would this be a good buy?
 

[h=2]Little Gracie 2 Quilting Frame Upgraded Carriage Janome 1600 p with stich regulator too. $1200.00[/h]

I am not really ready for a quilting machine, so new to quilting, but would love to have one one day. I will never quilt enough to justify an expensive LA quilt machine, but if this affordable machine would do nice average quilts, I might be tempted. What do you think?

I would estimate the frame at $500, the machine at $700 and the stitch regulator, if it is a Quilters Cruise Control, at $500 so, yes, it is a fair deal if the seller has all the pieces and manuals. The Janome 1600p is a straight stitch only machine and the feed dogs have a cover plate--they don't drop on that model. Another issue with that model is which kind of needle it takes. There was a D, DB and DPB or DBX model or some alphabet soup designation --LOL. One had a thread cutter and took a regular domestic type needle. The other 2 took the round, commercial or serger type needles which are a little harder to put in--you have to line up the hole by sight--and a little harder to find at your local fabric store. Check out http://www.allbrands.com and compare their new setups to this one to get a better idea of the deal.

I have a 1600P (P only, no other letters!) & it takes regular needles. I paid around $700 for it 4 yrs ago if that can help in your comparison. I do not have a frame so I can't help you on that. If new, I'd say a good deal, if used, not so good.

Too much if used. 3 yrs ago I got my Gracie II frame new for $500, and my Brother 1500s for $700 (similar machine). The stitch regulator-$500. So new it would be a good price, but if used, I would not pay more than $800, appx half.

I saw that post on Craigslist as well... Hi - big wave from Huntsville. I know of a Bailey 15" machine that might be going up for sale - it's more money but it would have a lot larger throat. You probably won't be happy with a 9" throat if you plan on doing a lot of quilting on it.

wow that is a good deal. about three years ago i bought the same set
up new and i paid 3500 dollars. and you know prices have gone
up since then.

Yarn or Fabric - lKeep me posted, I am not in a hurry being new to quilting, but if a good deal comes along I might just have to go for it.

Yes the machine is used, seems most of y'all think it may be not such a great buy. I love this board , so much good advice.
I will do a little more research and take my time deciding. Thanks so much for your replies!

I have same set up & paid over $2000. It does limit your pattern to about 5" but My daugher & I have pd for it by quilting samller quilts ourselves. Had a learning curve but overall good experience. Our stitch regulator sometime acs like it isn't doing job. We have the older wooden carriage. Hope this helps.