wanted to say that you are a very humble person. going back and correcting your self to the whole world. I loved everything you said about getting a longarm and using it. I have a great urge to have one for 12 years or so. I finally got the confidence to get one. it's almost here and I have butterflies 🦋. Thank you for this video it was exactly what I needed 💗 💓

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for sharing Vickie! It's not easy to admit I was wrong and trust me - I wouldn't have been able to do this in my 20s! LOL! Having been on this journey for awhile, I now see where quilters get stuck in old techniques and methods and then get too afraid and maybe prideful to admit it and change methods. I think it's good to be honest because otherwise I'm saying one thing and doing something else and eventually that'll catch up with me - and that is REALLY no fun!

[@pajamaquilter9463]

Leah, thank you so much for all of your videos and tutorials and explanations! I watch all of your long arm videos and have actually been able to decide that it probably isn't for me. I have some special back issues and standing and leaning over for mere moments causes me great pain. I wouldn't even be able to attach any layer to the back of the stand. If I hadn't watched you so much, I wouldn't have really thought about that aspect of the process. I also don't have a lot of patience for myself, so spending the hours of practice and not have beautiful work could very well lead to lots and lots of tears. So, for now, I will stick to my regular machine and stitch, stitch, turn, stitch, turn, stitch, stitch, stitch, etc. It has worked for me for 24 years and for now I will continue that way without feeling the financial pressure of making a huge investment on something that might just not be right for me. I wouldn't have been so confident in this decision if I hadn't been able to see so much step by step process from you. And I will continue to watch as things change and evolve, because you just never know what the future holds in this area. Thank you for being such a huge blessing in this area!

[@LeahDay]

That is wonderful! No, seriously, I think it's great that my videos have helped you fully understand longarm machines and that it won't work for you. Buyers remorse is a terrible thing and can make me feel very stuck and awful. I never want to sell a machine or frame to someone and have them not like it. That is absolutely no fun for anyone!

[@firecracker6286]

Hello Leah, Thank You so much for your Podcast. I received my Q-Zone Hoop Frame Pro on Saturday. My husband and I put it together rather quickly. I just LOVE IT. It fits perfect in my sewing room Thank You and your husband Josh. I have a Janome 9400 and I'm excited about practicing on this. However, I just watched your podcast on 7 reasons to want a Longarm. I love working with pantographs, however I really like the size of 7 to 8 inches at least. I'm seriously thinking about the Q'nique l5R in the future. I have heard and I've never seen one in person that their rather loud. I live in Florida near Jacksonville is their a shop I could visit to see one. I've ask around and made some calls but everyone seems to sell only domestic machines. Thank You so much for all you do for us quilters. Linda L Evans (Firecracker)

[@LeahDay]

We've recently discontinued the Qnique 15R, but still have 15 PRO longarms in stock. These machines will give you almost 10 inches of vertical quilting space, so you'll have around 10 x 32 inches before you need to stop and re-hoop your frame. This desire for more space is very addictive! It's why I have a Qnique 21!

[@-Stella-Maris-]

Hi! I participated in your very first building-blocks quiltalong back when, then took a few years off to focus on professional training, quilting a little on the side. So very glad to be catching up with you! Loving the podcasts. 💛

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful Kathleen! I'm so glad you've come back to quilting and you can catch up with me!

[@Maria-fh4oh]

I worked on one quilt (my first quilt for my dad). This quilt took me 7 months to make and this was the only quilt I was working on during this time. I had a deadline to finish the quilt (birthday), and could schedule my time accordingly. It worked out really well it came out beautifully. I think I am working on 2 projects now and this feels like a good balance as some of the quilting design process can take time, when I am not designing /piecing fabric I use the backing fabric (precut before starting project) as the backdrop for all my piecing fabric and colours. Then I rolled everything up (pinned onto the backing fabric) and roll everything up onto a pool noodle. I use the pins to hold the fabric into place.

[@Maria-fh4oh]

I also use plastic tubs stored under my cutting/ designing table (half with pressing mat and half with cutting mat). The tubs have fabric that are for a purpose for example Japanese fabric for the quilt I'm working on or landscape fabric for the landscape quilt I am working on I also have another tub with pre-set projects which I will work on once I finish the previous2 projects. This has some fabric for 2 other quilts. This is so that I don't use the fabric by mistake by having these on the shelves.

