Researching 5 ft machine frames
 

If all goes as planned I will be selling my picture framing business in January. Right now I make between 30 and 40 comfort quilts for cancer patients each year using the flip n sew method. I am trying to decide if I want a 5 ft frame to just quilt comfort quilts. My long arm friend is gifting me her old mechanical machine to use so I would just need the frame. She would still quilt my larger quilts and a 5 ft frame will just fit in my sewing room. Would you respond and give me your thoughts? And if you have a heavy duty brand you recommend? Or better yet, a short frame for sale in the mid Atlantic states?

I doubt that you can quilt a top much more than 4' wide on a 5' frame. Is that the size you expect to be quilting, and can you quilt that just as well without a frame?

42 X 62 is the usual size comfort quilt I make. 4 or 5 years ago I tried quilting on my machine and was not successful. But because of your comment I plan to try that again before I make the leap to a small frame. Thank you.

Grace hand quilting frames are not priced that high really. I have an old one built in 1996, bought in 1999, Z44 that compresses down to about 18 inches out from the wall. E-Bay also sells them under $300.00 as the company does. It looks so simple to load up the quilt and secure the sides with straps to keep it tight. They are made of light materials, so they are easy to handle also. I am considering ordering one for myself. You might want to check them out on the computer.

I'm disappointed you don't live anywhere near Albuquerque New Mexico. I have a perfectly good Grace Machine quilter frame And the Pattern Perfect Wooden Templates to go with it. I'm willing to sell both, because I have replaced the set-up with an Innova long-arm set-up. This Grace set-up worked for me for 9 years of quilting. The only reason I replaced it is my husband gave me a wonderful gift of the Innova quilting machine and frame. PM me if anyone is interested. (We visit Oak Ridge NC almost monthly, but fly out there). Too bad.

We have an Oak Ridge in E Tennessee near Oliver Springs, not far from Harriman and Knoxville...but I was not aware of an Oak Ridge in N.C. I must study my maps better!

There are 5ft frames that can quilt any size quilt. the brother dream fabric frame is one and handiquilter makes a little foot frame as well

Thank you all. I am still searching for the right solution for me. Yes, Nora too bad you don't drive to North Carolina. We have family in Abilene, but fly there so that wouldn't help either.

gigigray, I pm'd you.

With the Handiquilter Litthe foot frame you can quilt just about any size, you just have to do it in sections. And, I was told by a rep that once you get accomplished on it you Don't have to baste but can float the top on it, which makes it more interesting to me.
Watson