Prism99

Have been checking out George and Tin Lizzie for my sister, but they do not have feed dogs and are designed *only* to do FMQ. My sister has some problems and probably cannot do FMQ, although it might be possible for her with some kind of stitch regulator. The easiest thing for her would be a walking foot. A longarm size harp would help her quilt some of the big tops she has pieced.

Candace

Bernina 820/830 is the largest domestic harp. The Janome Horizon is 2nd and the cheaper, longer harp, domestic machine.

thepolyparrot

Prism, you're so good with vintage machines - I know you could rig up a 31-15 or 31-20 (my dream ;) ) to run with an even feed foot.

The Juki (98 QE?) and comparable Brother (PS1500?) machines aren't nearly as open as the Tin Lizzie, but you can get even feed feet for them and 11" is better than we can get with most domestic machines.

I routinely do free-motion designs or machine-guided quilting up the middle of king size quilts on my Singer 15 - that might be something to try, too - you already have a couple of those, right?

Granted, there is a LOT of quilt under that arm, but it's do-able.

Good luck! :)

Glassquilt

I sit at my Inspira frame on a taller stool.

hazeljane

I both piece and quilt on my Juki. I have to take it on and off the frame, of course. But it does have a great walking foot, and about 9 1/2 inches under the harp. I wouldn't trade her for anything, though I hope someday to have a longarm. Even then, she will probably be my go-to piecing machine.

I like the Juki because she is all metal, no electronics to mess up. She's a straight stitch machine, but is just about indestructible. As long as you clean her and keep her well oiled, she will purr like a kitten.