Hi,

I've been quilting for many years but never been on a message board like this. Recently I'm been machine quilting more of my tops and now want to purchase a machine to better handle this part of the process. There is so much to learn here! Like most of us, I am on a budget. Any suggestions regarding choice of machine? I've heard good things about the 9" throat Megaquilter/Pfaff Grand Quilter but haven't used one. On a frame is there really enough space to work a queen quilt ....or do you have to remove from the frame and turn? And how much of a hassle can that be? Has anyone any experience with the Voyager 17" and stretch frame made by Hinterberg? It is a number of thousands of dollars less than the new Pfaff 18 x8" or the Tin Lizzie 18 but nearly the same room to the right of the needle.

Any mid/long arm quilters out there who would share some advice?

Thanks,
Sande

Hi, Sande, and welcome to the board from Ireland. I don't have anything other than a domestic sewing machine, so can't answer your questions, but be assured, there are some member who will be able to chip in with ideas for you.

*Waves from Iowa* :)

Can't help with the machine part but wanted to be sure and say " Hi and Welcome from Northern Indiana :lol:
Sharon

Hello and Welcome :D :D :D Sorry I don't have a long arm/frame...some day maybe :wink:

frames that are meant to be used with a sewing machine (which ever type) roll the quilt forward to the new quilt location you never have to take the quilt off and flip.

when you're ready to work the next section you just loosen the knobs and roll the entire quilt sandwich to the next section and tighten the knobs again. you can even do this in the needle down position so you can have continuous sewing.

as far as a sewing machine for quilting - i really think this is driven by budget first and then you shop for setups that offer the most bang for your budget.

the bigger the throat the better but that also drives up the price.

there are a few setups in each price range starting as low as $1500 and as high as $17,000.

this is why its easier to choose a price range and then test drive those 3 or 4 setups that fit your range.

Klue is correct, there is no absolute need to turn the quilt. However, a large queen or king sized quilt will allow much less quilting space at the end of the quilt. Using a 9" throat machine, you could be down to as little as 3" of available quilting space at the end of a large quilt. Even less, if you use thick batting. I recently purchased one of these setups (Pfaff GrandQuilter) and plan to turn my first queen sized around at the halfway point. This way, I should still have 5" of quilting space throughout the entire quilt.

Welcome from Southern California

Welcome from W.v i'm sure you'll like it here so pull up a chair and relaxs

Hi and welcome from Ninnie in NC.
I only hand quilt, sorry on help.