Arriving in October

It was bittersweet as "Rosie" was loaded into the back of the new owners truck, and she headed down the driveway. I could feel myself saying---run after them and tell them you changed your mind!

But, I didn't....

I have felt it was time to upgrade to a new quilting system that could help ease some of the aches and pains in the neck and back which are probably made worse by my bending over the frame and the lack of adjustable machine handles among other little details which didn't help. Poor posture.

I've actually been thinking about a new long arm for several months now. It was the big decision to sell "Rosie" that was somewhat difficult as she has a memorable history from her previous owner, Rose Ottolini, and the many wonderful quilts Rose made for the children at Oakland Childrens Hospital over the years that she owned the machine.

I always felt Rose was looking down as I quilted a community project and nodding her approval and blessings on it. "Rosie" the long arm was really always Rose Ottolini's machine, I was just lucky to use it for a time..I'm sure the new owner, Susan, will love her as much as I have.

I've been emailed, phoned and messaged asking what are you going to buy now that "Rosie" is sold?

Well, it has been somewhat confusing. I already had an ABM Innova long arm picked out, or so I thought before I sold "Rosie". The 18" Innova.

But, after talking to the dealer and the rep. I soon realized this particular model was going to be too small compared to "Rosie". 18" of arm space sounds like a lot at first---but then you minus the 2" inch metal take up roller, add another minus of an inch or two for a quilt rolled up onto the roller and you are talking maybe 14" inches of actual quilting space as you roll the quilt and stitch along.

This would never do, especially since "Rosie" had a 20" inch arm. So, back to the drawing board and the 26" Innova became the second option---or so I thought until I realized that this particular model sits on a rather large frame that would jut out into our living room a full 65" inches! That is "living large"! any way you look at it. It just was not going to happen. I love having the frame at the far end of the living room by the large window, and the room is adequate with space for a sofa, a couple of chairs, entertainment center.


But, adding a really big frame would be a bit overwhelming in the room.

Since ABM Innova has no "inbetween" model, like a 22" or 24" inch machine with a smaller width frame---the whole idea of buying an Innova just disappeared. Poof!

But, then I remembered what I had really wanted long before I found "Rosie". I dug through my files, and there it was. The 24" inch Prodigy long arm. Hydraulic lift table, power take roller. Good lighting and visibility. Advanced digital stitch regulator. Micro handles. Adjustable power control handles....and an excellent reputation for quality in the long arm machine industry. Sort of my dream machine all rolled into one. How wide is the foot print of the frame sitting where Rosie used to be?....a perfect 46" inches wide! How much better could it get? !

So, in October the new long arm, The Prodigy will arrive.



I know unless you are a long armer, it may be hard to relate to the total perfection, excitement or beauty of this shiny metal frame and machine! But, it really is going to be wonderful!

During the waiting period I will be just as busy cutting, piecing and dreaming quilts in preparation for the new long arm to arrive. I've got plenty to do! I'm so excited! Happy Dance!