Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

[grammaterry]

I recently posted that I was looking at a grace quilt frame with a juki machine. I decided against the one that was advertised.
Since then, I've been reading about lots of different machines and of course, their websites all think they are the best.
I need a machine that doesn't need service, that will last a long time, that is easy to use (I don't want a huge learning curve). I would rather save up and get what I need than settle for one on price. I have a good machine that works but know that a larger throat and a straight stitch machine are necessary if I want to put it on one of the frames.
And speaking of frames I see there are more frames than just the Grace. Any thoughts there?

[lovemyavy]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

I wish I could help you out with the decision, Terry, but I can't. I just want to say I hope you find the perfect 'outfit' for your needs because you deserve it. Good luck, and keep us posted!

[Carlie Wolf]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

I don't know about other frame makers but after two years I still do like my Grace Queen frame. I did notice that when I got it that it came with a carriage. You would not believe the gymnastics I went through trying to get my Rockblockit on to it since I purchased them both at the same time. (hint....Rockblockit came with it's own carriage that I was suppose to use). After about an hr I figured it out and set it up with the machines carriage and all was ok). But I did notice that Kathy Quilts had pictures in one of the handouts I also got that showed a Juki on a Grace. I believe it was placed on the Grace's carriage that came with the frame. However I also believe I saw somewhere that some of the other model machines would have a slightly different carriage that Grace would send depending on the machines dimensions. So I'd say maybe ask whatever company you get the frame from if it will fit with the machine you plan to use?

[tamsterg7]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

I have zero input here, but will be watching the thread since I too would like to eventually purchase a frame and machine.

[SuzyQue]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

Still love my Innova!

[grammaterry]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

DH and I are on the outs over this because I can't make a decision. I told him I thought I'd rather wait and go to a quilt show and try out some machines. I told him this this morning Then he found a good deal on Craigs list on a Janome 1600 P with frame only 250 miles away. He asked me again. I told him maybe. Then she sold it to a friend. He thinks I'm dragging my feet. Oh well.He said hes not getting me anything since I can't help. I told him fine. Oh my...Christmas presents make him so stressed out. I really hate it that he feels this way.

[JCY]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

When in doubt, don't! Do your research & search the web & ask around. Don't be in a hurry. I didn't have room for a frame in my home, plus I didn't want to stand up to quilt. I'm very happy with my Baby Lock Tiara II, which is a table model & has a 16" harp. It takes up 54" x 30" of space & fits nicely behind my couch in my fam. room. (Pics in my Sewing Room Album.) It was a floor model (so was discounted) which I bought from a respectable dealer in my town who also is able to service it. I bought the Gold Standard maintenance agreement, which is an additional $500. which is good for 3 yrs. for all service, cleanings, etc. The dealer comes to my house to pick it up for service & brings it back & sets it up. After all the sour deals I've heard about from people who got burned from buying on Craig's List, I would hesitate to purchase there. Your idea of trying out various machines at a quilt show is a good one. However, since you live out in the country, make sure there is a qualified person who would set it up for you & be available for service. Have you considered buying a different DSM with a larger harp space? Good luck with your search!

[GrammaBabs]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

Terry,,, just checking in to say the 1600P is an awsome machine and i have a Grace frame.... if he sees that again at a good price you'd be wise to jump on it.... from your description of what you want i think it would have been perfect... it's what came with my frame the first time and now i use it for piecing... now that i have the Bailey,,, and have become better at FM,,, i would not mind at all have the 1600 on my frame and have less throat space...

[Lyndaj]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

Not sure if it's in your budget Terry, but why don't you buy a longarm? The Simply Sixteen by HandiQuilter is small on budget and has a small frame that can be adjusted to accommodate any quilt size.

[bttyboopette]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

I have an APQS Millie, but it's a big purchase. I had a handiquilter 16 and loved it. had the 10ft table but at one point was in an apartment and had to shorten it to fit. very easy to use, setup, take down.....

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

For me, the straight stitch mechanical machines are a winner! I have had my Singer S16 for 2 years now and it is my go to machine for every day use. It is the same machine as the Janome 1600 and a couple of others. It sews through thick and thin alike! And it has a 9" throat.

[TMP]

Re: Help me decide what I'm looking for in a quilting machine

I do like Juki machines. I have the Juki TL 2010Q. It only does a straight stitch. I bought the machine at a show , then later my dh bought me the Grace Frame for Christmas. The frame I have is the SR2 and only has two rails. I love quilting on the machine but wish he had bought a frame with 4 rails. I don't like my quilt dragging in the floor because I am always stepping on it. I think you should try different machines and see which one you feel the most comfortable with.