General FAQ
Sewing Head
Cabinet
Test Driving George
Buying George
Shipping
Using George
Maintaining George
General Faq
What is the warranty? The George Sewing Head is warranted for 8 years from the date of purchase. Parts and labor are included. George is so well built that APQS can offer the best full machine coverage warranty in the industry.
Why would I want George instead of a frame-mounted long arm quilting machine? George is less expensive and takes up less space than a frame-mounted long arm. Also, it is easier to learn to control, especially if you already do free-motion quilting on you home sewing machine. Set up is very fast...no rollers to mess with. But for me, the biggest benefit is that I get to sit down, relax and get close to the fabric. I love that I can push the fabric (not the machine) when I create my quilting designs.
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Sewing Head
Is George stitch regulated? No, George operates like a traditional sewing machine that has been set up for free motion quilting. George has no feed dogs, so stitch length is determined by how fast or slow you move the quilt, combined with your motor speed.
Will George ever be stitch regulated? At this time, APQS has no plans to add a regulator to George. But I find I don't really want one. Since most quilters have never worked with a stitch-regulated machine before, the transition to George is smooth with a minimal learning curve. In addition, the space limits that domestic sewing machines create actually contribute to inconsistent stitches as quilters struggle to move a bulky quilt inside the tiny throat. Once that restriction is removed thanks to the 20 inches of throat space on George, quilters are amazed at how consistent their stitches become. They no longer have to concentrate on how the quilt is binding inside the throat and can concentrate on the quilting stitches instead!
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Cabinet
Regular Table
How big is the work surface? - 24” x 60”
Adjustable table legs? Yes this table version adjusts in height from 22” to 32” to help you quilt without raising your shoulders uncomfortably like standard tables.
The table legs fold up completely for storage
DELUXE Cabinet
How big is the work surface? With extensions open you get a large 40" x 77" working surface. The working surface is 30" high.
Do I have to put the extensions up to use George? Not a all. With the extensions down the work surface is 23" x 60". That is plenty of space to quilt smaller wall hangings and lap quilts.
Do I have to assemble the cabinet? No. The cabinet comes fully assembled. Just place the sewing head in the mounting bay and your are ready to start quilting.
How can I test drive George? Contact me, Pat Sloan either by email at pat@patsloan.com or by phone at my studio number (703-622-8582). If you are in the Washington, DC metro area I can arrange for you to visit my studio and try out George. I also take George of the road to various events and usually attend all the major quilt shows with George. Check the Test Drive George page to get the latest schedule.
What happens at the Test Drive? If you visit my studio to test drive, I will have everything you need to fully try out George. I will give you an overview the the machine and point out the features. After I give you a quick demo, you will sit down and try George yourself. I will have plenty of quilt sandwiches to test on. Take as long as you want. I want you to feel very comfortable with George so you appreciate all his features and abilities.
What if I can't get to your studio in Virginia to test drive George? I demo George at many major quilt show around the country. Also, there are Georges available at various places around the county. To find out more please contact me, Pat Sloan either by email at pat@patsloan.com or by phone at my studio number (703-622-8582).
What do I do if I've decided I really want George? Contact me, Pat Sloan either by email at pat@patsloan.com or by phone at my studio number (703-622-8582). If you call the APQS office please tell them you are working with Pat Sloan and learning about George from her website.
Can I place a deposit on George and think about it? Absolutely! A $500 deposit, either by check or credit card will reserve George for you and lock in the current price. You have 30 days to complete the purchase or get a full refund of your deposit. Please note that the price is subject to change if you do not put down a deposit.
** Regular Table option ships FREE! **
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Does the DELUXE George ship via UPS? No. George and his cabinet are too large for UPS shipping. George must be shipped by a trucking company.
Where doesthe DELUXE George ship from? George is made in the USA and shipped directly from the APQS manufacturing plant in Carroll, Iowa. Shipping from this central location helps to keep the freight cost down no matter where you live in the country.
How does the DELUXE George arrive at my location? George is shipped via a trucking company in two
boxes. One is a heavy duty cardboard carton that contains the sewing head. The other box is a wooden crate that contains the fully assembled cabinet. The crate weighs over 250 pounds so you will need a helper or two to move it to a location where you can uncrate it. The crate can be easily disassembled with a power screwdriver. The cabinet is on casters so you can then roll it to its new home.
How much does shipping the DELUXE table cost? Cost vary widely depending on where you are located. Generally, plan on anywhere between $400 and $700 for shipping. For an accurate quote please contact me, Pat Sloan either by email at pat@patsloan.com or by phone at my studio number (703-622-8582).
Do I have to be home when DELUXE George is delivered? Yes. George is shipped via a trucking
company that will require sign-off that the shipment was delivered in good condition. However, the truck will not just show up at your house. Generally, the trucking company will give you an estimated arrival date. They will then contact you to set up a delivery day and approximate time. The truck driver will unload the crate from the truck via a power lift and usually move it to a location outside of your house. The driver is not required to move the crate inside your house. He may be willing to move it inside a garage for you where can then uncrate it.
What kinds of thread will work on George? George will sew with nearly any type of thread! The simple pressure tension disks help make tension adjustments easy for any thread, from fussy metallics and invisible thread to thick decorative thread. In addition, the bobbin is easily accessible for techniques such as bobbin drawing with thicker cording.
How do you adjust the tension? Simply turn the tension knob to the right to tighten the top tension, and to the left to loosen tension. Unlike a domestic sewing machine, however, you will turn the knob a lot farther to impact the thread—a half-turn or more at a time. In addition, you’ll most likely adjust the bobbin case tension for different threads, batting, and quilting situations. Some quilters find it convenient to buy extra bobbin cases for different bobbin threads, setting the tension specifically for the intended thread.
What kind of bobbin does the machine use? The Smart Bobbin is a Style L bobbin. This smaller size is the same used in home sewing machines and embroidery machines to produce superior stitch quality.
What kind of maintenance does George need? If you can keep your household sewing machine clean, then you can take care of George. Most important is keeping the bobbin area free of lint buildup. The bobbin case also needs a drop of oil every so often depending on usage. Other than checking the oil wicks on top of the machine, that's it.
Do I need a maintenance contract? No. Maintenance is easy (see above). But if you have any question you can always call APQS toll-free at 800.426.7233 and speak to factory service technician. You can also contact the service department by email at service@apqs.com
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