[@Maria-fh4oh]

I think it will be interesting to see that once the 2 quilt tops are completed if I would be quilting these both at the same time, or if I should leave some time between these. It's definitely an advantage to quilt more than one quilt top as you need to set up your sewing machine for the purpose. It might be worthwhile to set aside 1 week to complete the quilts without interruption

[@Feequilts]

I remember when you did that longarm video and Iaughed thinking at some point there’ll be another entitled “Why I love my longarm!” I couldn’t wait for the day when a DSM came with a longer arm, and a sit down longarm would be even better. Yippee! If I wanted to go to the frame, my machine can do that so I love that option. Glad you said that the longarm is better for the neck and back. Back in the day, I’d hear how the machines were quite heavy to move and caused shoulder and neck problems. Now they look easy! I have had a lot of my emotional trauma treated which has eradicated nearly all of the chronic pain in my body so that has been a right blessing on quilting time. Stress mucks about with the body in awful ways. I now have a 20” sit down which I think is the best of both worlds and have just upgraded to a larger DSM. I figure if I can quilt larger quilts, it’s also better to have the larger DSM to make them on as I’m always frustrated with the 7.5” arm. I almost enjoy basting quilts but if I didn’t want to baste a quilt, I’d go to a longarmer to have it done. My experience the other week when getting a lesson on my new DSM was I that I was totally distracted by the amount of space right of the needle. I was so excited that I felt this must be what it is like for guys looking at womens’ chests. I think there’s probably not as much machine snobbery now. Back the in the day, most of us had the basic mechanical or electronic machines and it was the “snobs” (not snobs as such, just really lucky quilters) that were buying the new fangled computerised ones. Most people have upgraded to the new ones in those 20 years and they all have the same wonderful features and are just a different brand or size. There was also the fact that computers confused those not blessed with binary code in their DNA and they shunned them (like my wonderful Mum). She still runs a mile when I want to give her an older computerised one. If someone was being snobby to me about having a longarm, I’d invite them to have a play on it. For me, and I’m not being a snob here, I found going from a mechanical machine that couldn’t do one slow stitch at a time to a computerised one that could, made me a better, more accurate quilter and sewer and reduced my stress levels a lot. I do however tell any students with what I call a stallion of a machine (loves to gallop) that they’ll finish their tops a lot faster. I find if I’m rusty or when I first learnt to quilt that doing any pattern on a small scale made it easier to do it on a larger scale so I thank my DSM for that. Small scale designs are wonderful but I usually go for a scale that will give texture. I love how large a sweeping movement I can do on the longarm. One thing I’ve always wanted to ask a longarmer is when the eyesight starts to go, how easy is it to see what you’re doing when the needle is 17”-20” away from you? I don’t know if you’re there yet, I am! When you said you were worried about losing beginner quilter if you quilted on a longarm, that might have been an issue when few people could afford them but now you’re getting them familiar with one and taking the fear out of the equation. I still quilt for me and rarely for others so I had a good laugh there. This works for me and is my therapy. I don’t think it’s selfish and I admire those who quilt for others and wonderful causes. If someone wants a quilt, I’m happy to teach them the joy of quilting. Sorry this is long, you hit so many great points. A fantastic video, Leah!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for sharing! Yes, I agree. I believe the general attitude about machines has changed. Or maybe I just don't get around the negativity as much. Use what you have as long as it works, then change it when things need to change! That's my motto at least!

[@beckypetersen2680]

I know...when I first saw Leah's attitude about Long arms, All I could think of was, "With her natural artistic talent, think how amazing she would be/could be on a long arm - because if she can do this with her domestic, just think what she could do with he long arm!" At least that is what I thought!

[@busybeescraftycorner6146]

I really enjoyed this podcast. I’m fairly new to quilting I’m still learning and practicing. I don’t have a lot of time to practice but I know this is the only way I’m going to get better! I would love to get to the point where I would get a longarm but everything you talk about in this podcast has help me I’ll be waiting for a while. thanks Leah

[@LeahDay]

That's great! Thank you for sharing!

