Enabled by ladies from Bonnie Hunter's workshop hosted by the Thumb Butte Quilt Quilter's guild (more to come about that), I learned of a used long arm quilting set up for a good price in a thrift shop in Scottsdale, and I bought it!! (BJB--please contact me--and Cindy and Lynne, thanks.)
The machine looked in excellent shape, though dry oil wicks and dust attested that it had not been used in a long while. I plugged it in, turned it on, and faked a few loopedy loops. It runs, sounds good, and rolls smoothly. The table is sturdy AND 12 FEET LONG!! The user manual, photocopied pages typed in Courier font in a report folder, shows a purchase date in 1995. It is an APQS Ultimate II. I'm told APQS still has parts and still supports service on this workhorse, so I am thrilled!
I brought the machine head home Wednesday, and we will rent a truck tomorrow to pick up the table. The only place it will really fit other than the garage is our "formal" living room. Fortunately, we only use that for the Christmas tree and holiday dinners. They can still happen in that room, but the LAQ will now be part of the decor--LOL! It's going to look great draped with tinsel and blinking lights next December!
Okay, now I'm going to need a lot of basic information, education, resources, suggestions, and help. Bring it on!!
A quilter after my own heart... if I had a long arm right now I would have to put it in the living room as well LOL. Enjoy your new toy!
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