Evaluate the use of John Flynn multi-frame system.

[Kathryn S.]

Annis, I have been researching long arms and doing some test driving myself. I've decided to purchase an Innova by ABM. I haven't gotten it yet, but I can't wait! At first I wasn't even sure I really wanted a long arm, but a friend of mine invited me over one afternoon to play on hers. If you can do that first, it takes away some intimidation when you come to Festival and try several there. Some guilds have long arm groups. If there is a group near you, that could possibly be a good resource for information and test driving. The great thing about Festival is that there are many brands to try under one roof. If you have any questions about the Innova down the road, I'd be happy to try to answer them once I get my machine and learn my way around it a bit.

[Margo C.]

Oh boy!! Debbie, you will have to let us all know how it goes with your new toy!! Congratulations!

[Robyn B.]

Just noticed this topic on the forum and it started me thinking ..... there's the "little" Brother (my first machine), the BIG Brother (1500S), an Elna Airtronic (from 1979) which I bought secondhand from Toni which still runs like a dream, my Mum's Singer from the 1980's (don't use that one!), then I bought another lightweight Brother in the post Christmas sales last year just because I needed a machine which would blanket stitch...........then there's my husband's grandmother's Singer machine from about 1910 - that's one has a hand control, a Singer from the 40's and one from the early 50's which both use a knee lever - these 2 still work. So I think that makes 8 - that's a bit scary :shock: :shock:

[Annis C.]

Annis, I have been researching long arms and doing some test driving myself. I've decided to purchase an Innova by ABM. I haven't gotten it yet, but I can't wait! At first I wasn't even sure I really wanted a long arm, but a friend of mine invited me over one afternoon to play on hers. If you can do that first, it takes away some intimidation when you come to Festival and try several there. Some guilds have long arm groups. If there is a group near you, that could possibly be a good resource for information and test driving. The great thing about Festival is that there are many brands to try under one roof. If you have any questions about the Innova down the road, I'd be happy to try to answer them once I get my machine and learn my way around it a bit.

Please let me know how you like it. I know I won't have much time this year to quilt, but maybe next year. I'm still waiting on a response to my book and product proposal. I'm guessing no news means they're still considering it. If it's a yes I may have to reconsider whether there will be time in my life for longarm quilting.

[Annis C.]

Annis, I'll keep you posted on the Innova once I spend some time on it. In the meantime, good luck on your proposals.

[Annis C.]

I bought one thinking it would be the answer to my machine quilting issues. It has a very small workspace area. I still have it and may try it as a small frame to sit and hand quilt. I ended up buying a long arm and now I am happy! Good luck! Tammye

[Dawn S.]

Like Benno, I just saw this Forum pop up! I about fell off my chair laughing at Margo's earlier post about her collections, and "Help, I sew and can't get up!" I have also heard that the John Flynn frame usually has a hard time getting out of the box, and when it does, it just doesn't score many points with the user.

As to the number of machines one has, I have two. Only two! Janome 9000 and her little sister Gem. I am getting better a FMQ on the 9000 (which has a relatively small harp) but would really love a Janome Horizon. I do not see a long arm in my future, nor do I have the space for one. So I will just have to practice, practice, practice on what I do have!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana