I have been sewing on a Bernina for years on top of a table and think a cabinet with a built in would be helpful when sewing big quilt tops. I also have a serger and an embroidery machine. I want to be able to fold up the cabinet when guests come for a visit.

So tell me about your sewing cabinets, .... I have been looking at Horn and Koala. Hoping to get a good value...

I have a Koala cabinet and I love it. I can have my sewing machine in the part that lowers down so the machine is level with the flat of the table and then the side extension table holds my embroidery machine. Purchased mine on the internet several years ago and got a really good deal so do some online shopping too for pricing.

mltquilt

I can't imagine trying to quilt with a machine perched on a table. A cabinet will make it so much easier. I've always had my Bernina in a cabinet that will raise and lower the machine if you ever want to put it away. Mine is never in that position but it is good to have the option. Get the largest best cabinet you can afford and happy stitching.

I have a Horn sewing table and I just love it. I guess it's about five or six years old now and just as sturdy and pretty as the day I bought it. The inset raises and lowers easily for any size machine. The back part of the table is a hinged leaf that I keep lowered when I'm doing pieceing and I put up to give me a large surface area for when I'm quilting the quilt. There are a lot of good sewing cabinets out there, but I'm very happy with my Horn. :-)

I have both Horn (3156) and Koala cabinets (Treasure Chest 3 and Quiltmate 3) and love them all. The 3156 folds up and keeps the machine and drawers locked away from kids and evildoers who would use your Ginghers for cutting balsa wood veneers. Look for discontinued models, esp from Koala, for a deal.

I have a Horn and paid quite a bit for it. Lately I've seen a number of ads on craigslist for Horn and other good cabinets for relatively little $. If I needed acabinet today I would check there first.

I have the same one and highly recommend it.

I found an office surplus store where they recycle used office furniture. I found a wonderful six foot desk that holds my serger, sewing machine and embroidery machine for $30.00. It has four nice drawers. I also picked up a computer table for $30.00 which is place next to my big desk that I use to iron on and cut on. They worked perfect in my sewing closet (5'x 8') and I don't have much invested.

Check out Arrow cabinets, more reasonable than Horn or Koala. Also go to www.kenssewingcenter.com. They have great deals also. They also sell on ebay under easyterms.

I could have sworn you were peeking into my sewing room! I really like my cabinet (got from Joann's last year and it has room for my serger, embroidery machine and sewing machine) but I wish it had a drop to bring the machine level with the table for piecing and quilting.

I purchased my sewing cabnit at JoAnn's with a 40% Coupon. It wasn't my first choice but it is working out well. Has a place for my Bernina, serger on the right side and I have my featherweight on the opposite side of the table. Works great!

I appreciate the info... It would be great to hear from some other quilting lovers.

I purchased a Horn 2178 last year at almost half price. The machine is on a lift so will sit even with the table. There's an extension leaf on the back to make a large work surface and an extension table that stores on the door.

I like it a lot but I planned to use the extension leaf for cutting but find it uncomfortable because it's only 29" high.

They also had a Koala Treasure Chest cabinet at the time. It was pretty discounted because it was an order error. But it was loaded with options I didn't need so not as deeply discounted as it might have been without all of the options.

Although it was more money, I wish I'd purchased it as it was 35" high and would have served all of my needs as opposed to most of them.

I think your insight is really helpful.

Do you do a lot of quilting?

I did some quilting years ago and loved it. Then my work area was overtaken and life got really busy.

Since sending the kid off to college last year, I've got the time and I created a limited amount of workspace so decided to start up again. I really enjoy it.

My frustration though is that I don't have a lot of space to spread out so really need efficient space.

You'd probably really love having a cabinet for your machine, especially the workspace and the ability to close it up. That's one of the things I like best about my cabinet.

I would love more info on sewing cabinets, so keep your thoughts coming my way....