mengler

I agree. Way too $$$ for a utility machine. I just bought an evolution a few months ago -didn't pay anywhere near retail but still a lot. It's a dream to use but the ovation just doesn't have enough improvements to merit that heavy price tag. :-o

Skittl1321

You don't need to be able to! Just cover them with an index card that is taped down well.

(Honestly, on my modern machine, my darning foot floats high enough that half the time I forget to drop the feed dogs and don't even notice. Because the foot isn't putting much pressure on the fabric, my movements are stronger than the feed dogs movements. So you could even just try that.)

klgls

Me!! I use my mirror function alot - especially when doing applique and need my blanket stitch to go the other way. I also use the alphabet quite a bit. Just depends on what you want to make. I have the Janome 6600P and I love it!

SueSew

I just looked this up, and found
http://www.wowquilts.com which can stretch powerful straight-stitch machines up to 18" for $2,000.
They used to make their own but no longer do.

I couldn't find anything else about how to to it yourself.

runswithscissors

Hear, hear! You said it.

Rose_P

Sharon, I love the frame magnet idea and will have to try that. I thought the little magnets that are sold as seam guides would be great when I finally got an iron machine, but they slip with the slightest bump.

As for the machine, I think we're comparing apples and oranges. My 201-2, dating to 1940, has been motorized since it came out of the factory. I was not aware that it came in crank or treadle models. Mine has a solid hand wheel, so would not accommodate a crank. I don't even know if it could be converted to a treadle. There are people who do free motion with treadle machines, but I'm not I'm not all that coordinated! Treadling while doing fmq would remind me of the old trick of trying to pat your your head and rub your tummy at the same time. I can't even imagine doing it with a crank, unless I had someone do the cranking for me, because I need both hands to move the fabric.

In any case, the 201-2 does just fine for fmq. I found it a little tricky to get the tension just right, and it demands the same thread top and bottom, but once she and I came to an understanding about that she's giving me the same pretty stitches that she does sewing straight. I love this machine!

Okay, now I've done a bit of research, and here's a site that lists the 201-1 as a "natural born" treadle, and the 201-4 as the "natural born" hand crank. Interesting! http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/11/...ne-review.aspx That writer agrees with you that they are less than ideal for FMQ because of the horizontal bobbin, but to the extent that many new machines have horizontal bobbins, I'm not sure that would count as a reason to dismiss it.

annesthreads

I absolutely agree. I spent a terrifying amount of money (for me) on a Janome 7700 because it seemed to be the only way to get a machine that would reliably do FMQ (and I'd looked hard for alternative options, old and new). It's a wonderful machine and I don't regret buying it, but it does far more than I need. But as other people have said, the point is that the manufacturers want to part us from our money: if they can get me to spend 1400 pounds on facilities I don't need, why would they produce the simpler machine for half the price? Though I actually think that the latter might make them more money, because many more people might decide they could afford it.

Bneighbor

May I suggest checking out this machine. Made in the USA. Meet the designer this summer and I think this will be the one I get. He uses parts that are available at retail stores like auto parts stores and home improvement stores. Very basic machine, no stitch regulator (but may be on the drawing table), but sturdy and VERY easy to use. I know very little about free motion quilting, but I was able to use the machine after 10 minutes of quick instructions. ​www.sunshine16.com is the web address.

JeanieG

I agree Belfrybat! I have this machine and love it. I got mine on Craigs List for only $400.00!

mom-6

I got my DD a basic new machine awhile back and discovered that I actually had more throat space on my featherweight! That bulky column on the newer machines is what takes up a lot of the space.