[@viviannocera5066]

Leah thank you for this podcast. So much useful information and food for thought. Transition is often times hard for people, it comes from being comfortable with where we are and uneasy with branching out into what is unknown. You are a very articulate and masterful teacher and humble person. I appreciate all you have taught me so far and look forward to what comes next.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Vivian! You're right, it is a big transition. I'm so glad you found this video helpful.

[@melaniedemonte9310]

Love the pod cast today. I've quilted big quilts on my home machine. It took a couple of months to finish. I just finished a quilt on a long arm and it took a couple of days to do. I would have finished sooner but I have a 4 year old grandson I take care of. So to me the long arm is great to have. Keep up with the great work you do.

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful Melanie! Thank you for sharing!

[@sewmartha]

I’m so glad I found you. I have been binge watching your videos and have learned so much. I’m a beginner quilter. Very new. But I’m interested in a mid arm. So this video was right what I needed. I do have one question. What do you mean by the quilt being soft when done on your long arm? Thanks again for your great teaching

[@janbristow9481]

Wow, Leah, I am happy to find out through this podcast that you have "branched out" from only quilting on a sewing machine. (A month ago I branched out and bought a Juki 2200 longarm. I decided to keep it in the table for now, because I have a back issue with standing for long periods of time.) I was ABLE to quilt on my home sewing machine, in large part because of watching your earlier videos, but I dreaded it because it was so hard physically to shove & push that quilt through that small space, and I would always end up hurting myself (I am 63). BOY am I glad I got this longarm, even though I'm still moving the fabric.....it is QUITE a bit easier than my sewing machine, and I am delighted with it. Your idea about renting time on a stand up longarm is a good one, because I SHOULD find out how my back will do with one on a frame. I could always eventually get a frame and put my longarm on it. So many decisions. You are right......no one should look down on anyone else on how they decide to quilt!!! Thank you, thank you!! (sorry this is long).

[@LeahDay]

I'm so happy to hear this Jan! Yes, you're allowed to change and grow with your craft. The goal is to make the things our heart most needs to create!

[@emds698]

Just like all the others this podcast was really good, I learned a lot today. I’m new to quilting but was fast to notice their is no way I’m going to enjoy doing the quilting on a small machine and moving it around, I have bad back and neck problems so sitting for long is a problem for me. I do have room for a long frame but after seeing you work on the q frame I’m thinking about that one with a Juki 2010. That fits my price range also the package comes with stitch regulater, pantograph and some other things. I’ve been sewing for over 31 years and quilting always scared me so now that I’ve started piercing I can’t wait to get to the fun part quilting it. I’m not going to compare mine to others that will take the happiness out of me because I know my first quilt is not going to look great but it’s mine none the less and it’s finished. Living in NYC there is a lot of homeless people and my goal is to make lap quilts and hand them out to them and to do that your right only a frame will speed the process.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for sharing Marisol! Yes, I think the Q-Zone is a good fit for you and you can use the machine you have right now and keep your quilting open and simple. Being able to work fast enough to give quilts away was one of my goals too. It feels wonderful to wrap someone up in a quilt. It's almost better than a hug!

[@willson72]

I just bought the q-zone and I really like it. There is a learning curve, and Leah has excellent videos on assembling and using it. I am just like you. So tired of fighting with my quilts using my table top machine...like wrestling with an octopus! 😂

[@emds698]

Leah Day thank you for your reply and for your time to share your videos with us.

[@emds698]

Stacey Willard you are funny but your right got to be moving and pulling. So are you enjoying the q-zone is it a good buy?

[@willson72]

@@emds698 I do like it. I do not sew for profit, so its simply a personal investment and I mainly bought it so I could use it with my current machine. I have a Janome Memory Craft 6300 that is only 5 years old. It has the extra wide (long?) quilting throat. I plan to make quilts to donate. I will need to practice to really get the hang of FMQ, because I truly like straight lines. This frame fits perfectly in my sewing room. It was also easy to assemble, thanks to Leah's video. I don't know how experienced you are in quilting, but I felt this frame was a good choice for me since I didn't need to buy the long arm machine. It works for me, so far!

