Hi all, I am just refreshing and updating my quilting skills and have decided to hunt around for a good home quilting frame setup. My budget is under $2500 or so.

I am strongly considering the HandiQuilter II plus a Juki TL98Q and a Quilter's Cruise Control.

I would appreciate advice and feedback from anyone with this setup or a similar one.

Thanks!
Janet

About a month ago, we purchased a Juki 98qe and Little Gracie II frame with the Grace Sure Stitch (similar to the QCC), and I love it. I've quilted three quilts on it so far, and am constantly looking for excuses to use it. We paid $1700 including shipping, and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for one.
I can't really help you with the HandiQuilter, as I have no experience with them.
I have a friend who has the QCC and loves it.

I don't have a quilting frame, so can't help you there. Just wanted to tell you welcome from Southern California!!!

Thankyou both, for the welcome and advice!

Justquiltin', how do you like the Juki? Do you feel limited by the throat size?

Regards,
Janet

Janet,
I'd have to be a better quilter to feel limited by the throat size. Any limits currently are operator-based. :roll:

Good! I have another question....how is the comfort level of using your setup...is it hard to manipulate the machine? Do you sit or stand?

Regards,
Janet

I stand. It is amazingly easy to manipulate.
Edited to apologize for the brevity of the post. I started posting and realized what time it was! (Had to hurry to get supper on!)

I have a Hinterberg frame and a Viking Mega Quilter machine. I get along fine w/both but have never done a quilt larger than twin on it. I did quite a bit of research between it and the Gracie but since I have to take down the frame occasionally (when the DD's family comes - 4 boys) I like the Hinterberg for that reason. It is set up to be used sitting but I prefer to stand up - just feel I have more control and am more over the quilt that way. Of course I am also very height challenged compared to avg person!! I am able to quilt for quite a long time before taking a break so I would have to say it is comfortable for me to use.

Can't help you with your choice of quilting frames, I haven't learned to use mine yet lol, but welcome from the Texas Panhandle

Hi Janet, I just discovered your message on my blog. I love my HQ2 frame and my Juki. I do feel somewhat limited by the machine throat size. But it is so much nicer than trying to stuff and maneuver your quilt through a regular machine. I started out with the separately purchased Handi Handles on the back side of the machine, but recently bought a front mount conversion frame for them. You can see a photo on their website: http://www.handihandles.com/index.html

If you would like to, send me a pm and I'll give you my email address. Or we can continue to share here so everyone else can read about it too.