Hi everyone,
My DH made me a metal frame for my machine. It's 13 feet long. He gave up his metal shop for me to have a studio and it's in it's' own little building. I only have a singer 201 right now but am planning on purchasing a longarm as soon as I can find one in my price range.
I also leave a little at the sides to change bobbins. As for cutting threads, I saw this once on a video (can't remember where). After you are finished sewing put the needle down and then back up, move the machine away from the spot and catch the thread with your fingers. Hold the thread and put the needle back down in the same spot then up again all the while holding the thread pulled up when you first moved the machine. Put a little upward pressure on this thread when you move the machine away again and the bobbin thread will come up through the quilt and you can cut it off whatever length you want.
It's so much easier than fumbling under the quilt for the bobbin thread.