Does anyone use this frame? I have just purchased one and have not used it yet. Any hints or help would be appresiated.. Chris

I have heard pros and cons on that frame, seen in on Alex Andersons show for the first time, it looked like something that would work. I wanted to try one but after reading thoughts of everyone else, am going to wait so would appreciate any feed back you can give.

Thanks in advance.

Rita

I too am interested in the Flynn frame, but haven't been able to get info on it. Would like to chat with other quilters that have/are using it & is it worth it. Being on a budge can't afford what I'd really like & thats a long arm.

Linda, Rita: Re Flynn Quilt Frame. This is what I found out so far.
Setup is really easy and quilt looks smooth and firm in frame I dont think you have to worry about puckers or creases in the back. goes on machine easy. with the PVC pipe for balance that part works good. the sewing and moving of quilt needs practice to get a even flow. The problem that I found was that it needs practice to get the stitches a even length. I thought I could just sit down and quilt, but thats not so. you need to practice on a plain piece of material until I get the stitch length under control. I wish I had stitch regulater on my machine so if you have that your away.. So it is going away until after Christmas when I have time to play, Muffin my shit shu is going to have lots of quilts out of pratice pieces for his bed :wink:
All in all I'm sure it will be a real asset and I'm not sorry I bought it. with some pratice it will do a great job.. In the DVD that came with it John Flynn says to practice till you are comfortable with the results.. So I guess it comes down to doing what I'm told :lol: Chris

I have one and love it. I think for most of us we're skeptical as to why this frame is so much cheaper than the rest. At our last quilt show, John Flynn was there and I asked him about that. He seemed a little surprised at the question but explained that his is the only one where you move the frame. The rest all move the sewing machine itself which requires some mechanical devices hence the extra cost.
I don't think this frame will be feasible for a king-size quilt but I've not done one so we'll see at that point.
It does set up very easily. The only problems I had were from me not thinking before I did things. I'm using a Juki 98Q and don't have any problems.

Chris, thanks for asking that question. I am a couple of months away from actually making a decision on a frame. John Flynn is the one that caught my eye.

My delay is the fact that we are having our basement finished, and the "slow-poke" that lives here is taking his time. (actually he is 76 and works a part time job. He thinks he is "all things, to all people" - meaning everyone else except the wife.) He has told me he would make a frame from PVC if I could get a pattern or a picture to help him unsderstand what to do. Would anyone suggest having a frame made, or would it be best to go ahead and buy the thing, problem free. You know how it is, when someone thinks they know what they are doing, invariably Murphy's law comes into play. I have lived wtih (Mr.) Murphy for 53 years. Perhaps I need to order this and pretend I did not hear his offer.

thanks for all your helpful comments
June

One thing I forgot to mention about this frame is that you can simply roll up the top,batting and backing and stand them in the corner if you want to take the frame down and use your space again. If you want to work on more than one quilt at a time you simply get 3 more metal rods and waalaa you are good to go. I have 5' rods on mine and I use it on a folding table I got at an office supply store. It is just 60" long. It works for me.

Buy it & plead selective hearing... I mean did not hear... John Flynn has done all of the engineering, worked out all of the problems, and most importantly sends you all of the connectors, which I didn't find to be too readily available when I wanted to "borrow" Mr. Flynn's theory to save a buck or 2. As far as doing a King size quilt, put 2 tables end to end so you have enough legnth to support both ends of your frame.

Go to the search box and type in pipe quilt frame. I started a discussion on this topic also has a picture of it.

Hi everyone. I just purchased the frame. I have not received it though. When you buy it, it comes ready to go with everything you need. Before you had to get poles or wood or something and set it up with muslin. But he does all that now. I have wanted a frame for quilting some time and finaly bit the bullet and bought this one. I looked for about a year for one. I did find another one built on the same priciple. But I emailed them and asked about doing large quilts on it and the answer sorta said you could do it after adding add'lt parts but sounded like really for smaller quilts. On QNN Nancy Z. did a show this week about quilt as you go panel by panel. It was awesome! Would work great with Flynn or alot of other frames. Anyway after I try it I will let you know what I think. :wink:

I bought one about 4 years ago. I did not like it at all!
I had to purchase rods, pvc pipe, etc. It did not go together like the video claimed. I sent mine back.
The girls at guild had similar experiences as mine.
Joyce

I used one of the frames at the Lancaster Quilt Show and I loved it. John Flynn showed me how to use it correctly. I'm thinking about purchasing one.

