Wanting to alter my quilting frame question
 

Hi ALL,

It's nice to meet all the fellow quilters!
I've been quilting for nearly 50 years and I'm lost without this device. So hoping someone can help.
I have a question about my older style quilting frame to see if it's possible I can alter it or use it without an attachment it has. I have the older version of the Inspira Quilting Frame using the Pfaff Hobby 1200 Grand Quilter Machine and stitch regulator. My frame has that odd upper pattern shelf on it. Those that have owned the older model Inspira Frame will know what I mean I'm hoping. This is the pattern shelf with the laser that was attached to follow the pattern lines. I recently moved and I have a smaller size room I have to use now. Is it possible to update this into something I can still use by leaving the upper shelf off but still be able to use a pattern graph and the lazer or possibly even a stylus to follow the patterns? Ideas on WHERE to place the patterns or add a different shelf to the back of the frame maybe?..... The problem is the room design I have to use is an upper attic room with silly sloping roof angles on BOTH sides of the room. (face-palm LOL) This shelf will NOT fit in the height of the room well sadly and I'm so upset. Any possible ideas would be greatly appreciated. Is it possible to do something without having to buy a whole new frame I really can't afford after Covid disaster? ~ THANKS for trying to help me in advance

I am not familiar with the frame/set up - if you could post a picture of the set up (even if it's not yours, maybe just a brochure photo)? Then maybe we can help with options/ideas.
Just off the top.... is it possible to mount the laser to the side of the carriage? That's where mine mounts. The pantograph is to set on the table and you work from the back of the machine to quilt via laser/pantograph.
If you need a picture of that set up, please just private message me and I will send you one. (I don't look at the QB everyday and might not see that you want a photo).

That’s exactly how I do the pantos..I lay my pattern on the table behind the machine trolley. I use a usb rechargeable laser that I’ve attached to back side of machine, and also attached a handle to the back of my trolley. It’s a large handle like you find on institutional doors ( my FIL remodeled a hosp & was given some parts that were replaced in the building, ie door handles). I’ve
enjoyed my setup so much more. I’ve loaned use to a couple of friends and they had no problems using . I hope you have such table space behind your machine. Good luck.

Hi...Thanks for this wonderful idea!! I absolutly want to try this too, it sounds so much more functional this way. The shelf did kind of block my view of things. I think it would work I just am not sure how to attach this type of handle you mention. Is it possible you could snap a photo of this and the back of your machine for me? You can private message me or I can give you an email to send it. I'm going to have my other half do this for me when he gets my sewing room finished in a few weeks. The table... It would need to be something thin and long right? Similar to the width of a sofa table? My pantos are pretty "long rolls" in length but they are the width of a regular piece of paper laid out in landscape size. Following them with a lazer.

I used to have that frame. I used the Viking Megaquilter on it and my friend used the Grand Quilter on her frame. I don't know how you would modify it. I see you also have the stitch regulator. I know the amount of quilting space you have on that frame is limited. I did try using a pantogram on my set-up but ended up doing mostly free motion quilting on mine mainly using a meander but over time I learned to add in some smaller motives like leaves, bubbles, and swirls. I actually found it easier then trying to fit the pantogram designs into the limited space on that set-up. Perhaps if you can't figure out a way to add the shelve for the pantograms, you could practice a bit with the free motion. Just a thought.

In my set up the panto lays on the table where the machine trolley runs over top of... if that helps?

THANKS EVERYONE!! I think we may have figured out a solution... Time will tell. =)