Replies

1. 
   Pattiann42 | May 02, 2007 06:31am | #1

   Most newer machines are skimpy when it comes to the sewing area between the presser foot and tower.   The ones with the larger sewing area seem to be on the expensive side.  I found a review on a Singer 201, which is an older machine.  There are a few listed on eBay. 

   For more information check http://www.patternreview; sewing machine reviews.

    

2. 
   MaryinColorado | May 02, 2007 08:05am | #2

   http://www.equilter.com has a forum, they have been discussing these machines.  If you go to thier website, click on NEWS, then you will see the forum, click on it.  You can read the current messages or do a search.  I get thier newsletter which is interesting.  They mainly discuss quilting.  Many foumous quilters there, you will likely recognise some names.

   eQuilter is an online fabric store, I have been very happy with thier fabrics.  They are in Boulder, Colorado.  The owner is a well known quilter and fabric designer and writes many columns in quilting mags,.Luanna Rubin.

   I am not affiliated with them, just a very happy customer.  I love thier Rayon batiks and hand dyes for clothing.  They sell lots of interesting fabric related things. 

   Hope this is helpful.  Mary

3. 
   Betakin | May 07, 2007 10:19am | #3

   You might want to check the QuiltersReview website where quilters have reviewed all types of machines. There are also discussions and reviews  of machines on the PatternReview website.

   Many of the larger bed quilt machines are straight stitch only and are flat beds, like the Juki, Brother, Babylock and Janome quilt models.  There are some flat bed computerized quilter models with more features that have many stitches like the Elna 7200, and Janome 6500 and 6600 with Acufeed. There are so many new machines coming out that are also more expensive but are significantly larger for quilters and these machines have many features. For instance the New Viking Sapphire models are not flatbeds but have free arms and have a 10 inch bed space to the right of the needles and have an auto sensor for pressure on the fabric.  Babylock is coming out with the new larger Quest model which has dual feed and probably also has a high price.

   Maybe you can pick up a used machine to cut down on the price. Some of the older flatbed models had pretty good sized beds. Some of the Pfaff mechanical models with the IDT have a bit longer bed and free arm than some other brands.  Of course these models don't have the features of the quilt models like the knee lift and separate bobbin winders etc. Good luck on finding a machine.