I'm considering buying a mid-arm quilting machine-- and there's so
much to consider! I
think I'd prefer a stand-up/frame set-up over a sit-down machine, but I still waver back and forth...
Does anyone have anything to say about sit-down vs. stand-up quilting for people who are completely new to FMQ? I get the impression that it varies from person to person as to which feels more comfortable, but are there any general pointers? The typical recommendation seems to be to test drive as many machines as possible, but that presents its own set of challenges, and it must take more than a few test drives to really get a feel for a machine, anyway.
The frame that keeps popping up in my research (and in bundle deals with machines in my price range) is the Grace SR2+, which looks like a great product for the price. The only problem I have with it is that it's a queen-size frame, whereas I'd love to have the option to make quilts to fit my king-size bed. (I'm a little unclear on the actual "quiltable area" with that frame, too. Is it 88"? 91"? I've seen different numbers quoted, sometimes on the same webpage.)
I've also seen some people say that it might be possible to quilt part of the sandwich, pause to shift the quilt sandwich over/reload it, then pick up and continue quilting the part you couldn't reach before. I'm curious if if anyone has actually done this with success. Based on how the quilt is loaded into the frame, I'm not sure it would work. And if it
is possible, do you still enjoy the benefit of not having to pin- or spray-baste the quilt sandwich? (Or does the necessity of shifting everything over require some sort of basting?)
One good thing about the sit-down machines is that you're not limited by the size of the frame-- only by how big of a quilt you can maneuver through the harp of the machine. Plus, there's no massive frame eating up all your room.
Then there's the issue of stitch regulators (yay or nay)...
I've been reading and watching videos and reading some more, but I'm going around in circles with pros and cons.
I appreciate any in-put while I continue to mull it over!