[@MrsSusanMartin]

Thank you Leah! Am seriously thinking of buying a Q’Nique 21 because of your great videos! ❤️

[@collettegay1432]

June 22, 2019 is an awesome day. That was my wedding day. ❤

[@LeahDay]

Aw!

[@denisek5208]

Great information on this podcast! Thanks for sharing. I am in the market for a new sewing machine, this has given me some food for thought. 👍

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it!

[@73mhlmm]

Great Podcast. I appreciate you perspective on yourself and the topic. We often think that since we can't afford something we should never explore the idea. Things change and you just never know what may be next in your life. Have a wonderful day, I enjoyed every minute.

[@LeahDay]

Exactly! You can explore this by renting time on a longarm instead of jumping straight into buying one. If you quilt 5 quilts a year, it would take several years for the rental time to add up to more than the cost of a longarm.

[@tdestefani]

Loved your blog. I have a regular sewing machine and I am new to quilting. I feel I need a lot more practice on my sewing machine at this time and need to master free motion and not just walking foot. Every step of the way was scary knowing I will need to square up and cut my block, next I was scared to quilt and then had to bind for the first time. I think I did good on my first quilt. And like you that you need to know and be able to do all steps. Before I move up to a long arm I need to make sure this is what I love doing and buy some time on a rental machine. All your points you talked about were great. Thanks.

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I remember how scary it was to baste my first quilt. I was so afraid of messing it up! It definitely can be an intimidating process, and having a bigger, more expensive machine can make that harder, not easier to overcome. Enjoy renting time! I hope it goes well.

[@TheRbarron]

I love your honesty and self reflection here. I’m just learning to quilt and would love to someday learn a long arm.

[@LeahDay]

Check in your local area and see if rentals are available. That really helped me scratch the itch and understand more about this style of quilting.

[@TheRbarron]

I actually found a place that teaches a class then lets people rent the long arm for $15/hr. Definitely going to look into it in the future when I’m making larger than baby size quilts.

[@terrydickson6468]

I think you did a great job growing with your quilting. we deserve nice things . i enjoyed laughing with you today.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Terry! I'm so happy to be growing and changing and trying new things.

[@katehall4300]

Awesome podcast as usual! I just want to point out that it really is not necessary that you Quilt your own quilts! It is okay to pass on that job to someone else! Some Quilters love to piece, and they make quilt top after quilt top and enjoy every minute, but when it comes to the next stage, they have no interest. Sure, they want there quilts finished, but there’s that new pattern and that stack of lovely fabrics! That’s where I come in! I LOVE machine quilting! I can take all of those quilt tops, and do some fabulous quilting, complimenting the piecing and turning it into a completed project. It’s ok to share your quilt journey with a partner! Days fly by, do the things you enjoy the most. And I can quilt a lot of your quilt tops for the price of a long arm machine, not to mention all the time involved in learning new skills. So, if you are that person, who is just not interested in Quilting your own quilt tops, don’t feel badly, just look up your local professional longarm quilter, and see if you work well together! I just moved to a new state and most of my new friends are people I’ve begun quilting for! Sorry this is so long! Quilter Kate Hall! You keep me company while I Quilt Leah!

[@LeahDay]

Great point Kate! I think the main reason quilters consider owning a longarm is the cost of professional quilting on 5 or more quilt tops. It's easy to piece a lot and suddenly get sticker shock on the cost to quilting them all. But yes, I completely agree and I think it's great that we have so much space in this industry for creative entrepreneurship!

[@lindalosier5989]

Great pod cast. I started quilting about 4 years ago and bought a Juki 2010 because it could be put on a frame should I ever have space for it. I love quilting on my home machine but this year when the Graze Q-Zone came out I started researching it. I wondered if I would love moving the machine as much as much as moving the quilt. It was a difficult decision, I kept going back and forth but I purchased the frame and I am in the process of getting the room ready for it. At 71 I want to do as many quilts as I can for my family and friends to make up for all those years I dreamed about quilting but didn't have time or money. My goal is to pay off the frame and buy a long arm for it. That will allow me to do both. I can't wait to get it set up and start practicing. When I told my daughter in law she was excited to be getting more quilts made by me. I think there will be many quilts in my future.

