I hope you guys will let me vent for I need something to get me picked up. I seen a Grace Machine Quilter [I think this is one of the first ones they made for a home sewing machine] advertised and went to see it during the week. I had been wanting to get something to make sandwiching and quilting easier for my bad back. The woman bragged it up and said it would be wonderful for a person with limitations like myself. It was taken apart so lots of parts to look at. The woman did tell me all the parts were there and told me to look it up on the internet to see what it looked like. I did, and then I decided I would buy it with assurance from the woman that she would come Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning to help me put it together. Saturday came and went and I thought I would start putting it together since I did have the instructions. I got as far as installing the tracks and discovered there were only two pieces of track but the assembly parts listed six.
I emailed her letting her know that these parts were missing and would she bring them with her when she came Sunday mrning. Did not receive any response from that. Sunday morning came and still hadn't heard from her so around 10:00a.m. I called her to find out when she was coming, for sure. Tried both her cell no. and house no. but no one answered. I then waited until noon and tried again to contact her, but no answer so I left a message saying I would like to have my money refunded because not all the parts were there and with no one to help me put it together I wouldn't know if I had it right.
Well about 2:00 she finally calls and acts all indignent about the matter and told me she was calling the cops because I had threatened her.! Ouch! I was so upset I could hardly speak. [she finally said she would come out. At first she said all the parts were there and then she says she used it with just the two tracks[one is a 60" and one is a 52".] She said I just had to move the tracks WHILE DOING THE QUILTING!! I reminded her that the parts list specifies 6 rails of varying sizes and it cannot be used without the tracks. She stomped and continued to say things that were not true. I wasn't going to argue with a crazy lady and it was clear to me she didn't give a hoot about screwing someone. I live alone and did not even feel safe with her. Now I know, I did some no no's such as paid her in cash, belived her when she said all the parts were there and belived she did intend to help me put it together...it wasn't in writing for I had mistakenly trusted her. I guess I am stupid to be that way, in this day and age of greed, but darn it why do some people have to be that way? I don't know what I will do next. I am supposed to be avoiding stress with recovering from cancer treatments. Will take a deep breath and hope this woman comes to her senses. Thanks for letting me vent. BTW does anyone have some extra tracks? :cry:

that is terrible, can you order any of those rails???

why don't you start a thread under the classified needing rails for your particular long arm, maybe someone can help you find them and guide you along

Mary, I am so sorry you've had such a horrible experience. Perhaps the thing to do is to call the Grace Company and tell them what happened and order the missing parts and ask them if they can advise you on how to get some instruction about using it. This will cost you more money, but at least you will have a usable tool in the end. And you never know, perhaps they'll take pity on your predicament and cut you a deal. Worth a try.

I can understand why you are upset. I would be too. I hope this can be worked out for you.

Normally, I would recommend a certified letter requesting your $ back, then one could go the route of small claims court for the principal of it... but it's just not worth risking your health over. Consider it lesson learned. Some people just make me sick.

So sorry this has happened , maybe you can call and reason with her, suggest that maybe things have gotton off to a bad start. Suggest that it would be in both your interest to settle this in a satisfactory manner. If she is unreasonable after that , you gave it your best shot, tell her your turning this over to the DA's office or the sherriffs office for false advertising, she might listen to reason then. Hope this resolves quickly , and you are both happy :-D

Mary, I am so sorry this person did that to you. I would check with the company and see if there is a way to get the rails. I haven't seen one of these frames, so I am not sure what they look like. What are the rails made out of? Is there any possiblilty of getting someone to make them. I wish I lived closer to be able to help you. I understand being afraid when you live alone. You just don't know what some of the crazy people out there will do.

That's a good idea!!!
Mary, your health is more important though. Glad you were able to vent here!! But I hope you find a solution. HUGS

I had to edit my message for I see I started out saying "tracks" and ended up saying rails...big difference. It is the tracks that are missing....they are plastic and fit into the wooden grove that is made for them. Still shook up!

how frustrating! I have what I believe is the very same model that you do and yes there should be 6. I belong to the gracemachineframe yahoo group. Just plug that in as all one word and join it. I've gotten loads of help there and you may find someone that has some tracks. Contact Grace Co. also as they are tremendously helpful. If you have any questions just PM me:)

oh yes! almost forgot! I here is a link to the instructions for you:)
http://graceframe.com/gfxoops/instru...inequilter.htm

Thank you for your help. I will do as you suggest. I did join the gracemachine frame group acouple days ago. I have also sent an eamil to the Grace company and asked if they still make those tracks. Hope to hear from them tomorrow. I soooo wanted to start on my pile of quilts that are all pieced but need to be quilted. Oh the joys of life.


quote=Shibori]how frustrating! I have what I believe is the very same model that you do and yes there should be 6. I belong to the gracemachineframe yahoo group. Just plug that in as all one word and join it. I've gotten loads of help there and you may find someone that has some tracks. Contact Grace Co. also as they are tremendously helpful. If you have any questions just PM me:)[/quote]

give them a call! they are the nicest people with outstanding customer service. Every time I've had a question the ladies there are fabulous.

