Sew Perfect Table or Tracey's Table
 

I've been sewing for 2 years on a Gidget II table with my Janome Horizon or my Brother PQS 1500... well... I would like an upgrade. I'm sewing in a 8 x 10 room. So not tiny, but not the least bit large. So I have a couple folding tables set up for a table top ironing pad, and cutting area.

I eyed the Tracey Tables http://www.traceystables.com/ at the Madison, WI Quilt Expo. These feel like furniture. Great workmanship. They are saying 6 month wait, but my friend got hers in a week, so who knows - maybe 6 months on the outside. The cons are it's not adjustable. However, the pro is you can have an adjustable bed for the machine, so I can switch the machines out easy. I like the cut and press as well, but it may be a bit high for my 5'2" self. I'm within an hour from them, so shipping would be reasonable.

I then saw online the Sew Perfect Tables. http://www.sewperfecttables.com/sewi...uilt-pro.shtml
A back can be added on. It's slightly smaller than the Tracey, but that would be ok - b/c I'm in a small space. I like the additional cutting table and would have a spot against the wall for that. I actually like the industrial feel b/c I'm in there to work and I'd be less worried about something getting scratched or screwed up. So the pros are it's adjustable, but I can't see well - but the bed seems to be a manual adjustment. I'd have to find that out. Also even paying the shipping, it would be less expensive. Although I'm less concerned about expense and just want to make a purchase I could be really happy with for a long time.

Any thoughts? Rose

Check out Koala tables. I have two and love them.

Well IMHO you are not really comparing apples to apples. If you want a piece of furniture look into the Tracey's a little harder BUT if what you want is just a table the sew perfect looks good. I am assuming that the Tracey is particleboard with a melamine finish. Check how it goes together so if you need to dissemble it to move it,you don't have problems later with it not being sturdy because the screws kind of round out the holes it goes in.Also check out the tilt top. Nice when piecing,you can sure see,but is it made to go tilt and flat easily since to quilt you don't want the quilt to push down towards you.On the Sew Perfect I noticed the legs are adjustable but it didn't say if the bed where the machine was or not

Shoot... just lost my post.

Anyhoo... The Tracey come totally assembled and fold up enough to get through the doorway. So I would assume you can just load them as is. However, I agree - they are apples and oranges. I can't decide if I want a nice piece of furniture or a work table. I'm afraid if I buy something that is "too nice," I'll never use it as a work table in fear I will screw it up.

I have to call them on that bed - also it would be so much easier if I could see one. See if they've sold one around here or have a dealer.

I have to try the door stopper trick. I'm so short, I'm probably at eye level to the needle now. I just haven't tried a machine tilted yet.

Those Tracey tables look interesting. I like that the edges are rounded. What is the price range? There are some nice ones that have a furniture look, but usually are pricey. My LQS has one (I forget the brand) that runs in the $2,000 range. Way beyond my budget. I'm working off of plastic folding tables, but would love a table the machine drops into someday.

Just my 2 cents here, but I'd be more interested in the Tracey table. Major reason - there is handy storage in the table. You can have your scissors, seam rippers, extra bobbins, etc. all handy in the included drawers. The sew-ezi table looks as though there is no 'on board' storage. That would make me crazy. I sew in a VERY small space. Actually the room is about the same size as yours but there is a ton of other furniture in there. My sewing table is a tiny, wobbly, little old cabinet that I got out of a catalog decades ago. My machine sits on top - not flush. That's okay with me - I don't machine quilt. BUT there are 4 drawers on the right hand side that are invaluable to me! I can be centered on my machine and have at hand all those gadgets I mentioned. Plus some. I'd be crazed if I had to hop up/down for those things or had to have them laying on top of the table all the time for easy access. Just my way working though.

I like the stronger looking second one. You could get a kitchen base cabinet with drawers, put a piece of countertop on it and use it for something else, if you got two base cabinets and countertop on them, you would have a nice usable top for cutting or ironing. If too tall for you maybe you could cut and iron in high heels?? Sorry, I'm trying to be funny.

