As you know, I am bouncing around the idea of bringing a quilt frame into my sewing space. Your comments, thoughts and suggestions on my last post were incredibly helpful! I thank you all.
My other half joined into the search and found a listing for a used Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter 1200 with a metal Inspira frame. As I have a Pfaff and love it, this is a very interesting opportunity.
Here is my question for all of you. Do you have a Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter 1200? Do you like it? If so, why? Do you hate it and want to sell it on? Why? Tell me your thoughts, please.
For those of you experienced in frame quilting, the "bonus" points of this machine are listed below. Am I missing anything in this model that you have and love in yours? Or do you think this might be OK?
- High sewing speed of 1,600 stitches per minute
- Working area of 9 x 6 inches
- Straight stitch only, but with adjustable stitch length
- Separate motor for bobbin winding
- Pretension adjustment to ensure proper tension before use
- Instead of dropping the feed dogs, there's a plate to cover them
The Inspira frame is a metal frame that is 10 ft long, but can be "halved" to a 5 ft frame quite easily. The machine is oriented facing the quilter, so you can see your needle and move it with the attached handles. That's a bit different than the New English set up, but I like that I can see the needle without bending around the machine. Included is a shelf for your pantograph printout and above that a laser pointer to guide the quilter.
The highlights, according to Pfaff, are:
- Lightweight aluminium construction
- Easy storage with minimal disassembly (although I have space to keep mine up full time)
- Easy glide ball bearing weeks on the machine carriage
- Machine power adaptor unit with comfortable handles for smooth movement
- Quilt up to 106 inches of length (WAY larger than I'd ever piece)
- Overhead pattern shelf with laser pattern pointer
- Levelling feet on each leg
- Leader fabric and side tension clips with velcro included
Thank you all for your thoughts and comments. I will stop pestering you after this post...you may never hear me chat of frames again OR the next photo you see is me struggling to set up this behemoth!
22 comments:
Hi Cindy that all sounds great hope you will be doing my quilting
It sounds really exciting Cindy, sorry I can't help though. I have no idea how they work. I'd love to see you working with it so I might visit when the time comes :-)
I know nothing. Sorry. X
Does it have a stitch regulator?
Cindy, I will reply to your email over the weekend, but just in case there is a time frame on the sewing machine, I have it, it's great. So great I have two! (don't ask!). It's a lovely sturdy machine, it's the quietest machine i've ever had, it makes light work of anything and is wonderful to run. The only minor niggle i have is it drinks oil.
I have a Pfaff Grand Quilter and I love it. It is entirely metallic and feel very sturdy. I love the speed selection slider and the automatic thread cutter button too. I do get the occasional thread tension problem, with my thread breaking a lot during free motion quilting but I think it's because I use thread that is too weak or the wrong needles. I would definitely recommend it !
Not a clue, but looks like you have 2 fans just above me!
Why are they selling just a thought!! it looks an amazing set up
Good for you Mrs! You are so adventurous!
I bought this frame and machine second hand about six years ago and have mixed feelings about them. First the good: I love the Grand Hobby quilter for piecing and sewing. This machine just works. Very fast and has a accurate 1/4 " seam foot. Have six machines and this is the one I always use unless I want something other than a straight stitch. Does require a special needle, a size HLx5. Readily available in the US but don't know about Ireland. Needs to be oiled every time you sew. Not a big deal, easy to do, and will make this machine purr. Bobbin tension can be tricky; have had the best luck with pre-wound bobbins. I use Bottom line from Superior Threads. Great for FMQ, but will happily sew with the presser foot up so you have to pay attention. This machine is the same as a Janome 1600 with the exception that the Janome uses a regular size needle. Can't say enough good things about this machine.
Now the bad: Like you, I bought this frame and machine as an intro into free motion quilting. Have been disappointed by the lack of throat space. If you want to do small designs, and I mean small, 2-4'", or straight line quilting, then this set up will be great. If you want to do long sweeping feathers: forget it. You will be constantly rolling the quilt.
When I bought this set up six years ago when it was either this or a $$$$ long arm. Now there are less expensive mid-arm machines either sit-down or on a frame. If you are serious about developing your FMQ skills, I think one of those machines would be a better investment.
Sorry I can't help .... But will happily send your quilt top or two for when you make your big purchase!!!
I'm sorry I can't help, but I'll be watching carefully to see what everyone says as I'm in the same predicament, only trying to decide between a Juki 2010, Brother 1600 or the new Singer S16 i. I much prefer that frame set up, though, I like that you're not quilting from behind with pantographs.
I had the loan of both frame and grand quilter for over a year. The sewing machine is terrific but it is very important to have everything on the level. So much so that eventually I only used the machine on my kitchen table and didn't use the frame. The other problem was the lack of throat space is very limiting as to the type of quilting than you can do. However if you get the grand quilter at a good price go for it. Fyi I have since bought a 2nd hand gammill and have been quilting merrily ever since but the grand quilter really developed skills and confirmed my love for the quilting process and not just the piecing. Hope this helps.
Caitriona
I had the loan of both frame and grand quilter for over a year. The sewing machine is terrific but it is very important to have everything on the level. So much so that eventually I only used the machine on my kitchen table and didn't use the frame. The other problem was the lack of throat space is very limiting as to the type of quilting than you can do. However if you get the grand quilter at a good price go for it. Fyi I have since bought a 2nd hand gammill and have been quilting merrily ever since but the grand quilter really developed skills and confirmed my love for the quilting process and not just the piecing. Hope this helps.
Caitriona
I had the loan of both frame and grand quilter for over a year. The sewing machine is terrific but it is very important to have everything on the level. So much so that eventually I only used the machine on my kitchen table and didn't use the frame. The other problem was the lack of throat space is very limiting as to the type of quilting than you can do. However if you get the grand quilter at a good price go for it. Fyi I have since bought a 2nd hand gammill and have been quilting merrily ever since but the grand quilter really developed skills and confirmed my love for the quilting process and not just the piecing. Hope this helps.
Caitriona
I'm afraid I have less than no clue about this, sorry!
I have this setup and have no problems with it. I quilt for clients and myself for the last few years. I design my own patterns to accommodate the smaller harp/throat space. And I do have larger throat envy. :) I'm not willing to spend the extra $ though. I love my Pfaff 1200 and bought a second one so I don't have to keep taking it off the frame. It's not an ideal free motion setup though because you don't have direct line of sight without bending over a little. The handles are in the way but you could mount them differently and sit down which is still not a perfect solution. For laser use however, the setup is great.
I bought a used Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter 1200 and frame from a lady that had only used it 3 times but due to her health she was not able to use it any longer. She had problems w/ her hands and legs. I found it on Ebay, we drove to West Virginia and I fell in love. I just started sewing on it and I am totally in love. I have a Pfaff Quilt and Craft Pro that I have had for years and years, bought it new and I love it so I knew I wanted another Pfaff. Anyway, this is a great machine, so easy to learn and use. The only thing I don't like about it is how you load the bobbin, it is awkward but I just make adjustments for that. I figure if that is my only complaint then I'm good. This is just a great machine....
I have the Pfaff quilter and frame! Love the machine everything about it but when on the frame to quilt thread breaks and a jumbled mess on bottom on some of the quilting! Have checked and done everything I know to do. Any suggestions how to get past this?
I don't have it but I have used it and it is very awesome. I really like it working. Now it's time to avail Inbound Call Centre for more information.
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