Mel's Page

I am taking notes, because this is a big decision.  Thank you for your word of caution about realistic expectations as a beginner.  I needed that reminder, because I'm a picky quilter.  

After further research, it looks like Gammill is running a special price on their 18" machines, bringing it a lot closer to my price range.  While money is an issue, I don't want to sacrifice quality.  If machines A, B and C are all in the same price range, I want to choose the best quality one among the group.  Test driving them is going to be the kicker, just because of my location.  I guess the good thing is that I'm a very deliberate decision maker.  That sounds better than indecisive, doesn't it? ;)  

Beautiful quilts & quilting, Mel.  Thanks for your input on the LA question.  Since I'm a hand quilter, I want my LA quilts to still have the look of handquilting, so custom quilting runs closer to the $400 range per bed sized quilt.  I have nearly a dozen unfinished bed size quilt tops, which is about a $4800 price tag.  I don't plan to stop piecing tops anytime soon, so I feel it would be money well spent to invest in a LA machine.  For many years I thought Gammill was "the only" quilt machine to have, but I have just come to accept that I can not afford one.  Also customer service in my area is not great, if my local professional LAer, who has had a Gammill for many years can be believed.  However, I've heard from others who have said Gammill customer service is exceptional.  Hard to know.  At any rate, your input is appreciated and very  helpful.  I'll keep doing my research and see what happens.  Thanks again!