The good part first: I know what I dont want :lol:

I do not want to set up a frame and I am almost sure, that a machine with a 9" throat would not make me happy either.

I found the following models.

APQS George (with $ 8000 too expensive)

Nolting quilting bee and HQ Sweet sixteen have the Machine lenghswise on the table. One time I turned my domestic machine that way to quilt and had problems to see the needle in that possition?

The queen quilters eighteen has the machine the same way on the table like a domestic machine.

I also found the Baileys home quilterpro and the price would be great, but I dont know whether it could be set up on a table.

Can you please help me with your experience as I will not have the possibility to try the machines out. I would also need a dealer willing to send internationally.

Thanks so much for reading
Granny

I had a 9" throat and rarely used it. If you can afford it get bigger.

I got the HQ Sweet Sixteen in November, and I am completely in love with it. You can adjust the height of the table, I have mine the same height as the cabinet my other machine is in, so that I don't have to alter the height of my chair, but you could have your table higher so as to be nearer to seeing the needle.

Also it is possible to get an open toed foot, but so far I don't feel as if I need it. It also came with a whopper of a bobbin winder, and the big bobbins hold a phenominal amount of thread, especially if you use the thinner type specially made for bobbins.

It's very good tempered for going in any direction too, and the tension seems good even with different thread top and bottom. So far, I haven't been brave enough to go above 50% of the speed she goes, but I am working up to it.

Above all, the SPACE is the bestest thing about it.

I live in Ireland, and got mine from The Cotton Patch in the UK. They were really great, and negotiated a cheaper delivery for me too. You can tell them Lesley from Sligo recommended it to you!

I've been looking at the ones you can sit at too...the tin lizzie is one and I know there are others...does anyone have one they like???

Dear Lacelady

how much did you pay - looks a lot more expensive than in U.S.
How does it feel to have the machine "the wrong way around"?
And are you running on 110 or 220 volt?

The only thing I would add is that when you turn your domestic machine, it turns your needle the wrong direction for threading. The HQ and Nolting will have the needle direction toward you so you won't have problems threading it in this position.

I have a Bailey on a frame, I don't see why you couldn't use it on a table, it would be like turning your domestic machine because that's what it is, a stretched Janome. I love mine.

Good to know thank you. did you ever sew on those machines?

Is it good quality or did you have some kind of problems with it? As I would not be able to send it back to the US for repair I would need a very reliable machine that every sewing machine mechanic over here could take care of.

I was thinking the same looking at pics of the machine and the price is unbeatable.

I have a Bailey 15", but I use it on a frame. There is someone on the Bailey Yahoo usergroup that is using theirs on a table, so I know it's possible.