The quilters workstation is under $1K and that is the most expensive one. So definitely good value and good workmanship there.

The storage is definitely a plus. I have all these plastic drawer things that I wouldn't mind getting rid of.

You know.... that's a good idea. For a cutting pressing area, I could just something like a kitchen island. I'm about ready for platforms!

I have the Traceys Quilters table and have had it for probably close to 10 years and no problems. It survived my husband getting it home from the LQS - he's not always the most careful person. I use it a lot and really haven't noticed any wear and tear. I got mine before they offered the adjustable lifts but only have 2 machines and no problem interchanging them(need different inserts). If you think this is really what you want and the only thing keeping you from going with it is the height - call/email them, I would bet money they can make some adjustments. I remember from seeing them at the Dallas show that they were very accomodating. However on the other hand the Sewperfect table looks fine also and probably quite a bit cheaper so really up to what you want.

As for cutting there are many affordable options. We purchased some kitchen cabinets (on closeout/ put together yourself types) at Home Depot then just put plywood on top. I did cover the plywood with contact paper. What I had before this also worked - two filing cabinets with a contact covered door on top. If it wasn't high enough we just put some boards under it. The other thing that I have seen that is pretty cool (if I would have seen it first I would have done it) is IKEA has a table - the two ends are saw horse looking things and are height adjustable, then just choose the top you want.

I have kicked the tires on the Traceys tables for years. To me they are that perfect mid range affordable table but very sturdy choice. Several people I know have them and I envy their tables and work space. All of them said they would do it again.

Sounds like what you need is an adjustable chair! I'm also 5'2" and have never had that problem. My cutting table is a bit higher than a dining table but I find it much more comfortable, not to have to lean over.

I have a lovely Horn 6-way adjustable chair, but if I put it up too high my feet don't touch the floor. (lol)

I personally prefer the Sew Perfect table. Please let us know which you decide on.

Quite a few members of the two Janome forums I belong to have the Sew Perfect table, in one form or another, and they all say they love it. I agree that Tracy's tables are prettier but since my sewing area is upstairs, looks aren't that important to me.

So glad you mentioned this. I was thinking about buying a Gidget or SewEzi table and would probably end up upgrading, too. The new sewing machines seem to be getting bigger every year. I like the industrial look of the Sew Perfect table, seems sturdy enough to handle anything. The Tracey is nice, but I'm always concerned about shipping damage with large wood products. I'll be checking them out at the next quilt show.

That isn't bad in comparison to some of the higher end ones. Now, if I could just get my "spare" room back...

Well... no decision yet. I did call Sew Perfect. They tables have a screws on the bed, so you can raise and lower it. He said the air lift was fussy and that is why he doesn't put them on. There is a local place that sells Tracey, so I can go back and kick the tires a bit more. I think it's so hard because they are both great.

Then I found this blog post and wow! http://becauseisaysew.blogspot.com/2...ing-table.html

My husband gave me a name of a cabinet maker they used at his work, so I may pop by there and see what it would take. Oh yes... obviously I'd need a drafting style chair.

Well... just wanted to give an update. I ended up going with the Tracey Tables. I got the L shaped Quilter's Work Station, the Cut and Press and the Cutting Table. I added on the bolt holder and the ironing cradle, so it keeping your quilt or yardage off the floor. I plan to post some pictures in mission organization area.

Also should add it only took about 3 weeks for delivery and they cut the sizes down for my shortness.

Madamepurl, I have spent quiet a bit of time looking for those pictures. I am very interested in seeing your sewing room. I know it is going to be wonderful. Have been so interested in the Tracey's Tables. Can you help me find them? Thank you so much.
Pat

Hi Pat,

Whoops... forgot to post after I got my tables. Here is the link to my Flickr photo album. Lots of pictures in there. It took a few weeks to get it all set. It works great now.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/madamep...7631876520878/

Rose
http://madamepurl.com

Thank you for your reply. I love your sewing studio. I am sure you are thrilled with your new cabinets. I don't know how it could be any better. I would never have found these pictures withour your help.
Have fun and thanks.
Pat