We went today and tried out the Bailey's Home Quilter. It got a big :thumbup: from us. We test drove the 13 inch.

I am leaning toward the 17inch because it will give me at least 12 inches of quilting space.

It seemed to be very durable. My concern was that it wouldn't fit on my frame which is less than a year old. (a proflex) It will :D !

I also tried out the HQ16 and there newest model HQ 18 Avante. If I had to choose between these I would have to go with the HQ16 due to a space issue. The Avante comes with a metal frame that is 14 feet. Too big for my room :cry:

Back to the Bailey's Home Quilter, when we purchase I am going to buy the extra set of handles so, I can do Pantos and free motion.

Hubby said he really liked this machine. He played too! I asked about service? Chuck showed me how to clean it and said that most all issues can be resolved by phone. The machine is very basic and all american made.

The only draw back was bobbins must be prewound because the bobbin winder is on the top of the machine. I think he said it was a size 4. In my opinion, a bobbin winder at JoAnns with a coupon would take care of this issue.

Another thing we are planning is to put the frame on furniture sliders so, I can move it out away from the wall when I am using it and push it back when I am not. My frame is 10.5 feet long.

Feel free to ask me anything else I didn't cover.

Wow I'm impressed. Does it have a automatic thread cutter for the bobbin? Channel locks, extension table and a stitch regulator???? Thanks for all input and congratulations.

You can buy the stitch regulator with the machine at time of purchase, or add it later.

You can buy the stitch regulator with the machine at time of purchase, or add it later.

It sounds wonderful. That is the machine I am dreaming about. Someday maybe. Sigh

I own a plain, unadulterated Bailey 13 which is on a GMQ Pro frame. Great little machine that does exactly what it is meant to do. Quilt!

Bobbins are a standard size (Class 15, I think) but I have never wound one on the Bailey. I stand to quilt, so when I need to wind bobbins I sit down at my 20+ year old New Home and run through about 30 bobbins. I keep plenty wound. Some big quilts will use as many as 10 or more bobbins. Lots of stitching!

Quilting is fun..............
June

I have a 15" Bailey on order, without a stitch regulator.
Maybe will add later on down the line, but trying to keep costs down at present time. Sorry about the double post earlier. I was interrupted and guess I hit the button twice. Interruptions occur frequently here.

Elly,
Thanks so much for reporting to us! Now I know for sure I want a Bailey. I also have the proflex frame and knowing you can use the 17" on it is wonderful. Hmmmmm...now to get my DH to suggest I need it!!
I hope you will post when you get it and give us an update.

I called Chuck and placed my order yesterday for the 17"!!

I am beyond excited!

Here is how Hubby got onboard with this idea. :wink:

When, I am doing a big quilt, I call him to help me advance the quilt. It is easier to do with 2 people because the frame is soo long. This happens every 4.5 inches! So, this helped him understand quilt area.

I know it comes with a needle threader. I will check on a thread cutter today.

Thanks for the suggestion about winding bobbins on my other machine! I didn't think of that. :thumbup:

to me that would be an important thing to have.

I have purchased the 15" Bailey which is ready for pick up. I am so excited I can finally "finish" my quilts. I will let you know how set up goes!

I am so excited, Chuck called and my Bailey has been shipped. Should be here next week! Can't wait!

Lazer Stylus
 

Can a lazer stylus be used on the 13 inch Bailey and where does if mount on to the machine....also as you are facing the machine at the front edge of the carriage is a little clip with a silver head on it, slides into a little holder....what might this be?

I used a stylus with my Bailey, but can't remember how it was mounted. It should show in the manual or give Chuck Bailey a call.

Because of space limitations the Bailey is at the top of my list too. I have been looking at the Bailey for more than 5 years now and it still tops my list. it is very reasonably priced too. I just don't have the money right now so I am always on the look out for a used one. The good think it will fit my Original Grace Frame so that will someday make this dream come true. I believe you will be very happy, from everything I have tried, with the Bailey.

Can you post a picture?

You can set up the Handi Quilter frames at 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft or 14 ft. They come with 3 table sections that are usually 4 ft long. But you have options.

You can remove the center section and leave it at 8 ft.
You can replace the center section with a 2 ft section to give you 10 ft.
Leave all 3 sections at 4 ft to give you 12 ft.
Add a 2 ft extension to give you 14 ft.

Thank you for the information!!

Just a quick FYI...…….the table or frame for the Amara can be set up at 10 feet, 12 feet or 14 feet - whichever you want...……you will find that you will need every inch of throat space you can afford...….....so much time spent advancing the quilt...……….

I have the Bailey Pro 15, It is a great machine, I haven't used it in ages, but I do maintain it weekly (cleaning and oil moving parts). It is a very easy machine to use, both on a frame as well as in a table. Mine doesn't have all the fancy stitch regulators and other baubles Mr. Bailey offers.

Yes, I have a Susy Q Frame and it's all about 10 feet long. I have mine against a wall, but my frame slides out easily. Mine just has the 2 sets of PVC handles on each side and the stitch regulator on top.I am still overwhelmed with it and need to jump in and learn. I did buy the red snapper system so as not to pin it all..I would like to do panograms with the stylus, but not sure how that works.I can't see how it would be placed on the machine..Mine is the 13 inch.