You aren't stupid.

You still have some bargaining chips. Google her email address and see if she regularly sells. If she does, say you will post an add in the newspaper about your bad experience and craigslist.

If you can't see if you can get someone to get on the phone and play hardball with her.

I have no solutions to your problem, but I did want to post & say that you are NOT stupid! You were trusting. That is not always a bad thing. Rather be that way, than be like the seller. I hope you find a solution to the problem so you can get your quilts quilted. DO NOT let this get you down or make you sick! Just do whatever you can do & move on forward.

{{{{{HUGE HUGS}}}}}

I am no good at playing hard ball and believe me this woman acts deranged. I know it is buyer beware but I goofed. It was advertised on Craigs list. Don't know anything about Craigs list either, maybe they have a complaint dept. Will check it out.

My guess is that woman is NOT a quilter. Quilters are good people who wouldn't take advantage of another person. She probably bought the frame at a yard sale or a flea market at a low price because of the missing pieces. You might try an ad in the paper to ask if anyone has rails for that model. There's an off-chance that whoever she bought it from (if she did that) has the other pieces. In the meantime, contact the sheriff's office and file a report. Such a dishonest person may be well-known there.

Thank you for the hugs. They felt good. Hugs back to you.

That is awful! I have been putting my Grace Pro GMQ frame this weekend it's a big chore! Or maybe I am challenged when it comes to assembling things? I did find directions for assembling on the company's website. So, if she didn't give you those you should be able to find them there. But I would call the company and see about replacements.

Hun, it's called a bluff. If she acts deranged you won't make waves and she gets to keep the money. That's one of the reasons I asked if you can't, maybe have someone who can play hardball. If I was near you hun, I'd offer to play the cast iron wench role. Apparently being a stubborn, battle axe wielding German brunhilde is something I'm good at:)

Check to see how much she sells on craigslist. If she does, and you are up to it, put up a thread about her so others can know the whole buyer beware situation.

You know, you are right. I have bought quilter magazines through Sew It's for Sale and other things too. Many times I would send cash and always trusted the gals because a person can get a good feeling from trust. Too bad there are some bad apples in the basket.

Mary can you have a friend come over when the sale lady is there Just in case the lady get mean. this way you have a witness and if the lady doesn't give you your money back. Take her to small claims court

bump

I agree with Amazon and if that doesn't work, you can go the bluff route. You only think you can't. Put your big girl panties on, take a deep breath, and give her the what for. You can do it. She has been bullying people her whole life, she thinks of herself as a victim and wants to take anyone down with her she can. Don't let her get away with it. You worked hard for the money, she false advertised, tried to weasel her way out of it, then lied and lied again. Tell her you have been in contact with the police dept. Tell her you are going to send a complaint to Craigslist and that you have the document written up to let other Craiglist users know how poorly she does business. Tell her you want a l refund, cash, and she gets the machine back. End of story. Tell her anything that won't get you in trouble, but confront her. You have rights and you are the victim. You need to stand up for you cuz no one else can.
Believe me, you will feel better after all is said and done. Ask me how I know.

Mary, these things happen. I'm sorry that you had such a hard time with this woman. She obviously isn't very honest and not kind or caring. Best thing is to take it as a lesson, and buy the missing parts and get on with it. Going out to get revenge or try to force her to do anything different will only add to your upset and frustration. Set your face to go forward, ignore that woman's mean spirited actions, and go forward with your new toy. Don't let this bad experience hinder you any more. Best of luck...and you know you will find support and encouragement here!!

I would contact the better business bureu in your area, if she sells other items. I would let her know that I was going to do this also. What goes around, comes around. Above all, your health is the most important thing.

