Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   Can this price be right for quilter? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/can-price-right-quilter-t133791.html)

raedar63 06-28-2011 09:42 AM

http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/sppa2b.html

Can this price be right? Does anyone have experience with this company? If so soon as I pay my car off its mine lol.

crafty_linda_b 06-28-2011 09:53 AM

raedar I have been looking at the Bailey machines too. They are manufactured by a small family business therefore I think that is why they can keep their prices low. I have been considering buying one of their machines too. But my finances are limited right now. Maybe in the future I can manage to get one. I think they would be a good company to deal with. Let me know if you do get one and how it works out.
crafty_linda_b

jljack 06-28-2011 09:55 AM

I have seen this machine at a show...it looked really nice. I didn't get to try it...there was a line!! Anyway, hope to see some other's experiences with it. I wouldn't mind getting this one, either.

nyelphaba 06-28-2011 09:57 AM

Wow, I am very interested. I think I have seen them online before. Go for it.

jaciqltznok 06-28-2011 10:08 AM

I would definitely do some research and homework before jumping on this just because you think the price is good!

just look at this set up!
http://www.graceframe.com/site/machi...0qi-combo-sale

fabric_fancy 06-28-2011 10:12 AM

i would join the Grace Yahoo Group before i purchased a Start Right Frame.

there are many complaints that the pins break on the rails and the joints aren't welded properly causing the stitches to skip every time you come to those areas.

the juki machine has great reviews but its only 9 inches.

MTS 06-28-2011 10:16 AM

Mary just did a king size on her Bailey. It looks fabulous.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-133785-1.htm

kountrykreation 06-28-2011 10:16 AM

My wonderful hubby gave me the Bailey 13 for valentines day 2011 and I LOVE IT. I only quilt for myself, so it's all I need and for the price, it just can't be beat. It's a very basic machine, no bells and whistles but it is a workhorse, and gets the job done. Mine is on a grace start right frame. There is also a yahoo group dedicated solely to these 3 machines, 13", 15" & 17", started by Deb, thats also a great help with researching it, the goods and the bads, etc. The owner, Mr. Bailey is also first rate when it comes to customer service and standing behind his product. Hope this helps.

Jennifer22206 06-28-2011 10:21 AM

I'm a member of the Bailey online group, but I don't have one - I joined to ask questions and so far I've really liked the answers I've gotten.

wolph33 06-28-2011 10:22 AM

the Bailey has good machine.I chose an Innova but if money is limited you can not be the price with a deep throat size.there are cheaper setups with a domestic machine on them but if you are quilting a queen sized quilt you have very little quilting room near the end of the quilt.we test drove one at a quilt expo and it was good.frame is not a pro quality but if you are just doing a few quilts here and there it would be just fine.

kountrykreation 06-28-2011 10:32 AM


Originally Posted by fabric_fancy
i would join the Grace Yahoo Group before i purchased a Start Right Frame.

there are many complaints that the pins break on the rails and the joints aren't welded properly causing the stitches to skip every time you come to those areas.

the juki machine has great reviews but its only 9 inches.

and yep, regarding the start right frame, i have had the little plastic pin that holds the plastic cog wheel on the take up pole break twice, and Grace has replaced it both times. However, my husband rigged it after the 2nd break by replacing the plastic pin with a screw, and so far so good. But other than that issue, I do like the start right frame and their customer service.

candlequilter 06-28-2011 10:40 AM


Originally Posted by raedar63
http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/sppa2b.html

Can this price be right? Does anyone have experience with this company? If so soon as I pay my car off its mine lol.

This looks very similar to the Pfaff Grand quilter setup they have and it was priced around $3,200.

However I would caution you about how much quilting you want to do and how much space you want to be able to quilt at a time. Yes, it is nice that you can either do a crib or a king but it isn't a simple adjustment to go from one size to the other. I love Pfaff's but the setup like this one with the Grace frame and stuff was not at all what I thought it would be even tho it looked great and easy at the shows that I saw. I bought one brand new and hated every minute of it while I was trying to use it. I now have my Gammill and it is such a pleasure to work on and very secure and sturdy feeling.

Good luck,
Sherryl
Candlequilter

QuiltnNan 06-28-2011 10:48 AM

i'm a member of the bailey yahoo group as well. the members who have them swear by them! however, i already have a hinterberg stretch frame, so don't need a package. the hinterberg frame is the best, in my estimation. it is very sturdy and easy to put up and take down, by myself. i'm travelling to NY state this August and will visit the factory. the owner/maker, Chuck, answers all of your questions.

lllog 06-28-2011 10:48 AM

The price may be right, but the machine isn't. They say can do a King. There's no way to get much quilt roiled up between the neck and body of the machine. When buying a long arm, it's important that the neck be high enough to roll up the quilt to the end, unless you olike unpinning it, turning it around and repinning it.

Don't waste money on something that won't do what you want. If all you want is crib size and throws, a machine like this may be ok, but not for much else.

