"I'll give it all a try, lol.. let you know how it goes."

"I love my HQ Avante also. So easy to use and like Peggy said, easy to work with the tension. I don't have the computer though."

"I have the HQ Avante.  One of the things I was told to not be afraid of touching the tension.  Depending on threads that I use and whether I'm quilting with cotton or flannel, I always test it out first before I start in on my…"

"I want to get the HQ handiquilter with the computer, but I need to sale my APQS Ultimate II system,anyone have any idea on the best way to sale it, any thoughts on the HQ Handiquilter? the more I know from experienced quilters, the better I will…"

"I have an American Professional Ultimate II system and when I quilt on flannel quilts I have adjust the tension always,and I use Kingsmen thread, it rarely ever breaks."

"What type of machine do you have? I have an Avante Handiquilter and was having the same issue of breaking thread - I had never had that happen before. Turns out the new needles I purchased do not work for Handiquilter machines. It looked like the…"

"Thanks Beth.. it is the beginning so I can change thread.. I'd double check my needle gauge, can't remember what is on there. I haven't had this issue in awhile so I was leaning toward thread."

"Depends on what size needle you are using, I generally put on a 19 for a heavier fabric such as flannel.  Although an 18 works just as great.  Sometimes the thread is an issue, but if you have had great results in the past.  I have…"

"Ladies.. help? I have a quilt on the machine that has a flannel back. I'm breaking thread every 10-12 inches.. do I need a heavier thread? different needle? tighter/looser tension? all of the above? lol"

"That makes me feel better. I find it easier to FMQ on my domestic sewing machine than on my long/mid arm. I don't seem to have as much control. But, it sounds like it just takes practice, practice, practice. "

"we didn't learn to write in a day or two. lt took practice. Same with longarming. Every machine and frame combination is different. My old Singer industrial head on same frame l could only use for very basic panto wave stitch or easy outline,…"

"Not cheap. Smart. Thanks again."

"Sorry it is Riana not Diana. My spell check changed what I typed and I hit send before I noticed."

"I have an Avante also. Had it a year now. I wished I had this info a year ago. I have only done pantographs because I am so nervous about free motion quilting. I finally loaded a quilt that I wasn't real fond of and practiced. I was so afraid.…"