[@LeahDay]

That's wonderful Linda! Have fun cleaning out your room and setting up your new frame!

[@momsapples]

gosh, I feel like I’m reading about myself! I did some sewing-baby quilts I tacked mostly. I kept putting serious quilting on hold while remodeling the inside of my three bedroom home by myself. I also had to retire! My next birthday is in September... I’ll turn 70. Sometimes I feel I’m too old to make a huge investment in a long arm. I’ve signed up for quilt fair next month highlighting long arm options. So... we’ll see! This is so great to see others struggle with this decision!

[@LeahDay]

Have a great time at your Quilt Fair! That sounds like a great place to learn more about machines and meet the dealers in your area.

[@lindalosier5989]

@@momsapples I've gone back and forth for some time about the frame. Getting the Q-Zone was a great motivator to expand my work space. I'm going from a small corner of my utility room to a whole room just for me!!

[@ellenlewellen6821]

I too never thought I’d get a long arm, but after I received an inheritance, my husband suggested it would honor my parents to turn one of the now adult child’s bedroom to this purpose. There were no quilt shows in my area at the time (January), so I went to talk to the owner of my local quilt shop to see what she had. Coming from a small town, the distance I’d have to drive to seek service was my biggest concern. So I purchased the brand with the best service a reasonable distance and they came to set up the frame in my home. I love my new Babylock! I had done many quilts up to king size on my home machine, but hated the sandwich pinning process. One lesson from the dealer and several “practice” quilts later, I’m learning new techniques and getting more quilts completed. Maybe some day I’ll spring for the computerized system, but for now I’m using pantographs and doing custom block-by-block designs and am very happy with my results.

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful Ellen! I think that's very good you researched and found the best dealer within your area.

[@WillowZan]

This was SO informative Leah!! Thank You!

[@beckypetersen2680]

I enjoyed this video today - I know I am commenting a year after you made it so not sure you will see it. But I was discouraged from getting a long arm by a lady who had one and I wondered why - she told me the space was an issue - don't get one! I liked it when I first saw it. Anyway, I set about to try to be happy with my Horizon - and I have quilted literally hundreds of quilts on it/them (7700, 8900 and 12000). I am also one of the people who used to watch you a lot and then stopped watching - but the reason I did was not because you were using your home machine (I was too) but because you were showing such infinitesimal quilting. That was simply not what I was interested in. I wanted to learn to quilt, but on a much bigger scale. So that's what I'm working on - with my Horizon. I try to make 120 charity quilts a year so mostly I do straight line quilting or a big loop or stipple on those. I find the loops the easiest. On my other quilts (between 30 and 50 a year normally - of personal quilts) I do mostly swirls and curls though I'd like to make 2021 the year to master feathers. For the smaller charity twin size (60x80), I can do them in about an hour and a half on the Horizon - after I've spray and pin basted. At the same time, I am really wanting a long arm - so badly. I've also noticed in the intervening years that we also have more choices, the prices are coming down (a bit - I live in Europe, so not like in the states) and domestic machines with big throats are definitely going up in price! But I think the wear and tear on my body - my arms and wrists hurting esp. - has made me want a long arm so much so that this year we are working on the room. The next time I get my residency permit for this country where I live - once I'm told I get another 3 years, I will spring for the long arm - hopefully December or next January!

[@briteddy9759]

I was so surprised when you said this was an extra long podcast. I did not notice as I was listening to the podcast while working in my sewing room. Must have been a very good podcast! :) It is ok to change your mind. This is how we change and grow. I actually find both this podcast and the original blog of value and the reason is that you backed up your statements. I still need to evaluate the claims, but now I know what to consider with respect to longarm versus domestic machine quilting.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! It was nearly double the usual length. My jaw got a workout!

[@shanabanana3800]

Great podcast yet again! Thank you! "I know I have too many projects in progress when every surface of my house is covered with something" 🤣 "I was quilting the SNOT out of everything" 🤣🤣 "I didn't actually have any experience to back that up, so yeah, I was completely talking out of my butt there" 🤣🤣🤣 I almost peed my pants!!!!

