If you were going to buy a quilting frame and use your own machine which one would you buy? I'm looking online and since I don't know anything about them I would hate to buy something I can't use. I have a Viking #1Plus, would that be ok to use with it and upgrade later to a real quilting machine?
Thanks for any guidance.

I have a GMQ Pro made by the Grace Co. it has 4 poles and I really like it I have a 15" Bailey on it and could go to a 17"-18"
the only things I don't like are: my machine weighs about 60-70 lbs and the plastic tracks keep splitting and have to be replaced (others use Grace frames and the same machine with no problems at all)
the take up pole has to be raised as the quilted quilt gets rolled (I would like one that the takeup pole stays uo high and there is another bar to hold the sandwhich close to the machine bed.

I have an Inspira. I got the floor model at a quilt show.

there are so many different types/styles-
if possible you should visit shops that have different ones to try out before deciding
there are ones that your machine sits on a carriage and you use 'handlebars' to drive the machine-
there are other ones that load up the quilt and move the quilt around with the machine stationary- try out the ones you can find and decide which you like best

I have a proflex super quilter. It is a really nice frame.
It will also accommodate a machine with up to 18" throat space. You can get some cheaper frames as well but try to get one that will grow with you ;)

Also - check Craigslist in your area plus areas you are willing to drive to. You might find a good bargain that way.

Grace Pinnacle.

I have a bernina frame (made by grace). I love it. My advice is to buy what you can find used - huge cost savings.

I have the B-Line studio frame. Started with my Brother 1500, and updraded to HQ 16.

We've never had a frame before, and Cindy has always done FMQ using her Viking machines, first her Designer and lately her Mega-quilter with 9 inch throat.

That all changed today when we saw the post here on QB about the steal-deal on the Grace New Gen frame on special at Sew Vac. We've seen and tried out this frame at a quilt store near us, and it seems to be very high quality, but we never wanted to invest the money as they were pretty expensive at around 1500 dollars. This deal, at 600 bucks for the new frame and speed controller was too good to pass up.

Ours will be shipping today, we can't wait to get it and try it out!

http://www.sewvacdirect.com/grace_ne...ilt_frame.html

We also have a Viking #1, and as it's an older machine you may want to make sure you can get a stitch controller for it if you want one.

This lady http://quiltingtizzy.wordpress.com/page/2/ replaced the plastic tracks with stainless steel rods ... maybe this would help you ...... it's on July posts ...

This is good information to have. I will check out some frames. I don't have many places around that carry quilting frames so will have to do some more research. I guess what scares me more is that I will still be doing FMQ but with larger area to work in. I have had no luck trying the FMQ on my machine. I just need more practice I guess. I don't have the budget to get something that does the designs for you.

You sure are tempting me with this one---too bad I don't have the room for something like this---I would have snagged it in a heart beat.

Sibyl

My frame is the Imperial and it looks exactly the same as that one with the shelf underneath. It can be set up crib size or king.
I wanted one that would hold a long arm machine someday.
It had to have a stong carriage.
Also added a stitch regulator and it is worth the extra $500.
Cant get the picture to rotate any further.