I had perused the NET for frames that attach to any sewing machine. Does this go with the sewing machine or is for hand quilting? How much are we looking at price wise?

Hi, it goes with the sewing machine. I just got one about a month ago. It is awesome. Takes alittle getting use to but after practicing it starts to get easier. Is it going with a machine what you are looking for? If so, I bought the frame that Flynn has for 120.$ It comes almost tottaly set up with everything you need and a cd explaining everything. I was skeptable but now I am so glad I did not listen to some people that could just not get it. It is not that hard you just have to practice like anything.

Thanks ladies for all of you input.

My question is the amount of space between the needle and the back of the machine arm. Mine measures about 7 inches. How would you go about doing a design on a 10 or 12" block wherein it appears you can only do half of a design?

And, if you are working on a queen top, how much room space (sewing or diningroom) do you need (east and west in your room) to accommodate the long poles required for a 90" wide quilt. It seems to me you would need 90 or so inches in both directions when quilting on the right border and then the left border. Or do you just have to move your machine?

Thanks. Suzanne

Hi, Now that I've had the Flynn frame a little while I can give a better
responce to this subject. The frame is great for the sole purpose there
is no basting but it is not without areas of concern. You'll be quilting along
and the pvc will suddenly stop (maybe on a piece of dust?) or move really quickly which messes you up. I have no problem with thread breakage unless I'm quilting from right to left. For some reason it breaks a lot then, I must be doing something different but I don't know what. I think the best way to describe how you use this frame is this:
Sit down to write a letter, instead of moving the pen, move the paper.
I think that says it all.

To Debbie Murray, I have read all the comments on all the subjects of frames after searching not only our board, but several others. I have done my own searches on Google, etc. I am specifically interested in hearing from those who own the frame and have used it. For me, experience is more valuable than opinons. Excperience is a valuable teacher.

Joyce, I still recall your words and add to them those who are not really genuinely satisfied with the Flynn frame.

To everyone else, I am still open to hearing what frames you have and why you like or dislike them. This can be a big expenditure if you decide to go with another frame/machine combo. I, like everyone else, want to get what works for me. I ask for information because I feel it will not only be of benefit to me, but to others who read it.

Thanks to all for your kind considerations. And thank you to those who do not get tired of sharing with those of us who are still learning.

June in Cincinnati

Hi everyone, I bought the Flynn Frame a few months back. I am so happy that I did. It definetly takes time to learn. If you expect to get right on it and be a pro than purchase something else. I did get mad at times but kept at it. I am still learning but can stipple and follow patterns now. I have had no thread breaking. Maybe the tension on the sewing machine needs to be checked as mine did. For the cost it is great and will do the job. I also would love a long arm but do not have the money. The Flynn machine is quilt awesome considering the cost, you can get extra rods and put one aside then quilt something else if you want and can learn with patience! Hope I helped some-one. DonnaRae

I have wanted one for years and everytime I go the Mid Atlantic Quilt Show, he is there demoing it. This year, 2008, will probably be the last time I get to this show. It'll be too long a trip from our retirement home in the mtns--like a 10 hr ride, so I am saving to get it in February of 2008 when I go. The only problem is that I WANT IT NOW :!: But I am going to wait. :?

Hi Vicki, where are you at in the mountains? My mom lives on Green Mountain, NC You're going to be so glad you finally get the machine. How come you are going to wait until you go to the show. For money reasons order it before you go or after. It is in a pretty good size box especially if you get the one with everything (rods and all so you don't have to go buy anything to start using it) that comes with it. Don't think you want to be toting that around. I've never been to a show, but that is what I am saving for now. If I could only stay away from buying fabric. I would probably have had the money over and over again to go. And I live in Greenville, SC. :shock: I'm addicted. Anyway good luck when you finally get the machine. :D

Hi there Donna. Our house is just off 19w above Burnsville. Green Mtn is not too far out of Burnsville if memory serves me correctly. We once tried to buy a house on Green Mtn Rd.

