Frame & Machine advice

Hi, I am getting to the stage where I am looking at getting a machine quilting frame and probably a machine with it. So far I have been sending my quilts out for machine quilting and although I love the result I would prefer to learn on my own, even though the result will not be as nice. The two most common ones I see offered are the Janome 1600, with the Grace frame, or the Pfaff Grand Quilter and Pfaff Frame. Does anyone have any advice on either of these? How bad is the learning curve? Both the Pfaff and Janome dealers that I deal with are very nice and supportive with other items so that is not a big factor here. As I get closer I will get a demo on both but if you have no experience in it, it seems hard to know what you should look for.

Any pointers very appreciated.

I don't know about those 2 specific setups, but when I was researching to buy my midarm and frame one of the things I hadn't taken into account what the amount of throat space that would be taken up by rolling up the quilt on the take up roller. If you use a normal sewing machine with a 9" throat, you will loose about 1/2 of that when rolling up the quilt. So effectively, you can only quilt a 4 1/2" high area across the width of your quilt or by the time you reach the bottom you will be rolling your quilt back and forth to try to get across the width.
Something to think about, if you haven't already.

Thanks so much, I only just got my internet connection back - A whole week! the construction down the road cut the cable and about 100 lines have been down for a week.

I will definitely ask to see the whole set up demonstrated before I decide and give it a try. I guess it didn't visualise the throat space issue but obviously its significant to how you quilt.

I have read reviews on the machines but not much on the frames. I haven't come across much info about it. Given the size of the purchase and the space it will take up I am going to take it very carefully.

thanks again,
Alix

Alix, while I was at my daughters house in Columbus this past week, I went to a quilt shop and seen a Pfaff long arm quilter for a little over $6600.00 and I was hooked! Well for a long arm anyway, maybe just not that expenive. Anyway the frame they had was steel or metal. I have been told not to get a wooden frame. It was one nice machine and set up.

Let us know what you end up getting. I think I'd like a HQ Sixteen. They are about $2000.00 less and also have the metal frame. I don't want anything fancy, that's just not my style.


memaw4

Tin LIzzy has close out sale going on for $4999....frame and all.....love mine....google tin lizzy long arm and look at the site...
I looked at the Viking mega quiter and was not impressed so decided to wait and glad I did. Found a midi for a great price and it is up and almost running.....
I agree with bearfoot and QBee...if you are going to spend the money then just as well get the one made to do the work...

I got a frame earlier this year - the comments about the throat space are pertinent. I also bought another machine an ELna 7200 to get more throat space and on the last queen size quilt when I got it all rolled to the end I had 5" quilt space.
I had done a bit of free motion quilting so getting used to movement motion wasn't too bad. I am not so good with the pentagraphs. Things wiggle a bit when the felines decide to play hind-and-seek and jump out too eek!
I do find myself limited by the throat space I really want to let rip - I want a proper long arm so that I can really let rip but that isn't happening anytime soon. I believe that a frame and computerise long arm costs about $90,000 here(about $45-50,00 US depending on the exchange rate)
I live in New Zealand and I got a Swift Quilting frame which works so far but I do have some issues with the odd wrinkle in the backing but I think it is user technique and I want to get some lessons next year - to pick up on the useful user tricks.
I have pinned out a quilt on the frame that sure beat crawling around on the lounge floor carpet

Skye wrote:

I am not so good with the pentagraphs. Things wiggle a bit when the felines decide to play hind-and-seek and jump out too eek!

That mental picture gave me a smile this morning. I can see where that might be a problem LOL

I don't have a frame at all, but wish I did. My Janome, which i love, is the model that does not lock and cut off its own bobbin threads, a mistake. I would strongly suggest that you make an appointment and get NOT a demo, but an actual use, such as YOU are likely to want for at least 1/2 hour on each machine you are considering. Tell them in advance what you have in mind.

I second actually using the machines. quiltermarynel - dont beat yourself up regarding the thread cutting gizmo - while it is useful I do not use it when quilting on my frame as the bobbin thread is too short to pull to the top at the start of a new run. I do love the feature which has my machine chugging along at a constant speed at the touch of a button

Don't know if anyone is still looking at this thread since I'm little late getting in. But a couple of years ago I went through the same dilemma. I ended up buying the HQ frame and Juki quilting machine. I didn't even think about the throat space and it was a HUGE problem for me. The video that came with the set up says that after you get half way through your quilt you have to take it off the frame (rods and all) and turn it around to do the other half of the quilt. I have never hated anything more in my life!!! Don't make the mistake of thinking that the Viking or Elna or Bernina standard machines on what looks like a long arm frame will be the same as getting a long-arm machine. It is only a lesson in frustration.

Anyway, I donated that setup to a local youth organization. Don't know what they did with it, but at least it was out of my house. After much looking around, I found that there are some pretty good deals on used machines out there. Find someone in your area (or at least within a reasonable driving distance) and take a look at thier machine. I ended up getting an APQS Ultimate I with stitch regulator on a 14 foot table for less than half of what the new one would cost. Also, since the seller was local, she helped me set it up in my house and gave me lessons on it until I was comfortable with it. (I took the lessons at her house before she took it down). My machine has a 26" throat space and I have never had a problem with not being able to quilt all the way to the bottom of even a king size bed quilt. I just love it.

If you can afford it and have the space in your house, treat yourself to a good used long-arm machine. You won't be sorry!

My guild's original machine was puchased well used. We recently replaced the machine (not the frame part) after 10 years of heavy use by us. We bought a very nice used/reconditioned machine from the factory at a fraction the cost. It's worth checking out.

Hi there!

Another nice less pricy machine, and I've seen it used in person.. is the Homesteader.. nice throat size, hopping foot.. not sure about the stitch regulator which i'd highly recommend for control of intense or intricate patterns that you would freehand. At first you will break needles, throw any machine out of timing.. etc... but you will learn if you want.. It Does take practice if you've not quilted with your domestic machine. That machine is about $5,000.00 Then for those of us who would like to go further, they also have a very inexpensive computer hook up for about $5500.00 less than half of others, as far as I know. There may be others, but I've not seen or tried them because of the too small throat.

My old Viking would do a twin quilt on an HQ frame which they no longer have, but I'd only have about 2 1/2 inches of quilt space to quilt at the end of the quilt.. It was a Viking 1+. I now have the Viking 1D USB. A honey but an even smaller throat area, which makes me so thankful for the APQS, It is a pricy machine at $9,900.00. The customer service is wonderfull.. Amy can even diagnose many problems by listening to it over the phone! Shes done it for us twice I think. In any case, I love my Lenni, and am saving up to buy one of the computers, by the makers of Homesteader, Jennifer and I think Dave.. sorry, can't remember.. bad of me. I think their addy is The Quilt Solutions.. shall check for sure.

I hope this is of some help to at least one person.. further questions, please email me.. I will only be able to visit here 2 or 3 times a week.. not every day.

Hugs, Rita

Does any one have a handiquilter11. If so I am desperate for info....................
I just need to know how far the poles are for the quilting area. The reason is that I want to purchase a new sewing machine and of course I am in FL and my setup is in Canada

Any help is appreciated!

I have the HQ 16, would that help?

THanks for the reply MissMommy I was looking for someone that had the handiquilter11 table top frame to compare notes. I am purchasing a Bailey 17" and wanted to trade secrets for a frame with that sized LA.

I am sure I will soon have a journal of my own!!

Thanks again
Jane