Lanny

AlienQuilter 06-28-2011 10:52 AM

Thanks raedar for bringing this up. Looks like a good deal. When we remodel/update our home, I will talk DH into a long arm machine for me.

Question then on throat space. Any chance when you get to the middle of the quilt, that you can turn it around and start quilting towards the other end?

Are there any machines that let you do this? Or do you have to choose a quilting design that's horizontal and not very wide. I've seen some beautiful feather quilting on this forum and was wondering how they did it without turning the quilt.

kountrykreation 06-28-2011 11:02 AM


Originally Posted by lllog
The price may be right, but the machine isn't. They say can do a King. There's no way to get much quilt roiled up between the neck and body of the machine. When buying a long arm, it's important that the neck be high enough to roll up the quilt to the end, unless you olike unpinning it, turning it around and repinning it.

Don't waste money on something that won't do what you want. If all you want is crib size and throws, a machine like this may be ok, but not for much else.

Lanny

Have you used a Bailey? I have not completed a king on my Bailey 13, only queen (90" x 90") size with no problems and you may be correct about the throat size in regards to a king, I would not know, because I have not attempted to quilt a king first hand, however my frame will only accomodate a queen as well, just don't have the room for a frame that will accomodate a king size quilt. I did not 'waste' my money, I just don't see any reason to buy a mercedes when a chevy camaro looks better and gets the job done just as well.

humbird 06-28-2011 11:32 AM

I wish I could give you some 1st hand advise on the Bailey, but unfortunatly, I don't have one! :( I have done quite a bit of research however, and it seems to be a good machine. I joined the bailey yahoo group, and there have been good reviews. It is the machine that I will purchase when (and if) the time is right. I understand they offer great support also. I would only be doing quilting for myself, so the price of some of the other machines would not be an option for me.

sewmuchmore 06-28-2011 12:37 PM

I find this very interesting I have a med long arm but it is very old and you push it from you instead of sewing toward you. I can not buy anything right now but I am bookmarking this. Maybe one day :XD:

craftybear 06-28-2011 01:45 PM

wow, great price



Originally Posted by kountrykreation
My wonderful hubby gave me the Bailey 13 for valentines day 2011 and I LOVE IT. I only quilt for myself, so it's all I need and for the price, it just can't be beat. It's a very basic machine, no bells and whistles but it is a workhorse, and gets the job done. Mine is on a grace start right frame. There is also a yahoo group dedicated solely to these 3 machines, 13", 15" & 17", started by Deb, thats also a great help with researching it, the goods and the bads, etc. The owner, Mr. Bailey is also first rate when it comes to customer service and standing behind his product. Hope this helps.


hobo2000 06-28-2011 02:26 PM

I know of several people who have the Bailey and do king sized quilts. If rolled properly and kept tight there is no problem. It is a really well made machine and frame and everyone who has one loves it. Customer service is fantastic. They are ready to help night or day and weekends too to keep everyone happy. Sounds like a winner to me.

hazeljane 06-28-2011 03:50 PM


Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
I would definitely do some research and homework before jumping on this just because you think the price is good!

just look at this set up!
http://www.graceframe.com/site/machi...0qi-combo-sale

The Juki is a 9" throat- NOT a long arm. I have the Juki with a GMQ frame and I love it, but I don't think you should compare it to an 18" machine.

cheryl222 06-28-2011 03:58 PM

I have 17" Bailey and cannot praise it enough. Does king size without any problem. I would recommend to anyone to get the 17" if they can afford the difference in price. Will be so much happier.

Candace 06-28-2011 04:07 PM

Hmmm. I guess I'm not too jazzed by the idea of using pvc for handles:< I'm saving for my dream of a long arm and it doesn't involve PVC.

joellenc 06-29-2011 04:12 AM

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MY BAILEY!!!!

AND, Chuck (the owner) is super friendly and helpful....will answer your questions and/or troubleshoot for you in record time!

Also, there is a Bailey Forum and Debbie on the forum is a pro at this machine....and you can ask her questions day and night!!!

Mary L Booth 06-29-2011 04:23 AM

I have a Bailey 13 and love it. Join the Bailey group on Yahoo and you can learn a lot. I have had my machine for less than 2 months and have quilted 4 small and one king on it. I purchased a used Handiquilter frame for 250.00 and we got some plywood for the frame to set on.
I am very pleased with the machine.
Mary in TX

Mary L Booth 06-29-2011 04:25 AM

This machine is only a 9 inch arm space. Bailey is 13, 15 or 17.

raedar63 06-29-2011 04:40 AM

Thanks for all the replies,it seems the good outweighs the bad. I will never really be able to justify a long arm or have that kind of money so I thought something like this would be great. I loved the comment about the meredes and the camaro lol.

vickig626 06-29-2011 04:50 AM

not quilt related but I just LOVE your avatar - bassets are so cool.....

19angel52 06-29-2011 05:27 AM

...I'm leaning towards one of the packages on Amazon....Juki and the Gracie frame....near the price you provided a link to. I've heard so many good things about the Juki....don't know much about the Bailey.