Burnsville has started a quilt trail where plywood "quilts" are hung on barns and other structures along the road . Very neat looking. If Green Mtn is the same one near Burnsville and you get a chance, check it ot! I knew we had chose the right community to eventually retire to when I heard about that. It was definitely a sign :!:

:) Yes, I have one,DH added Legs to it and made a rolling thing for the sewing machine and I liked it a lot more. But now I've Graduated to a Longarm but still have my Flynn. It is a lot smaller to deal with, either one as it goes I take it so far and take it back to my machine with the large cabinetDH Made italso and I do Free Form now on my own designs.So I go full circle. Or I have Now.

Hi Vicki, I'v been away for the past couple of days so just saw your reply. I don't recall the quilts (wood?) but I will ask my mom. And yes you have the right place. You go left off of 19 up to Green Mountain. She lives on top of Red Hill. Really pretty. Is that your house in the picture? Beautiful!

I have been quilting for less than a year. I was taught how to sew clothes from my mother when I was a child so my skills are not advanced.I am a self taught quilter. I have been either tying or attempting to stitch in the ditch my quilts with not so great results. I wanted a frame but not the BIG expense. Did lots of looking around on the web and finally bought the multi frame. I used it for the first time today. Now after reading the posts and not sure what to expect I was ready for lots of grumbling and cursing. Well let me tell you I am very pleased with the results. I am doing a practice quilt and have tried different things on it, stippling, echo, patterns.... All with good results. I have the pvc rolls on both sides of the sewing machine. Once I relaxed it was very fluid and enjoying. It is on the 42 inch frame at this time so I am not sure if I will get the same results on my next project which is on a 64 inch frame. Right now I am set up at my sewing table so I will probably have to move to the kitchen table which has more room. But over all I am very pleased. I do not compare my work to pros. or to people that have been quilting a long time. I give my quilts to people I care about. There are always mistakes to be found. There was no puckering and it all ended up even. Over all I am very pleased with this frame. :thumbup:

Thats very encouraging to hear. I will be getting one in Feb of next year and I am pleasd to know that it is that easy.

I thought I could save a little cash & make my own.... I just could not find the correct parts. I found the Euro-kit for $49 online at Allbrands.com. John Flynn's website has it for $78. It includes everything except the fiberglass rods but I want rods longer than 48inches anyway & John Flynn says you can use pvc.
John Flynn's website http://www.flynnquilt.com/ has a link to the DVD that comes with his kit.
I am ordering mine in the next week or so & can hardly wait.
For the quilter that keeps rolling off the table, John Flynn recommends taping a pencil to the table or using the gel wrist rests (for computers) to keep the large pvc from falling off the ends.
Jo

I too was looking for maximum bang for the buck. I couldn't understand why John's frame was so much less so I asked him. He explained that with the others the machine is moving. At the time I just wanted to be able to quilt on a frame so I bought the kit. I also got a maximizer 6 and 2 pack so that I could use either wood or pvc tubing.
As much as I wanted it to work it was extremely frustrating. I was patient I tried numerous things to correct little irritants but it never got better and I put it away in a box. I believe I have the dvd but I'm not positive. He shows you everything you need to do online.
My honest suggestion is to save your time and money and then buy a frame. You can find them used all the time. I would have been much happier saving a few hundred dollars and buying a frame that actually works well with results that make you proud.
I now have a Hinterberg stretch frame ($899) It is a dream combined with my Juki 98Q. I would suggest the combo to anyone who is just starting out on a frame. If you want to buy my Flynn frame you can have it for $25 + shipping. I feel bad even asking that for it.

A quick confirmation......save your money.
A friend from another forum had her husband make a frame for her, using John Flyy;s design and video. She coule not make it work. I, too, suggest you skip the disappointment and frustration. I had planned to go that route until someone here discouraged me. I wound up buying a frame/machine combo and could not be happier. The Flynn system has frustration written all over it.

