Baby Lock Tiara/HQ 16 question
 

I have found a great price on the Tiara, but I'm wondering if it can be used on a Grace Pinnacle frame. The dealer wasn't sure. I don't have room for the Tiara's table unless I get rid of the frame.

It looks like it would work, but before I commit to buy I would welcome any comments or experience using it this way.

Call the HQ 1-800 number on Monday ... they are very helpful and knowledgable.

You could also try the Yahoo group for Grace frames and the very active homequiltingsystems group. Go to groups.yahoo.com to locate the groups and join.

You can make the Tiara fit a frame, but because Babylock does not allow their products to be sold on the phone or internet, getting the parts can be really difficult. Also, it will cost quite a bit to accommodate this machine made to be a sit down model to a frame.

If you already own a Pinnacle frame, you would be better off buying a 18" long arm made to use as a stand up model.

There are many brands, and they are all very similar. You will probably end up spending about $5000 for a new one.

The Tiara is meant to be a sit down model. It is the same as the HQ Sweet 16.
HQ has a 16" model that is meant for a frame. I asked HQ, and yes, the S16 could be converted, but the economics of doing so, does not make sense.

You could call HQ and ask your questions ... and get their clear take on it.

My thoughts would be ... if you are wanting to use the frame you have, then continue looking til you have a model meant for a frame. If you are not wanting to stand, and want a sit-down, then the Tiara is what you want ... and get rid of your frame. Good Luck!

The Tiara is the same as the HQ Sweet Sixteen. I'd read somewhere - sorry, don't remember where - that the HQ Sweet Sixteen was no longer being made to be retrofitted to a frame. HQ customer service could tell you if this is true.

For the money, I'd do as another poster suggested and by another machine for your frame.