gubbie

Hi everyone - I need a little assistance if possible. I have a brother 1500 sewing machine and am thinking of getting a Grace QZone hoop from in order to do FMQ on this. I知 new to quilting ( I have taught myself from you tube videos). I have made about 20 quilts and usually give the completed quilts Tops to someone else to do the quilt work. From what I can gather I would need in addition to the hoop frame a stitch regulator, speed controller, leader cloths and I would really like the light stylus pointer that I could use after I get a little more proficient. Is there anything else I may need that I am missing? I have checked the prices on the Gracie QZone and the Brother Dream Frame and the Gracie is cheaper by appx $1000.00 - any insight anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Gay

I'm a little surprised no-one has replied to your post, but I'll give my thoughts. After using an 18" machine on the larger frame, I am not impressed with these small offerings, unless you only want to make 3 or 4 ft wide quilts. I do not like the extra bulk of the leaders and clamps, and haven't seen a tute of how to handle a large quilt when half done. Of course you could make a QS in 3 or 4 sections and join after quilting. You can buy 6 ft frames if you can't fit in an 8 or 10, pre-loved is not so expensive.

Also, with normal domestic machines there is not much room to sew when you have 5ft of quilt (with batting) rolled up in the throat area. If you began with an 8" throat, you will likely only have only 3" left to quilt on nearing the end. I know there are those who like these smaller frames, but my bet is you will eventually want to get a machine with a longer throat and a larger frame.

It's just my opinion. Leah Day has a couple of videos, move them on to half way to see a few problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFJ-cYvNiI0

Welcome to the Board.

Stitchnripper

I agree with Gay - and also advise watching Leah Day’s videos - she is very thorough in describing that frame and how to use it with a domestic machine.

gubbie

Thanks everyone for your insights - since I’m new to this and unsure of anything (lol) I do believe I am going to get the 8 ft frame - with the Onique Pro - I don’t think I would like having to shift the quilt back and forth on the smaller one - I have been watching Leah Day on u tube - very informative ��

lindaschipper

I have the Janome 1600P on a Grace II frame and I believe that our throat space is practically the same. After you have been quilting for a while on a quilt you may only have 4 inches in which to quilt at times which can be troublesome...because you won't be able to do any large quilting patterns. Best to stick to small loop-d-loops and small meandering. Also, something I recently learned is that quilts are usually narrower than longer, it's best to load them side to side instead of top to bottom. You will have less on the take up bar and maybe you won't have to take the quilt off the frame and reload it bottom to top to finish. Clear as mud right? Hope some of this helps.

momsbusy

I am not familiar with your machine or the frame, but I was not happy at all with quilting on a Pfaff Grand quilter on an Inspira frame. I had the laser, the stitch regulator, and lots of patterns. The lack of throat space on my machine greatly impeded my quilting. It had not occurred to me that my quilt would end up inside the throat of my machine and every row took up more space. I tossed the frame and now have a great sewing machine for walking foot and free motion quilting.

Ariannaquilts

I think you will be much happier with the Q'nique and the bigger frame. If you have the room go for the longest one you can. Good luck hope you are happy with your choice.

juliasb

I have the Original Grace Frame that I use the Brother's 1500se on. That is until recently. Yes, rolling a large quilt is a challenge. Especially if I want to use either a paper panto or one of the wooden panto boards that came with the machine. It is great for a full size quilt with little problems. Queen and King size quilts will often need to be turned to complete them doing FMQ. My frame is wearing out. I have replaced the carriage, the plastic runners (twice) and even put in metal rods to use as the runners. Over time the wooden frame has just weakened and does not like to stay in balance any longer. Keep in mind the Grace frames, though getting much better were designed to make machine quilting affordable or as a beginning place where LA quilting was just not an option. I bought mine used and have had it myself for close to 20 years. I just had the 1500se serviced and it is in good shape now. I can't count the number of quilts I have done on it and it has been a true workhorse. The Gracie II is a nice and inexpensive frame to use with your Brothers 1500. For best results you will find the Sure Thing stitch regulator to be a must. They are costly IMO but worth the money and available help from Grace if you buy it new. This service is not available for used stitch regulators or frames. Some of their newer machines and frames may not be worth the money you would be spending in the long run where the money could be put into a better system that will last you much longer and provide a higher quality of quilting. (IMO). The resale for the Grace frames is not that good either. (IMO). I was able to buy my complete system for $400. The person had only used it a few times and only set it up to make a baby quilt or two. She had it a few years but it sat the majority of the time. The Grace frames are great as a beginning point. I have loved and used mine as I said for close to 20 years. Even with the limits of the Grace I have been able to turn out some beautiful quilts over the years. Great to start with.

buttons

you will like the Onique Pro. I have the Kathy Quilts Block Rockit 15 a year ago. I got the 8 ft frame with the 2ft extension. I really like the machine. the machine is the same.

gubbie

Hey everyone - I知 still confused - lol - I found a used onique 15r w the grace continuum frame w accessories for 6850 - equipment was purchased nov 2018 and seller needs to sell bc of health issues - the lady that does my quilting said that the Handi quilt simply sixteen is a better machine being built w metal parts - I have tried to google what the onique is made of to no success - if u had your choice which machine would u go with ?