[@LeahDay]

LOL! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@kerryl4031]

I know a lady who has a huge longarm (for a fair few years now) and never used it - currently sitting in her living room and not much space for anything else. All that money wasted! Architect and builder coming tonight to chat about enlarging our kitchen and then renovating our dilapidated workshop and garage into a quilt studio and garage (separated!!!!) and then I can have a longarm - finally! It's OK to change our minds - we grow and move forward. I loved piecing and quilting by hand because I was good at it, but then I was hopeless with a sewing machine - but life is too short and I wanted to make more, so bit the bullet and used the domestic and piecing improved, so then the quilting was added to my, er, "expertise" hah, such as it is but my shoulders suffered greatly - more so when the quilting made it heavier to move. Room for all things - domestic machine is great for smaller quilts, longarm for big quilts and hand quilting for special ones - or to snuggle under and sew on cold winter days.

[@LeahDay]

That is definitely sad to hear about the quilter who has a longarm and isn't using it. Maybe ask her if you can rent time on it! LOL! That will encourage her to start quilting on it. Congratulations on your new sewing room!

[@kerryl4031]

She did offer but we got so tied up with moving that it never happened! I'm hours away from where we used to live. Such a shame! Architect only came from near where we used to live! Her parents still live where my son's partner's parents live. Such a small world. Or the Hampshire people are taking over Devon! LOL! Sounds good for the building work, so plans to be drawn up and permission from the local governing body is the next step. Hopefully starts this time next year! Whoohoo!

[@belyndamulloy33]

Great show today Leah! Thank you.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for watching!

[@patriot8938]

Leah. I mentioned the tin lizzie when I was speaking to her and stated I didn’t want that particular brand. I will double check but everything she told me it was their own. I might impulse buy a $100 pair of sandals but not a 20k machine. I have gone to a lot of shows, conducted research and talked to a lot of people - therefore my issues with vendors. There are a couple of local shops but they are small. Keeping long arms in stock is cost prohibitive for most shops. I will continue researching. This is for my personal use and I consider this an investment. Thanks for the info.

[@LeahDay]

You might also want to check out the Tin Lizzie website and just look for machine that appears similar. That will let you know, even if the dealer isn't being straight about it. The Brother Dream, Rock Block It, and Grace Qnique 15 are all basically the same build with differences in branding and maybe a few features. Many machine brands work this way. Yes, it is a massive investment and I'm so happy you're taking your time with it!

[@SewingMachineRehab]

Thank you for making this video! I learned to quilt on my home machine by watching your videos (and others). But...it’s true, once you progress to a certain point you really have to factor in time and if it’s worth wrangling a quilt for hours and hours when it could go so much more faster. Just a few months ago I said I would never use a long arm but in the past few weeks I have changed my opinion. Perfect timing for me and I really appreciated hearing all of your honest opinions, you answered so many of the questions that were popping up in my head! I am definitely looking at these machines differently.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for sharing Jennifer! I've learned that it's great to change my mind about things and to embrace the easier method. I often make things far harder for myself than I need to, and that was certainly the case with my early quilting style.

[@paulinechapman5669]

Hey..in support..why do l need a long arm..because l deserve one..having reached a momentous birthday a couple of years ado..decided if not now .. when..ok not everyone can afford one..but..this comment may be for those of us who can afford a long arm and are pitting if off…or think they don’t need one..don’t.you will never look back in regret..happy quilting..🇨🇦

[@luisanasawyer2855]

Hi Leah, thank you for your very informative and so personal podcast on this topic. While this was posted awhile ago, it was exactly what I needed to hear. I have the Q-zone Pro hoop frame and have done some free-motion quilting on a baby quilt and a larger queen size quilt using my Janome M7 (which BTW took some time to figure out how to make it work effectively on the frame). I am just considering a long arm machine as I do enjoy doing the quilting myself but the frame set-up is more of my concern. I don’t have much space for the frame, but would like to have the ability to quilt at least a 12 in block. Can that be done by having a longarm on the Q-zone? Thanks so much for not just your teaching and info, but for your kindness.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for your kindness! Yes, you can put a Qnique 19X Elite on your Hoop Frame Pro and be able to quilt a 12 inch block in one pass. With this machine on your frame, you'll have around 14 x 30 inches of quilting space before needing to shift and re-hoop the quilt. We have just recently discontinued the original Qnique 19, but have launched the Qnique 19X Elite this month! I plan to get one to put on my Hoop Frame Pro too. I don't have these listed yet, but you're welcome to contact me about it directly here - leahday.com/pages/contact-us

