Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Pictures
Bernina (Grace) quilt frame with Viking Sapphire >

Bernina (Grace) quilt frame with Viking Sapphire

Bernina (Grace) quilt frame with Viking Sapphire

Old 08-04-2011, 06:49 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
1000projects's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Carmel Indiana
Posts: 440
Default

I posted a few weeks ago asking about the Bernina quilt frame... well, I bought it! Some people have reported some problems with them, but I am very very happy. No more spray basting of quilts before FMQ. No more tired arms from moving a heavy queen quilt while FMQ. And especially, no repeat of my recent wrinkled-batting disaster.

The frame is sturdy, well constructed, and parts are readily available. Don't try to assemble without instructions, though!

The Viking Sapphire is a great computerized machine with a 10" throat. I got it a few years ago especially for FMQ. With the Grace frame, however, there is a problem - the Grace speed control and the Grace stitch regulator are not compatible with the Sapphire. I did 3 small quilts with the control on the floor, under my arm, and other very awkward places ... I was pricing various other machines (9" throat) ... then I turned over the foot control and yanked out the rheostat. With a single cable tie, it attaches as a thumb control just above the handle. See picture.

An added bonus to the Bernina/Grace frame - the storage shelf underneath is just the right height for toddler play time.
Attached Thumbnails attachment-236711.jpe   attachment-236712.jpe   attachment-236713.jpe  
1000projects is offline  
Old 08-04-2011, 06:53 PM
  #2  
Google Goddess
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Central Indiana (USA)
Posts: 30,181
Default

Congratulations!
craftybear is offline  
Old 08-04-2011, 06:54 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
POosterman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Vermont
Posts: 133
Default

I just sent for the Gace Frame catalog. I can't afford the full blown machines like Gammels and such. This was within my price range and I was wondering if there was someone who owned one that I could chat with about it. Does it move smoothly?
POosterman is offline  
Old 08-04-2011, 06:56 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
1000projects's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Carmel Indiana
Posts: 440
Default

More details -

All the work is done standing up.... I like it this way, and it is very "kid proof".
FMQ goes faster, I am not sure how much faster though.
At the highest speed, the machine shakes. Do they all do this? Any advice appreciated.
I have slightly better control seated with the fabric hand held. I have the machine up on blocks to get my face a little closer to the fabric, but still need more practice or something.

Also, I sewed over a pin and the needle did not break. :-)

pin sewn onto quilt
[ATTACH=CONFIG]236724[/ATTACH]

reverse of quilt
[ATTACH=CONFIG]236725[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails attachment-236718.jpe   attachment-236719.jpe  
1000projects is offline  
Old 08-04-2011, 06:56 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 2,122
Default

Sounds like you got it figured out! You will have a lot of fun!
Pam H is offline  
Old 08-04-2011, 07:03 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
1000projects's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Carmel Indiana
Posts: 440
Default

Poosterman ... The grace frame is so smooth! I "test drove" a longarm ($15,000) at a recent quilt event. The longarm is smooth BUT the sewing machine is pretty heavy and has a lot of momentum... could take lots of getting use to and practice. The Grace frame is a huge step up from hand held FMQ.. and cost is well under $1000.

I got my frame used, BTW, and I feel that used would be the way to go on these. Check craigslist. If you have a choice, the metal Grace frames are probably better for the long term.
1000projects is offline  
Old 08-04-2011, 07:34 PM
  #7  
Junior Member
 
POosterman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Vermont
Posts: 133
Default

Thanks for the info, very helpful!
POosterman is offline  
Old 08-04-2011, 11:36 PM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: st. louis area
Posts: 1,020
Default

I am so envious! You will do well with this. Don;t forget to show us your projects!
sandilee is offline  
Old 08-05-2011, 02:04 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Wendys Quilts's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Fleming Island, FL
Posts: 729
Default

My machine use to bounce alot. I found that it was sitting on an uneven floor. When I moved it to another location, the bouncing stopped. you might check to see if it is level????
Wendys Quilts is offline  
Old 08-05-2011, 02:55 PM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Glassquilt's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northeast IL
Posts: 2,064
Default

Originally Posted by 1000projects
... then I turned over the foot control and yanked out the rheostat. With a single cable tie, it attaches as a thumb control just above the handle. See picture.
I did that too - sort of. I was able to buy just that part from my dealer's repair man and now have it permanently mounted to my frame. I just move the machine when FMQing.
Glassquilt is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kheliwud
Main
13
05-03-2011 02:08 PM
Lisa T
Main
59
01-16-2011 04:03 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter