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Quilting Machines: Longarm, Gammill, Heirloom Quilting And Quilt Patterns

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Published: August 1, 2007

The process of making a hand sewn heirloom quilt can be a quite long one, which may possibly take months. For this reason, many quilters are choosing to use a sewing machine in order to speed the process along. These quilting machines allow quilters to produce their heirloom quilts in a fraction of the time it would take for them to sew the quilt by hand. There are a variety of quilting machines on the market today that meet the needs of professional quilters or for those who enjoy quilting as a hobby.

Perhaps one of the best types of quilting machines is the longarm. These quilting machines are often loved because of the larger working space they provide for quilters. The longarm contains a large frame, which functions as a sort of table top where the quilter can lay the entire quilt down while they work. Usually the frames of these quilting machines are made of steel, which, unlike wood, tend to be lighter and easier to adjust. Longarms also tend to have a bigger throat then typical sewing machines. Many quilters find this to be a big draw, since the larger throat on a sewing machine allows the quilter to work on a larger part of the quilt before having to adjust the machine. Most longarms can also be purchased with various accessories, such as attachments to help quilters achieve the desired quilting patterns.

One of the most famous manufacturers of quilting machines is Gammill. Gammill offers a variety of high quality longarms for both the professional quilters and the hobby quilters. One of their popular quilting machines is the Optimum Plus. The Optimum Plus is designed with a large throat space, measuring 30 inches wide and 12 inches tall. These quilting machines are made of steel and come standard with an electronic needle positioner, stitch regulated and manual modes, a low bobbin alert, and a workstation attachment for various shapes. When purchasing the Optimum Plus, the quilter will also receive a 2-hour step-by-step training DVD. The cost of  an Optimum Plus is $16,800.

For the hobby quilters, Gammill offers the Classic Plus quilting machines. This longarm quilting machine also contains a large throat space, which measures 28-inches wide and 10-inches tall. The Classic Plus comes with many of the same standard features as the Optimum Plus. In addition, the Classic Plus quilting machine includes an extended throat plate, which provides users with a larger work space. The Classic Plus can be purchased for $15,800.

In order to transform Gammill quilting machines into a high-tech heirloom quilting machine, quilters can purchase the Statler Sticher. The Statler Sticher is a computer program that works with quilting machines to produce quality quilting patterns. Rather than guiding quilting machines by hand, the Statler Sticher allows the computer to take over in sewing nearly any quilting pattern imaginable. When purchasing the Statler Stitcher, quilters will receive a Dell Computer loaded with AutoSketch and Statler Stitcher software, a video tutorial, and a longarm quilting machine and stand. The price of the Statler Stitcher ranges, depending on the model being purchased, from $29,900-$31,900. In addition, Gammill provides a 1-year warranty for parts and labor on the installed hardware and software, as well as a 4-year warranty on mechanical parts and labor for the Gammill quilting machines.

It appears the days of hand sewn quilts may be coming to an end. With such advanced quilting machines on the market these days, it’s difficult to see why anyone would choose to spend the unneeded time and pain of  hand sewing a quilt. Whether professionally making quilts for a business, or simply as a hobby, quilters are able to find an heirloom quilting machine to fulfill their needs.


Sources:
Longarm Models. Gammill Quilting Systems. 2006 21 July 2007. http://www.gammill.net/?m=products_long_arm&r= 1

Statler Stitcher Models. Gammill Quilting Systems. 2006. 21 July 2007. http://www.gammill.net/?m=products_long_arm&r= 4

Sewwriter. “Long Arm Quilting Machine.” Love To Know: Crafts. LoveToKnow.com. 21 July 2007. http://crafts.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Long_Arm_Quiltin g_Machine
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