Bernina quilting frame

[Cheryl K.]

I have a Bernina 440 quilting machine and am thinking about getting the frame. I don't know if it will be very good to machine quilt on it. Its new. any thoughts?

[Cheryl K.]

I would love to hear more too.

[Diana U.]

I bought the new Bernina quilting frame during the holidays. I have been drooling over long/mid/short arm systems on full frames for years now and DH nudged me over the edge. I wasn't sure that I would really use a big Gammill-type system and held off on the +20k investment. But I took a 4 hour intro class on the HQ system several years ago and didn't like the fliimsy-ness of it. Most of the systems that I demoed vibrated so much that I couldn't see the fabric, let alone lines that were marked to follow.

I purchased the Bernina frame because it is very stable. I purchased the Brother PQ-1500S machine to go with it. Sews straight, has a bit more room than my Bernina 153, and sews fast (1500 stitches/min). I bought the Grace Stitch regulator. It is okay/not great but I don't have the BSR on my 153.

I have completed one practice/charity top and spent a lot of time getting the tension/thread/bobbin set up right But I am ready to put the next top on and go again. Using Bottom Line in the bobbin, mostly because of the volume on the bobbin vs cotton, but I don't like working with it or the feel of it. Compromises.

Good luck with your decision.

Diana

[Margo C.]

Diana, the bounce in the fabric on any long or mid-arm machine can be easily remedied by placing rice bags on the quilt top to keep the fabric stable in the area you are stitching in! Works like a charm!
As for extra thread in the bobbin, if you don't like the Bottom Line (which is a polyester thread) you might like using the MasterPiece threads (also by Superior) better. It's a fine, 50 weight Egyption cotton so you get lots on the bobbin and you can quilt heavily without the fabric getting stiff!

[Diana U.]

Margo,

I agree that the rice bags work great (credit Sharon Schamber www). What I was trying to describe is on the less stable frames the entire frame/table shakes.

I will give the MP thread a try. Poor color selection at LQS so I need to hit the internet.

Diana

[Diana U.]

Diana- I wanted to know if it was relatively easy to assemble? Did you do it :!: Do you have a picture of your space that it is in. Does it take up a lot of space. Thanks,Norina

[Diana U.]

LOL Wayland does that mean you don't like the Bernina quilting frame? :lol:

Have you "Tinkled" today?

[Diana U.]

Norina,
I purchased the unit that was assembled in the shop. But it was only set for the crib size. So when we got it home my DH re-assembled for the full 10' while I was at work. He said that it was straight forward. The instructions have a correction sheet that helped also. I have it set up in our basemeent which is very large. I don't have a picture of it yet. There is a good picture on the Bernina 830 website (I think it is under accessories). The only negative on assembly was their poor instructions on setting up the leaders & how to put the quilt on it. I ended up using that picture with Linda Taylor's book. Her description was a big help and got me through.
It takes up 10' of length and about 3.5' front to back. You will need enough room to walk around it on all sides too.

Hope that helps. Ask again it it doesn't.
Diana

[Diana U.]

cjtinkle, I have my frame on a lay a way. Just trying to decide if I this is a good decision to buy it. Will I use it enough? I usually have my large quilts done out sourced. But I am thinking I will get it with my tax money that I get my return.

[Diana U.]

dianaupp
that was a lot of helpful information you gave me. I do have the room, just wanted to know what was in store for me after I purchase it. Thanks....
On another note, my oldest daughter (who justed bought a motor cycle to ride with her boyfriend) e mailed me monday and said "mom, when I get your age I will start quilting". She gets it in my will.......

[Margo C.]

Norina...tell your daughter that Ricky Tims manages to quilt and ride his Harley!!!!!

[Margo C.]

Well if you want my opinion (probably not) a regular sewing machine's throat is too small to use on a quilting frame. The amount of space you'd have available to actually quilt after the quilt sandwich is rolled onto the roller is so small as to make it pretty much pointless.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

cjtinkle, I have my frame on a lay a way. Just trying to decide if I this is a good decision to buy it. Will I use it enough? I usually have my large quilts done out sourced. But I am thinking I will get it with my tax money that I get my return.

[Margo C.]

Thank you both for the response......I am going to think about your advice on the frame.... : 8)

[Margo C.]

Norina...tell your daughter that Ricky Tims manages to quilt and ride his Harley!!!!!

I quilt and ride on the back of my DH's Harley. Nothing like the wind in your face.

[Margo C.]

Mmmm... I ride a motorcycle, but I've yet to figure out a way to quilt while riding. :lol:
Have you "Tinkled" today?

I quilt and ride on the back of my DH's Harley. Nothing like the wind in your face.