Here is another one that looks about the same. Does anyone here have this one??? And has it met your expectations?

http://www.easyquilter.com/nextpage.html

I would want to find someone who is happy with this frame. Perhaps they can walk you through learning to use it. John has it all down pat and makes it look so easy. Not so for the novice.

I guess I should put in my two cents. I have the Flynn system and am very happy. I had no problems with it or learning how to use it at all. You do need the vidio so make sure you get that. Some people never get it. Before I bought it I read the pros and cons too. I finally thought for the money, I have to give it a go, and I am so glad I did. Now of course I would love one of the much more expensive ones. But this does the trick. And also it is so easy to store when you are limited in space which I am. So it is a decision you will have to make. I made the right one and bought it!! :D

Donna Rae, would you please share with us the size quilts you are able to quilt on this frame. Will the whole quilt fit into the frame so you don't have to make changes and adjustments while working on it? How big an area are you able to quilt, assuming you are using a regular size home sewing machine. I think this information would be helpful to those who feel this is their only option for right now. Hey, and if you were able to make it work for you, more power to you. I don't handle frustration very well and did not want to get upset the toss the thing out the door!

Thanks for sharing a Positive about this frame. Many need to hear this to help them make a decision.

You can do all quilt sizes up to king depending on your rods. I believe he now sales all the rods (which he did not do when I bought, but he tells you how in the vidio and written instructions) but you can go to any home store and by the pvc yourself. You also can do more then one project at a time, just by buying extra rods which I have not done yet. It is just like taking it apart to put away except you put on the other rods and leave the one you were working on put away. Actually you can do as many projects as you want, which probably is not a good thing for us quilters as we always have so many UFOs. :D Also the quilting area does depend on how much room you have in the neck area. The smaller the less room for quiling. I used my Brother which does not have much room (6 1/2 inches I believe) for quite a while. I watched the local ads and bought a older Kenmore machine for $25 which it has l little over 9 inches and makes for quilting a larger area. You just have to play with it to get the feel. I still am not great at quilting but not due to the machine, but due to me not practicing enough. Have been doing quilt as you go projects and stuff like that. Anything takes pratice, and if you start something and expect it to be perfect at first especially when it comes to quilting you are going to be dissapointed. You definitly get what you paid for and more with the Flynn quilter. It takes patience and practice. Phew, that was long winded. :D

Did you try it with a quilt larger than a wall hanging. I am really thinking about getting one, but make mostly larger quilts. Will it work? Sure hope so.

I am buying the frame from desertdebbe, thanks Debbe!
I do a LOT of hand quilting so even if I don't get the hang of it for machine quilting I will be able to use it for hand quilting.
DonnaRae thanks for your words of encouragement. I am usually pretty good at learning new things & look forward to a new challenge.
I will let you know how it works out for me.
Jo

I actually have this and it does work. You have to quilt the area, then rearrange the quilt, and proceed.

I also purchased the Flynn frame. I am finishing up a queen size top and I will be quilting it on this with my Janome 1600P. When I get it set up and started, I'm going to post photos of it, but it probably won't be until sometime in June.

I am glad you are going to give it a go. Make sure you have the vidio. You do need it! I almost did not buy it because of the negative feedback. But there were a couple of good feedbacks so that is why I bought it and am glad I did. I could not afford anything else. The only thing I will say is you don't have to arrange it as often if you have a bigger neck on your machine. That is why I bought the $25 Kenmore. (It is an oldie but boy is it a good machine). Can't wait untill you start using it. Let us know!

Joannl
There is a cd with the frame as well as some printed instructions.
I hope it is everything you are hoping for. The best thing about the frame
for me was NO MORE BASTING. That is always great.

dear desert debbie,i am definitly inteestedin buyingyour flynn frame if you still have it !please pm me & let me know !!!dar627742

Dar, I sold that long ago. So sorry.
Personally, I would keep your eye out for a used frame if you can't spend the $800 for a Hinterberg stretch frame. That one I'm familiar with and love it. Some of the other type older frames need upgrading so might not be such a good deal.
As I said before, I found the Flynn frame very frustrating. Did I make it work? Yes but other frames (with carriages for the machine) are so much easier and enjoyable. JMHO.

No, sorry.