Might want to join a few yahoo groups aimed at various mid/long arms - and see what they all have to say.

Happy Linda 06-29-2011 06:07 AM

Thanks for this subject. I love the advice of all these knowledgeable ladies.

sewtruterry 06-29-2011 06:15 AM

Remember the addage if it sounds too good to be true. Please check them out very carefully and look at the weight of the machine and the materials that the frame is made out of. It looks to me like the frame is either all wood or parts are. Keep in mind that wood no matter how well crafted will expand and contract with the humidity level and you may get some movement or shaking of your frame while you are quilting. This makes it very difficult to control the machine while doing intricate patterns. That said if you are just doing quilting for yourself and really just want to get it done fast and are not a perfectionist I would say that it sounds like a good price.


Originally Posted by raedar63
http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/sppa2b.html

Can this price be right? Does anyone have experience with this company? If so soon as I pay my car off its mine lol.


sandyms 06-29-2011 06:28 AM

I have the Bailey with a 15" throat and it is on a Grace Frame. I can quilt a large Queen, approx. 84". Works very well. I am quite pleased with it. The frame I had for approx. 7 years and was happy to find that the Bailey would fit on it (no need to purchase a new frame = $$ for more fabric :)) Chuck is very helpful at Bailey.

JANICE E. 06-29-2011 06:54 AM

Now ths was very helpful to me and I'm sure many other new quilters would agree. Thanks everyone for all the imput. I will save all this information to help find a longarm that's right for me, but unfortunately not now. This is why I love this site ,again thanks everyone. Just one quilters question has probably helped hundreds . Thanks for the question. Everyone have a nice day

Tweety2911 06-29-2011 07:18 AM

I have a Baileys 17 on a grace frame. I only have room for a queen frame size and have had no problems quilting anything from a lap to a queen. Love the machine and the service is fantastic! You can get a wood or metal frame. This was the only affordable option for us and am thrilled to have the opportunity to quilt like the "big girls".

MTS 06-29-2011 07:55 AM


Originally Posted by Tweety2911
This was the only affordable option for us and am thrilled to have the opportunity to quilt like the "big girls".

I'm not in the market and have no interest in acquiring a MA or LA but I have to admire Bailey's business acumen. He saw an open niche in the MA/LA market at a lower price point that wasn't being serviced, and he developed a product to meet it, with, from all reports, terrific customer service. NAYY.

As for it being only good for doing one's "own" quilts :roll: - it ain't the machine, it's the talent of the LA-er.
I've seen plenty of quilts done on a Gammill/Statler where the quilting had ZERO, ZILCH, NADA personality.

sandy l 06-29-2011 08:12 AM

[quote=QuiltnNan] however, i already have a hinterberg stretch frame, so don't need a package. the hinterberg frame is the best, in my estimation. it is very sturdy and easy to put up and take down, by myself.

I agree, Hinterberg is one of the best frames around. I have the stretch frame also, and love it

grannypat7925 06-29-2011 09:20 AM

That sounds like the best deal going! Grab it!

Cosy 06-29-2011 09:25 AM

I have a 15" Bailey, and I really like it. Good price, good customer service. I did get a good discount by buying a classroom model.
For home stuff, it's fine. Someday I want a Gammill when I develope enough clentele,, but in the meantime, it's fine for what I do now.. I have done a queen size with no problem, never tried a king.

luvTooQuilt 06-29-2011 09:54 AM

Id like to compare the Innova versus the Baily .. Baily is certainly a great price.. But Ive heard great things of the innova as well..

butterflywing 06-29-2011 10:33 AM


Originally Posted by AlienQuilter
Thanks raedar for bringing this up. Looks like a good deal. When we remodel/update our home, I will talk DH into a long arm machine for me.

Question then on throat space. Any chance when you get to the middle of the quilt, that you can turn it around and start quilting towards the other end?

Are there any machines that let you do this? Or do you have to choose a quilting design that's horizontal and not very wide. I've seen some beautiful feather quilting on this forum and was wondering how they did it without turning the quilt.

yes. when you get to the center of a large quilt on a small-throated machine, you can unpin the quilt, turn it around, repin it, and work away from you instead of toward you. you'll be rolling it up on the front bar (belly bar) away from the needle. and you have to be very careful to keep smoothing the three layers toward the back roller to avoid puckering, but it can be done. i've done it on a small frame with a smaller machine, which i subsequently sold for that reason. i can tell you that it's a giant pain in the butt, but i did manage to make 2 oversized queens that way. in the end, i would rather make a big quilt in sections before i would do that again.
as far as re-sizing the frame, if you have the space to extend it to full size, you never have to resize it. you just leave it at full size. you can do two baby quilts, side by side, at the same time that way.

edit: i should have pointed out that when you repin, you repin
the bottom layer and float the batting and top layer. at least i did. that allows you to keep smoothing.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:49 AM.