Saturday, April 16, 2011

HQ Sweet 16

Boxes from heaven arrived on my porch this week via UPS.


The Sweet Sixteen is made by Handi Quilter.   It's a sit-down (semi) long arm, for free motion quilting.
 Here is a link to HQ's demonstration video of the Sweet 16. 

 Smooth sailing!  No bumps, tugging, pulling, rolling,  etc.
 The back looks beautiful!  No site of the top thread on the curves.
 Lots of throat space . . . 16 inches!  
 Love it, love it!!
 I think I'm starting to literally fulfill that prophecy my husband mentioned about my hobby "taking over the house".   Maybe my next quilt should be for him.

12 comments:

  1. What a machine! Lucky you!! Have fun with it!

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  2. so cool! i am guessing you are totally happy with it!

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  3. I'm very close to ordering a Sweet Sixteen, but I would love to hear honest comments from someone who has owned one for a while. Are you still happy with it? Any negatives? It's a big purchase for me, so I'd appreciate any comments you might have. Thanks!!

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  4. Hi Janet,
    I love my HQ Sweet 16! I've had it for 9 months, and have quilted 8 quilts on it. The instructions for assembly were well explained. The machine runs smooth and steady. The motor is sound. The tension is perfect. The included bobbin winder works well. I am very happy. I love the extra room I have while free motion quilting. I purchased an extension table for both sides. I think after spending that much on a machine, it is worth the extra to help you use it to it's fullest. It is easier to quilt with the Sweet 16 because you're not maneuvering so much fabric around in a tiny space. It has opened up a whole new part of quilting to explore.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions and give me your opinions. I really appreciate it! I know the Sweet Sixteen does not have a stitch regulator, and that machines with this feature are much more expensive. How important is a stitch regulator. I know free motion quilting takes practice, practice, practice. Thanks, again.

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    2. The Sweet Sixteen does have a Stitch Regulator! http://www.handiquilter.com/product/trustitch/

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  5. It does take some practice. You can change the sewing speed on the Sweet 16, so if you're using a stitch that is more difficult or detailed, you can show the machine down. With other designs, such as stippling, you can go faster. I was worried before purchasing that the 16 didn't have a stitch regulator also, but with some practice, it hasn't been an issue.

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    1. Thank you for all the great information. I'm even more convinced I want the HQ Sweet Sixteen. I just need to get comfortable with spending that much money! You are so kind to take the time to answer my questions. Thank you very much.

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  6. I am looking for a long arm machine and this is the one I'm leaning towards! I'm so glad you did this review!!

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  7. You are so lucky. This is the machine I want but may never be able to afford. Happy Quilting!

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  8. I just got my sweet sixteen and am having some issues with the bobbin winder. Seems the bobbins don't want to stay on when winding. The instruction manual says to be sure and push them all the way on - just wondering if there's a way they snap in - mine just seem to sit there, so maybe I'm doing something wrong. Other than that, I'm loving the machine!

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Thank you for your comments.