Need help FMQing with Brother Nouvelle 1500s on a Little Gracie Frame
04-27-2014, 05:28 PM
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Originally Posted by sharkluver
Can anyone tell me what the value of this machine would be? I have the opportunity to purchase one for $200, however, I would need to purchase the foot pedal and a manual for it (at the very least, I am not sure if the knee lever is included or what accessories also come with it at this point). I am wondering if it is worth the $200?
04-27-2014, 07:47 PM
#12
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,395
Ok I have that machine. Retail on it is usually $899 US, although you can find it on sale for $599. If someone paid $2000 for it, they might have purchased it as part of a quilting setup, with a frame. I bought mine from a quilter who had it on a New Joy frame and upgraded to a larger setup. I paid $400 for the machine and frame, gently used. I don't use it to quilt anymore because I acquired an 18" stretched Singer. It's now my "daily driver", my piecing machine.
The Brother 1500 is an awesome machine, easy to operate, reliable, solid. As I said, if it were me, and I had the opportunity to check the machine and make sure it runs, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Yes, even though I already own one. I'd buy a second one as a backup!
The Brother 1500 is an awesome machine, easy to operate, reliable, solid. As I said, if it were me, and I had the opportunity to check the machine and make sure it runs, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Yes, even though I already own one. I'd buy a second one as a backup!
04-28-2014, 10:56 AM
#13
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Thanks Peckish! I have read some posts on the web where people have issues with the tension on the machine.... I am a little afraid of that aspect of it, I have a electronic machine and love that I don't have to mess with the tension I am still waiting for information on the machine and I imagine it was purchased as part of a quilting package because it is being offered on a classified site by one of the owners of our LQS.
?? Have you used the machine for FMQ? That is the feature that has me the most interested in this machine....
I am still waiting for information on the machine and I imagine it was purchased as part of a quilting package because it is being offered on a classified site by one of the owners of our LQS. ?? Have you used the machine for FMQ? That is the feature that has me the most interested in this machine....
04-28-2014, 11:42 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,395
Whoops, I realize now that my last post was a little confusing. That's what I get for trying to post from my cell phone.
I don't use my Brother for FMQ, I only use it for piecing. There is a very large and wonderful Yahoo group for that machine, I recommend you join it. There are many members who do use it for FMQ who can help you. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PQ1500/info
And please don't be afraid to adjust the tension!! In my honest opinion, there is no one machine that can automatically adjust the tension for you when you are quilting. There are just too many variables: what size thread you're using, what size needle, how fast or slow you're moving your hands, what kind of batting you're using, etc. Every good longarm quilter I know tests (and sometimes has to adjust) the tension on her machine after every bobbin change. You simply need to read and learn as much as you can about tension, then quilt some practice pieces so you can see what happens when your top tension is off, when your bottom tension is off, how to fix it, etc. It's like cooking. Once you learn how, it's much better and more satisfying to cook your own food rather than let McDonald's cook for you every night.
I don't use my Brother for FMQ, I only use it for piecing. There is a very large and wonderful Yahoo group for that machine, I recommend you join it. There are many members who do use it for FMQ who can help you. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PQ1500/info
And please don't be afraid to adjust the tension!! In my honest opinion, there is no one machine that can automatically adjust the tension for you when you are quilting. There are just too many variables: what size thread you're using, what size needle, how fast or slow you're moving your hands, what kind of batting you're using, etc. Every good longarm quilter I know tests (and sometimes has to adjust) the tension on her machine after every bobbin change. You simply need to read and learn as much as you can about tension, then quilt some practice pieces so you can see what happens when your top tension is off, when your bottom tension is off, how to fix it, etc. It's like cooking. Once you learn how, it's much better and more satisfying to cook your own food rather than let McDonald's cook for you every night.
04-29-2014, 04:34 PM
#16
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Peckish, I took a leap of faith and purchased the PQ1500s! It did not have a foot pedal and so I am not certain that it sews but it turns on with the power cord and I bought it from our local quilt shop and I am confident that they did not sell me a bad machine (well, fingers crossed)! I am going to be ordering a foot pedal for it in the next day or so and am very, very excited to start to play with it Do you, by chance, know a good place to purchase bobbins and other accessories for the machine?
Thanks!
Do you, by chance, know a good place to purchase bobbins and other accessories for the machine? Thanks!
04-29-2014, 05:33 PM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,395
Woo hoo!!! I think you will like it. I have 7 machines and that one is my favorite out of all of them, including the Janome 1600DB, which is almost identical.
I can recommend Allbrands.com for parts and accessories, they have very good customer service.
Good luck! I can't wait to hear how you're doing on it, and what you think of it! Did you join the Yahoo group yet? You can download both the operating manual AND the service manual from the files once you're a member.
I can recommend Allbrands.com for parts and accessories, they have very good customer service.
Good luck! I can't wait to hear how you're doing on it, and what you think of it! Did you join the Yahoo group yet? You can download both the operating manual AND the service manual from the files once you're a member.
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