A pfaff 1200 grand quilter with inspira frame for $1,200. I think it is but I would really like to hear it from someone else.

The throat size is very limiting. You realize this, right?

No not really. Is it more limiting than if I went with a Grace Pinnacle frame and a Juki?

I believe it 's the same throat size as the Juki etc. and the same size limitations...

I'm really not sure. I don't think it has a 18". I think that is a different machine. I think the 1200 grand quilter is only 9".

so what size throat is the minimum that you would want to have

I am not sure on anything. I don't have any lqs or machine dealers of any kind where I live. I have not had a chance to play with anything in order to know what I would like or not like. Just research and reading what others have said. Anything is better than what I have.

Here is a link with info on this machine:

http://www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk...chine-105.html

Here is some info on the Juki: (not sure if this is the one they put on the frame or not)

http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/sto...3&Item_ID=3543

The biggest thing to remember is how much area of the quilt are you going to be able to quilt when you get to the end of the quilt. If you only have a 9 inch throat space you will only have about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of quilt top you will be able to quilt when you get to the end. At the beginning you would have about 7 inches of space to quilt. Each time you roll the part of the 'sandwich' that is already quilted you loose a little bit more of the available area to quilt. I am attaching a picture of a quilt that I have almost finished to show you what I mean.

I see what you mean. I have a lot to think about over the next 5 hours. Thank you so much for all your help