[@suesmith5033]

I quilt on my domestic but really am looking at the q zone frame bacause of your videos and wanting to grow as a quilter

[@LeahDay]

Awesome Sue! Make sure to check out my videos on that frame here: leahday.com/frame

[@deborahhunsaker971]

I run into money issues with finishing my quilts. I have tons of smaller pieces of fabric (my family calls me a hoarder), so I make tops. I have at least 10 tops waiting for backing and in some cases, border fabrics. My husband keeps telling me to make bags instead... I have a sit down long arm, called George, just waiting for the backs! At some point, the money issues will get better.

[@LeahDay]

You could turn some of those backs into tops. If you don't absolutely love some of the tops, or two kind of go together, you could consider it a pieced backing. Then you don't have to wait to buy more fabric, you can use what you have and knock out two quilt tops at the same time.

[@beckypetersen2680]

You could always just cut your smaller pieces of fabric into squares a as small as 10" or as big as 18" and made a big square pieced backing. I've done it with 5"x10" shirt pieces and pieced the whole backing out of second hand fabrics. Looked amazing! Queen sized.

[@oliviaruiz6397]

Hi Leah, thank you for your information, i started learning quilting, 2 or n3 years ago, now that we all have been at home due it to the Covid 19, I have learned more by watching videos. On UTUBE, a very profesional lady was my teacher, at this point I understand more about quilting, i even bought a new sewing machine with a long throat, have a quilt that needs to be quilted, is going to take me time to do it and i was thinking to buy a Long Arm quilt, but, I like one with a computer that the you program it and the machine goes. I'm also more than 65 years of age. Please advise i will very much appreciate. Thank you for your tutorial and good information .

[@elizabethhorn9861]

Hi Leah:am a longtime follower and learned much from you-thanks very much! I love piecing,but as I get older, quilting on my home machine is getting more difficult. I probably only make 4-5 large quilts a year-and am trying to determine if purchasing a long arm system makes more sense instead of sending my tops out or renting time on local machines at a quilt shop. The initial expense is overwhelming-and we may downsize in the next 5 years,so space would be an issue. Your thoughts?

[@LeahDay]

If you know downsizing is in your future and you know 4-5 quilts is what you want to make each year, then it makes the most sense to me to rent time in your local area. You're in a situation where the benefits won't really offset the cost or space the longarm will take. Does that make sense?

[@joane8651]

Good idea on renting time to learn how to use the machine before deciding...

[@LeahDay]

Yes! If you think about the money spent renting time and consider how many quilts you want to quilt a year, then you may find that renting simply works better for you. It really depends on if it's a service available in your area and you like the shop it's offered in.

[@ElizabethChronis]

I so want a long arm, but we just don't have the space (or the extra money) at the moment ... there are a lot of 'ifs' that I could think about to make it work, but for now, I just can't justify it. Someday. On another note from this video ... I love the look of your hexis! I remember at one point when you were talking about pressing that you don't press your seems open when you English Paper Piece hexis ... how do you press them?

[@LeahDay]

Sorry that was confusing - on regular pieced hexies, not English, but regular hexies pieced by hand from dot to dot, I press the seams to one side. For English PP, the seam allowance is already pulled open. Those are two different styles of piecing of the same shape.

[@ElizabethChronis]

Thank you! That seems totally logical!

[@cassiemacleod3634]

Yes it is possible to do a bigger than the thought space , its called roll-reroll, its awesome fun too. my Dad does it.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for sharing! I'll check out a roll-reroll!

[@joycecarthew4945]

When you going to computerized quilting. That will really save you time. I free motion on a Gracie 2 with a brother pq1500sl. Yes I would love a longer neck but not now.

