Replies

1. 
   lwsews | Jun 05, 2005 08:06am | #1

   I have the brother PQ1500 machine which is essentially the same as the Juki.  I use it primarily for quilting, especially free-motion quilting.    I really like this machine, it sews well, handles heavy fabrics and it is very fast!   It takes a bit of practice to get the stitches nice and even since it doesn't have a stitch regulator but once you get the hang of it you really don't need a regulator!  The thread cutter works very well and having the extra space in the throat area has helped my back and shoulders which used to really bother me  after trying to stuff a large twin or queen size quilt through my Pfaff.

   I have no regrets buying this machine - if you are a quilter, it is a great machine.  If you have any other questions, let me know.  I will be happy to answer them.

1. 
   Allie | Jun 06, 2005 02:58am | #2

   Lisa - 

   Thanks for the reply.  I have experienced the same physical discomforts trying to quilt w/ my Bernina 180.  One of them was a denim quilt, double bed size.  What an ordeal, even with straight-line quilting!  I've never understood why sewing machine manufacturers haven't put more space in their machines.  I would appreciate it even with garment sewing.  I've noticed some of the newer machines by Babylock, Husqvarna, and Brother seem to have a little more space. 

   When you referred to the fact that your machine does not have a stitch regulator, is that a big deal?  I noticed that some new offerings by Bernina (and others ??) have stitch regulators.  Would that be most useful for free-motion quilting?  I've not really mastered free-motion quilting.  It seems quite difficult to do when shoving a quilt through my machine.  I'm thinking that a quilt rack would make it easier/prettier.  Do you use a quilt rack?

   Thanks again!

   Alix

1. 
   lwsews | Jun 09, 2005 07:30am | #3

   The new Bernina machine has a stitch regulator for free motion quilting but none of the other brands do (yet).  And yes, it really is for free motion quilting so if you don't have uneven stitches.  I do not use a frame because I don't have the room and also because you are limited in your quilting by how much of the quilt has been "rolled up" in the throat.  I found (with practice) you can be more creative with your designs and your stitches will be even.

   Out of curiousity, are there others out there that quilt without a frame or stitch regulator? 

2. 
   Kiley | Jun 13, 2005 11:18am | #4

   I haven't tried a Juki but I have free motioned on the Pfaff Grand Quilter and it is a dream. The new Viking Mega Quilter that is coming to the dealers soon is supposed to be the same machine as the Pfaff GQ. If buying a new quilting machine I suggest to check out the Pfaff. I was very impressed with it.

1. 
   Allie | Jun 14, 2005 05:07am | #5

   How does the Pfaff Grand Quilter compare in size w/ the Juki?  I was interested in it because of the bigger throat area (?? is that the name for the space??).  I think too, that the Juki is attractive to me because it seems to be between a traditional home machine and an industrial machine.  There is a Brother machine that looks something like the Juki - larger, more of an industrial machine look.  

   I'll do some more web research based on what you have written.   Thanks!

1. 
   Kiley | Jun 14, 2005 09:40am | #6

   There is a  Yahoo discussion board on the Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter and other quilting machines. Owners compare the machines, frames  etc. and there is also a a chart giving the differences in features of the machines on the site.  

2. 
   Allie | Jun 17, 2005 05:18am | #8

   Kiley -

   I'm not familar with Yahoo discussion groups.  I've done a preliminary search at yahoo.com and come up with almost 900 quilting groups.  Do you know which group it is?

   Thanks,

   Allie

3. 
   Kiley | Jun 17, 2005 05:33am | #9

   Allie..The group site is under PfaffHobbyGrandQuilter. The site owner's name is Tamera. The Pfaff GQ can also be seen on the Pfaff USA site.

2. 
   sueb | Jun 15, 2005 03:03pm | #7

   Hi Allie,

   I bought myself the juki tl98E machine last year and I love it.  I sold my husqvarna viking and replaced it with the juki and it was the best thing I ever did.  The juki is super fast and I use it for free motion embroidery all the time.  It's a mechanical machine vs a digital and it's very very sturdy.  I sew a lot of handbags and it has no problems stiching over leather and really bulky seams.  I highly recommend the juki products.

   sueb

   http://www.sueboriginals.com