The ABM Innova and purchasing a Longarm Quilting Machine
You've been thinking about this for a while, I can tell. You really want to quilt large quilts, but hate the thought of shoving all that fabric through the arm of your domestic machine. You've finally decided that you want to buy a car. Whoops -- no, strike that: You've finally decided that you want to buy a longarm quilting machine (which can cost about as much as a car!). Let me help you with your purchasing decision.
I started out a few years ago quilting on a 9" Juki 98 on a Hinterberg frame with Max Throat (a system theoretically designed to allow you to quilt larger spaces with a small machine; it didn't work amazingly well, and is no longer being sold). After going through some generational upgrades, I finally purchased the ABM International 26" Innova. If you are thinking of purchasing a machine, I think you should do the same thing! In fact, I feel so strongly about this that I became a sales representative for ABM.
I'd like to help you with what is a very difficult decision. (Of course, if you decide not to buy, please continue to send me your quilts!) Part of the problem with buying a longarm is the lack of information out there. To help rectify this, I am writing a series of articles -- feel free to puruse through them:
Buying a Longarm Machine -- Here I talk about what I consider are the crucial features to consider when making a longarm purchase. No matter what machine you end up with, you should keep these important things in mind.
The ABM Innova Advantage -- I feel quite strongly that the ABM is the best, most cost-effective, machine currently on the market, and in this article, I explain why.
What Options do I Purchase? -- Okay, I've convinced you in the above article that the Innova is the way to go. Great! Now, what exactly do you buy? Here, I talk about 18" vs 26", options, and accessories that are essential (or not) to your Innova purchase.
The ABM AutoPilot -- If you are looking at purchasing a robotic quilting system, you now have a number of choices on the market. I've worked with a bunch of them, and I can tell you why I think that purchasing the AutoPilot is the right way to go for your Innova system.
Current ABM Innova Pricing List -- Go here to see the options that are available to you and pricing.
Extras for your Machine -- (Coming soon) -- now that you have your machine, you're not quite done spending money. Fortunately, the rest of the things you need are (a) much less expensive and (b) sort of fun! Here's where I list what non-Innova extras you can get to make your longarm experience a lot more fun!
I hope I've convinced you to seriously consider the ABM Innova for your longarm purchase. I can help you further -- contact me and I can provide you more details. If you purchase from me, you're purchasing from a professional quilter who uses this machine on a daily basis. I can give you all the ins and outs, useful tricks, and detailed support on the computerized Innova AutoPilot system (not that you really need it with the 800 number and 24/7 support direct from the manufacturer).
As part of your purchase, I can provide customized classes on longarm quilting mechanics (loading a quilt, keeping it square), basic longarm techniques (basically learn to doodle), and how to set up your own longarm business. Why would I do this? Take a look at my schedule -- I'm packed! There is plenty of space for more longarm quilters in the Colorado / Wyoming / Rocky Mountain area!
If you live locally in the Colorado / Wyoming area, you can stop by and play with the machine and the AutoPilot yourself. I hope I can help you learn to love the Innova as much as I do!