[@LeahDay]

I'm definitely thinking about adding computerization! It opens up a whole new area for creative play!

[@jpeood32]

i would love to see a super spiral pattern done on a quilt as you go!

[@LeahDay]

Already made that video! Here you go: leahday.com/blogs/machinequilting/how-to-quilt-super-spiral

[@WillowZan]

Don't feel bad about the Bernina! I was married more than 20 years before I could afford one! LOL!!!

[@LeahDay]

LOL! Seriously!

[@tzfatree]

I have some “baggy issues” around my belly Too! LOL!

[@tmoore1144]

I got my Long Arm because I was in a position to afford one and had always wanted one. Plus I would rather have a root canal without anesthesia than pin a bedside quilt again. As for the body damage we can do with quilting it is real. I had to do two months of OT followed by two more months of PT to fix my left arm from a pinched nerve in my neck. I didn't realize how bad my posture had become. Everything I do requires me to bend over or slump over. Sewing, cutting, hand sewing, reading, etc. Plus as a nurse in a hospital setting I am always bent over patients, turning patients, starting I.V.s, drawing blood, etc. I still have nerve damage causing tingling in my left hand fingers but this affects starting IVs mostly, not quilting :)

[@LeahDay]

LOL! That does sound painful! I hate basting that much too! I'm very glad you noticed your posture was an issue and have worked to correct it. It really can sneak up on you!

[@ckennedyiii8774]

I don't need 7 reasons as much as I need several thousand dollars! I know I want one but sadly, it just isn't in the budget.

[@LeahDay]

Good point! Enjoy quilting with the machines you own right now and check into renting time. It's a lot cheaper and takes up no space, in your house at least!

[@suzyking6534]

I found that many places offer financing with 0% interest. Because of that, I was able to get my long arm.

[@LeahDay]

That's excellent Suzy! Thank you for sharing.

[@myronmitchell1791]

What about the compact sit down long arm....they are not as expensive. and standing can be hard on me for long Periods .... I want to work up to one of these...Sheila

[@LeahDay]

We no longer offer a sit down longarm option because we found most quilters only stayed with that setup for a few months before wanting a longarm. There is a BIG difference between pushing the quilt under the needle and moving the machine on a frame. And for general health and well being, I love standing now! I stand at my computers and at my longarms and find I have far less back and neck problems now than I ever had before.

[@myronmitchell1791]

@@LeahDay Yes ....its not good to sit for to long anyway, If you hv a sit down machine you should take breaks and stretch...lol

[@maryjames687]

We put our long arm in the garage. That’s my mom sewing room

[@LeahDay]

Awesome Mary!

[@patriot8938]

I have been looking for four or five years for a long arm. I have 'driven' a lot. Here has been my experience. 1. Bad mouthing the competitor. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth. 2. Not being honest about how easy it is to learn, and or maintain 3. Not being honest about what actually comes with the longarm for the money - meaning the true cost 4. Pressure sales 5. Technical support 6. Not answering my questions honestly. I realize some people don't do their homework, but I do, and I do ask trick questions. I have come across a longarm I want to try out which appears to be one that might fit the bill and has a good name to back it up, the Janome longarm.

[@patriot8938]

@@dawnmason9558 I saw it at the AQS quilt show in Daytona Beach. It hasn't been out that long but has been in testing for a few years. I am hoping it is as good as it looked being demonstrated because it although a bit pricey (and that term is relative) but far less expensive than the other long arms without the bells and whistles.

[@LeahDay]

Double check that it's actually Janome's build. From what I understand, that one was modeled on a Tin Lizzie. That's awesome that you're researching thoroughly, but also check out shops too. Shows are often good places to impulse buy, but you don't know how the dealer will work out until it's too late.

[@garycrumrine9538]

I think machines in General are more expensive. Long arms way down? I don't think so. For a top of the line computerized machine, you are approaching $40.000. That is big money in anybody's book.

[@LeahDay]

That's the thing Gary - you don't have to go with the top of the line or computerization. In this podcast I was talking about longarms and frames designed for hobbyist that cost around $5000.