Are you a Short Arm quilter? If so let's talk!
08-01-2012, 03:34 AM
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 796
I also have a Hand quilter frame, and sometimes use my sewing machine for tops only. I tried the quilting with my sewing machine but it just didn't feel the same. I have made only one quilt on the machine, quilted - I'm back to making tops on sewing machine and quilting by hand. It takes longer to quilt by hand, but it gives me the "awww" feeling when I've completed another one. Here it is the first of August, and I've completed 3 quilts by hand quilting. Working on #4 atm, pushing for at least #5 before Christmas.
08-01-2012, 04:53 AM
#53
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Aurora IL
Posts: 116
I have a Baby Lock Jane on a frame and it is mostly just sitting there taking up too much room.
The space to quilt on is so small that even a lap quilt is too big.
My table is an Imperial with very large rods that take up way to much room on my 9 inch throat.
The strait stitch machine has a complicated threading and a under the machine bobbin so have to move the machine to the far end of the table to change the bobbin and to rethread.
I do have a stitch regulator which costs $500 but it is wonderful.
Tried to do pantos but needle kept getting caught on edge of quilt since you cannot see the edge from behind the machine.
From the front of the machine quilting is much better but need to do free motion or marking a quilt pattern.
The space to quilt on is so small that even a lap quilt is too big.
My table is an Imperial with very large rods that take up way to much room on my 9 inch throat.
The strait stitch machine has a complicated threading and a under the machine bobbin so have to move the machine to the far end of the table to change the bobbin and to rethread.
I do have a stitch regulator which costs $500 but it is wonderful.
Tried to do pantos but needle kept getting caught on edge of quilt since you cannot see the edge from behind the machine.
From the front of the machine quilting is much better but need to do free motion or marking a quilt pattern.
08-01-2012, 05:35 AM
#54
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: McLoud, OK
Posts: 13,264
I have a Viking Mega Quilter and a Grace frame. I really like mine. The throat space is about 9 inches. i
That limits the amount of space you have to work with and I tend to just do swirls and loops but it works for me. I make quilts for people to use!
That limits the amount of space you have to work with and I tend to just do swirls and loops but it works for me. I make quilts for people to use!
08-01-2012, 06:51 AM
#55
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1
Hi everyone, I have a Pfaff Hobby GrandQuilter and an older Inspira frame. Getting into the "zone" involves a treacherous trek through every mistake imaginable before I finally reach that sacred portal into the "zone"! My problem is that I have a bad back, and by the time I get there, back pain keeps me from fully concentrating on the actual quilting. If I stop for a period to rest, I have to make the journey all over again! Question: Does anyone know of a frame that is more "back friendly"--standing or sitting? When I try to sit while quilting a section, my knees hit the lower rails.
08-01-2012, 07:29 AM
#56
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Ridgecrest, CA
Posts: 886
harpyquilter,
I purchased a "drafting" chair that I use in front of my short arm. It has a metal ring about half way between the seat and the floor for your feet. The seat is level with my backside if I am standing next to it. So I kind of step up to sit down. That way, my knees are above the lower rails. And because I put some floating wood floor strips over my carpet, I can slide the chair with one foot. I never start quilting on the same day as I load the quilt. My back just won't take it either. Hope this helps.
I purchased a "drafting" chair that I use in front of my short arm. It has a metal ring about half way between the seat and the floor for your feet. The seat is level with my backside if I am standing next to it. So I kind of step up to sit down. That way, my knees are above the lower rails. And because I put some floating wood floor strips over my carpet, I can slide the chair with one foot. I never start quilting on the same day as I load the quilt. My back just won't take it either. Hope this helps.
08-01-2012, 01:21 PM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Belfast, N Ireland
Posts: 342
I recently bought a Mega Quilter (Husqvarna) and a Gracie frame off of Craigs I have the frame set up in the spare bedroom but Granddaughter is here until Aug 15th so I haven't had time to try it out. It will go up to King size. Got a great price and I am using the Machine itself to make some tops so I have plenty to practice on when I actually use it. Love the machine. I'd post pictures but I still can't figure out how to post. Hope I am better at short arming than I am at posting. I'm sure I'll be needing help. The lady I bought it from has offered to come and work with me to learn. Can't wait.
08-01-2012, 04:13 PM
#58
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 258
I have a Husqvarna Mega Quilter with and older Inspira frame. I had my husband build boxes to put under the feet to raise the frame so I don't have to bend over. Originally is was low enough that I could sit and quilt but it was hard on my back bending over topin the backing and top to the leaders. I'm not very good and just do loops. It is good for my home quilts but if I have a good quilt or I want to give a quilt away, I have someone else do it for me.
08-01-2012, 06:48 PM
#59
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 36
I have a Husqvarna Mega Quilter with and older Inspira frame. I had my husband build boxes to put under the feet to raise the frame so I don't have to bend over. Originally is was low enough that I could sit and quilt but it was hard on my back bending over topin the backing and top to the leaders. I'm not very good and just do loops. It is good for my home quilts but if I have a good quilt or I want to give a quilt away, I have someone else do it for me.
08-01-2012, 07:22 PM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Spokane, Washington
Posts: 344
Me too!! I recently got a crib size Grace frame and I use my Janome Horizon with it. I've done a little practicing and it works pretty well and I'm hoping with more practice to be able to finish most of my smaller quilts and wall hangings. But, I'm still struggling with loading the quilt. I have to stop and read the directions or watch a youtube video every time. Hoping it will become easier with time.... I think I will enjoy it...
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