Do you use a sewing extension table? I think that's what it is called. A clear plastic table that sets around your machine to give it a larger level work area. Are they helpful? What brand? What do I look for? Online they seem to cost around $100 and I want to know it's worth it before I spend that much.

It seems to me it would make the actual quilting part easier. My poor little machine has a hard time if any weight is pulling at it.

I am buying a dining room table, cutting out and dropping my machine down in the lower right hand corner, so I have even more surface area... :wink:

I got an extension table for christmas and I have to tell you I Love, Love, Love it! I did order it online and paid about $100 for it (including shipping to Canada).

I have one, got it through my dealer (who probably ordered it online and charged me extra!) and I couldn't do without it. That said, if I had to do it over again, I'd go for something bigger...like a dining room table. LOL Extension tables are fairly easy to make out of wood.
Fabricluvr made one http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-11611-1.htm
or you can go the USPS box route like katier825 did http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-21180-1.htm

Lisa: there's a video on Youtube that shows how to make an extension from foam insulation boards and plastic. (Iknow sounds awful) My DH made me one of these in less than an hour-you stack them and cut out the space for your machine. It has made quilting SO much easier-no weight pulling on your quilt, stitches are more even, shoulders don't hurt. When I'm not using it, it fits behind the door. I don't think it cost more than $10-15. Just a suggestion-hope this helps.
Peace-
Jan

Here's the thread with the link to that video http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-16253-1.htm

Hi,

I have two of the acrylic extension tables, one for my Babylock Elegante and one for my Babylock Ellure.....I love them and use them daily. I bought mine from my dealer and they were about $100 each. My one table fits my Ellure and my Dec. Choice. It gives you more flat sewing space, and I don't sew without them actually.
I also have a Sew EZ table that my Ellure and Decorators Choice both fit in. It's a foldable portable table that sets up and your machine fits in and you get a acrylic piece cut to fit your machine...it's super for classes, camps, and I use it at my lake place all summer. It has a case and wheels so it pulls....you can see them in most quilt magazines in the ads. Love it, too. I highly recommend both.
Bev

Thanks for the links ladies. There are some interesting low cost ideas. I think I may try one or the other. My quilting needs all the help it can get, but I really do hate to jump right in and spend $100.

I bought my extension table when I bought my machine, and am not sorry. It is so nice to have!

I have one sitting in a corner because the quilt catchs on the edges when you try to quilt it.
So I ended up buying a sewing table that has a lift in it and lots of counter around it, what a difference it has made.
Dont settle for less than a large flat surface.
Those videos of foam flat surface looks like a great idea and you wont be out a hundred bucks for something that does not work. I speak from expierience.