Frames and free motion

I have a gracie frame set up in my sewing room. I have used my Viking Lily545 in it for free motion quilting. It does not have a stitch regulator and there is not one made for it either. I also can't get used to using the handles of the gracies frame to control the foot pedal on my machine. Is anyone on here ever encountered a similar problem
Also, I talked to the viking dealer that I use about a long arm with a stitch regulator. They sell one. I could get an opened box one at a discount. She says it would fit in my gracie frame. Does anyone know if that would work well realistically. It's a nice long arm machine and I love the idea of the stitch regulator. In a quandry about what to do. Any ideas?

Marian in Ohio

Hmmmm boy, sure wish I could help you on this but I have no experience with this type of quilting machine. I am sure that you will find someone here that can help out though

Marion , if you can get a stitch regulator don't hestitate to buy one... but I know nothing about your frame... but I love the stitch regulator on my Bernina

I don't know those machines, but the members of my guild are about equally divided. Half feel that it is better to learn to control your hand motion than to rely on a regulator.

Marian I have a frame that works like your Gracie [ different brand ] and I couldn't get used to it either. Although I was better at the handles than the pantographs . Hopeless at them. It has been packed away for about three or more years now. I didn't really give it much of a chance I don't think and keep saying I will get it out again. Problem is I don't want to wreck a quilt practicing and with the cost of fabric and batting it is hard to just keep practicing .

My first quilt machine did not have a stitch regulator so I bought one for it. Night to day difference. So when I upgraded, a stitch regulater was a must.

As for frames, I know this much, they have a weight limit. You might need to get the weight of the machine and see if your Grace frame will hold that much weight. The carraige also has to be long enough to hold that long arm in a balanced manner. If the carraige is too short, you will have problems because all the weight of these machines is at the back. If all of this checks out, you will not regret getting the longarm.

Henny Penny, I feel the same way you do. I hate to ruin a quilt practicing on it. I took the quilt I had in there last week out. It just was not going right at all. I am seriously considering selling the gracie frame. I can't afford a long arm right now or for quite a while and it is just sitting there for the last few years. I can't adjust to the handles at all. I am seroiously looking into something with a stitch regulator built it. TxMaryQuilts, thaks for the info that helps.
Thanks all you lovely ladies for the advice. You have all been most helpful!

Marian in Ohio