One more week...and planning for a Gammill

[Betty J.]

Hi all, I have only one more week before transitioning to my next adventure. Some call it "retirement", but I am planning on a whole new multi-decade adventure as a full time fabric artist/needlearts teacher. I am really excited. :lol:

Yesterday, I went to Chantilly Sewing and Quilting Expo to try out machines. I tried the Bernina 830, priced tables, tried the new giant Baby Lock (forgot the model number), which is almost as expensive as the 830. I also tried several longarms they had there, including the Gammill. I talked extensively with the Gamill saleswoman and then came home and did some measuring. I have found to my surprise :shock: that I can fit in the Gamill 22/10, except it will be a 22/6, because they can cut down the frame size to 6 feet, which will fit into my studio. That is, it will fit, after I move my current table to my bedroom, where I can squeeze it in.

So I have decided to purchase a longarm instead of a Bernina 830 and get my Bernina 730 and 1230 serviced so they are running at top form. Perhaps some year in the future I will replace my 730 with an 830 or some such. I realized when I tried the Gammill that I could use it not only to quilt my smaller art quilts, but to make quilted garments, and it would do well for Sashiko garments, something I have a real interest in. For bed-sized quilts, I could still borrow my daughter-in-law's 10' Gammill, but I really don't make many of those. I found that by the time I got all the bits and pieces, the prices are about the same.

I may not get this purchased until early next year, for a variety of reasons--though earlier may be possible, but I'm excited to have finally made this decision. As some of you know, I have been struggling with this for more than a year.

[Norma H.]

So good for you to finally have made the decision. Congratulations. I hope you will have many happy hours with it, when you get it.

[Robin G.]

Sounds great, Betty Jo! I'm going to be eagerly following your adventures!!

[karen f.]

I bet it just feels good to have a definite decision made. Good luck with your new life plans!

[Eileen K.]

Enjoy your new adventure! Both retirement and your Gammill.

[Betty J.]

Oh fiddlesticks! I got more information yesterday on how much space I need around the Gammill, and really, I have to admit, it won't fit afterall. I need 8 feet into the room. It's not just the length. I have no place in my house that I can wedge it in. I went around the house with my measureall and it just isn't practical. Bummer.

And all this time I thought I could wedge one in if the table/frame were just short enough. silly me. ops:

Well, I guess it's back to square one of figuring out what to do about upgrading my studio. I am disappointed because I really fell in love with the Gammill with the breeze track system.

[Jo H.]

I'm so sorry Betty Jo. This may be too off the wall, but maybe you could find a place to rent and setup yourself a studio. With all of the teaching you are planning, it might give you another venue to teach. Check into it because you might be surprised at how prices have really come down with all of the empty areas.

[Betty J.]

I'm so sorry Betty Jo. This may be too off the wall, but maybe you could find a place to rent and setup yourself a studio. With all of the teaching you are planning, it might give you another venue to teach. Check into it because you might be surprised at how prices have really come down with all of the empty areas.

JoJo...Thanks for the idea. I'll give it some thought.

[Margo C.]

Well shucks! At least the retirement schedule seems to be on track.

[Betty J.]

Well shucks! At least the retirement schedule seems to be on track.

Yes indeed. I am a happy camper despite this little disappointment.

[Eileen K.]

A sit down system like the George wouldn't work, Betty Jo? You'd still have the ability to quilt all the things you want to do. Plus, if you're used to moving the quilt instead of the machine, you wouldn't have any learning curve at all.

[Betty J.]

A sit down system like the George wouldn't work, Betty Jo? You'd still have the ability to quilt all the things you want to do. Plus, if you're used to moving the quilt instead of the machine, you wouldn't have any learning curve at all.

Yes, I'm giving something like that some thought. It's ok. I'm thinking though now that maybe the Bernina 830 is the right way to go afterall. It would serve as both a sit down quilting machine and a high end sewing machine with that jumbo hoop. I guess I just need to win the lottery so I can buy a huge house and both machines... :roll: Of course, that would require that I buy lottery tickets. :lol:

[Catherine S.]

Betty Jo, so sorry your dream can't come true just yet. Keep thinking and maybe something will come up. Do you need your couch? My husband and I never use the couch. It is only for company. I would get rid of it and keep the Gammill if I had too. :lol: Enjoy your retirement and have lots of fun whatever you decide. I you get a Gammill, be sure to get castors on it so it can be moved as needed.