machine quilting business

What’s the best long arm quilting machine to buy?

I am a hobby quilter maybe working into a business.

There is no “right” answer to this question. There are a lot of great machines and frames on the market, ranging in cost from a couple thousand dollars up to forty or fifty thousand. It depends on what you want to do. You can buy a top end machine that has a 36″ arm, a frame capable of handling an oversized king quilt, and a computer that will run the machine and stitch the design for you. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are frames that are designed to hold a domestic sewing machine (although I wouldn’t use one with an arm shorter than 9″).

Here are a couple of resources for you:
1. There’s a new issue of Quilt magazine that has an article and a list of midarm through longarm machines.
2. Join the Yahoo Groups called homequiltingsystems and Machine_Quilting_Professional. The people in those groups can tell you first hand experiences with all sorts of set ups.
3. Test drive as many machines as possible. Find dealers near you (or near relatives who you want to visit!). Go to trade shows or quilt shows like International Quilt Festival in Houston, Chicago, or the new one in Los Angeles.

Block of the Month Club

Consider the convenience of a Block of the Month Quilt Club. You will save a lot of time, money and stress, and this method is especially great for beginner quilters. The BOM provides a starting point and working a block at a time builds skills and confidence. Once you have selected your Look for projects that are recommended for beginners.

Now you too can enjoy creating special “one of a kind” quilts that your loved ones will treasure, from our original Quilt Block of the Month Club Patterns.

• Do you feel like you are always looking for a quilt to make that is different … and that bit extra special?
• Are you frustrated by other quilt patterns that all look a bit the same?
• Do you want to be the envy of all your friends and make a quilt that will have all your friends talking?
• Sick of prowling the shops and craft magazines, looking for exciting and original quilt patterns?
• Would you like to get the latest quilt patterns, cheaply and easily, delivered right to your desktop?

Annette and Jody are a mother and daughter team that share their passion and love of designing and creating quilts.

They have made many quilts from others’ patterns, but are always searching for more striking and unusual designs or traditional ideas with a “twist” to make quilts a bit more special.

Annette and Jody have been designing their own quilts for years and are happy to share their unique quilts with you.

The Quilt Block of the Month Club is an Online Club for quilters to access a large range of stunning new quilt patterns, hints and tips and MANY FREE bonus projects, and also to meet fellow quilters from around the world.

Annette and Jody provide the patterns and suggestions, and you create the masterpiece – with your choice of fabrics, colors and embellishments.

“Now you too can enjoy creating special “one of a kind” quilts that your loved ones will treasure, from our original Quilt Block of the Month Club Patterns… exclusive quilt designs you won’t find anywhere else.”