Call your local quilt shop and ask if they know anyone that can help you put it together....there's bound to be a hubby out there that can help! Too bad we're so far away cuz my hubby would help you! I have a frame by Grace. The plastic tracks you're talking about aren't expensive. I called about them and they're something like $5.00 each. If you have a Pfaff dealer near you they probably have them on hand. If you ask them, they'll come put it up for you (generally) for a price. DON'T GIVE UP!!! There's a way! It's not a hard frame to put up. We've put up 2 of them so far...

Does your local TV station have a consumer line where they investigate issues like you have? We have one in our area where they investigate the matter for you and they get great results most of the time. They even get consumers their money back.

Hope you can find some help.

Lots of very good advice and help so I won't add more...just want to say..Hang in there and don't be worried or scared. Most bullies are all mouth and no action...sending love, light and peace from the land of Aus.

As my dear grandmother use to say....."don't get in the mud and fight with the pigs, they like it and you'll only get dirty." I agree with others here on the board....report this issue to someone of authority (who won't buy into her crap) and post a negative post to craigs list warning others to beware of the crazy lady. I'm sorry you've had to go through a situation like this. I too am a very trusting person and always expect others to be honest and trustworthy as well. The few bad apples out there leave a bitter taste in our mouths! Big hugs to you!

HI Mary, Good advice here but what one do you take. The one I like the best is the problem solver's. We have that on our local TV also. They will contact the lady and it will get taken care of for you. Take care of the no stress and the cancer, been there done that.... Just relax and let the probllem solver do it for you...
Hugs,
Connie F

i bought my gracie pro frame from
http://kathyquilts.com/customer/home.php

on ebay.
she/they have a great reputation, and were very patient with us, when we were putting the million pieces together when we first got it. maybe she can help.
so sad that people do these things. {{hugs}}

Ditto all above!

Sorry, but quilter's are like every other group of people. I've learned they can be con artists, swindlers, liars, cheats. Don't you all know about the stolen quilts? We would love to believe that quilters are only the best of people but they are people and therein lies the tale. I would not take chances with a crazy woman. Be careful especially since you are vulnerable. It sounded to me like she has your address. Pay cash for nothing in the future. Lesson learned.

Would have loved to know your grandmother, Lori! That advise is priceless! And Mary,if you can get new tracks for your machine at a reasonable cost and a recommendation from the quilt store for someone to put it together... then you can put this behind you, concentrate on being creative with your new frame, and continue on with your healing...physically and emotionally. Don't let this person pull you down. Keep us posted.

I am sorry this has happened. I agree with Texas Granny about having someone at your house when she is there. If she doesn't already know you live alone, make it look like you don't. Throw a man's dirty shirt over the back of the recliner, put a pair of man's shoes (not new) by the entrance door. Baseball cap here and there. Pair of work gloves tossed on a table. Go to the garage and strow some tools around so they can be seen. Have some family or friends there while she is there and have them appear to be live in's. Have the neighbor park their pickup truck in your driveway. :thumbup:
If these pieces came with the set up she would have had them so maybe she still does. If she didn't purchase it new and is reselling it she may have had no idea what was supposed to be included in the set up.
Good luck.

So sorry about your dilemma. Unfortunately, there are people out there without a conscience...and I know one of them! Would you consider telling her that you will report her for fraud if she doesn't do right by you? She just may need that push to make it right...you have nothing to be ashamed of if she does call the police; it may turn out to be in your favor.
I believe people need to be held accountable for their actions.

what a horrid women. Just pray that God will take pitty on such a heartless women who would rip off someone with health problem. Like everyone else said, I would just contact the company and maybe one of their reps will take pitty on you and your situation and give you a good deal on those missing rails. And I would bet that they do make replacement rails still. if it was 20 years old, maybe not but my guess is that they probably made their machines on universal rails. but I am clueless when it comes to long arm and mid arms as i have neither. Just remember to stay positive and take it easy. You don't want to make yourself sick over such a stupid thing that happened. It will all work out in the end. you will see.

I would say: "Call Grace Company". They are some of the nicest folks I've ever dealt with. They can help with the putting together and the parts. I would tell you to let this go- keeping the rage inside you only poisons you as well as her. I think you should be able to make this frame work, and if so- go for it and just make beautiful things in spite of this transaction.

If I can get the tracks for $5.00 each that is what I will do. I am almost 70 years old and with the ilnesses I have I just can't put up a fight. I do appreciate all the suggestions and advice from all of you. I will let the "pig" wallow in the mud by herself ...how anyone can live with themselves with being so mean and dishonest is beyond me. Life will go on.