star619

I've had my Koala for about 12 years, & don't know how I managed before. It is made to solve the problems that plague us without make-shift accommodations for sewing surfaces. My husband is quite the accomplished carpenter, but when he saw all the special features of the Koala cabinet, he said he could not reproduce it for that cost.
I don't know my model #, but it has the full top cover that opens to allow for quilting a full quilt, the side storage unit that rolls out for placing an iron/serger/ cutting board to the left of the machine. &, of course., the hydraulic lift for raising & lowering the machine. Good luck !

quiltnotes

I have had my Koala for 11 years and couldn't do without it. It is very sturdy and looks good. My sewing room is 6'x10' so I don't have a huge one. Opened up to full length it is 72 inches. The pull-out to the left has 2 drawers and space underneath for my serger. When I quilt I also pull open the door that encloses the drawers and that helps a little to support the weight of the quilt. Sorry I don't remember the name of the model.

kayutanurse

I bought one about 5 years ago and I still LOVE it!! It is so easy to use and change positions. And the storage in mine is great! The only thing is that the thread is out and the grandkids can look and finger to their hearts content if I leave it open!

rusty quilter

I have a I have the QuiltMate Plus as well and love it. I bought a floor model 4 years ago, and have never looked back. My sister has the Horn, and somehow it always looks and feels "cheap". It is fine if it is sitting alone somewhere in your house, but mine sits in the dining room, and looks like the piece of furniture it actually is. I can lower the machine, and put the cover on if we have company, but the truth is--I usually don't. My other sister (a scrap booker) has "cabinet envy" LOL

Doggramma

Well I will say my Horn is definitely not a fine looking piece of furniture! It's wood looking particleboard. But it 's very sturdy and useful with lots of storage for all of my smaller things, excluding thread (I have a bunch of those old glass candy jars for all the thread.) And I agree with STAR619 that having a cabinet beats all the make-shift arrangements prior to having a big cabinet.

Taughtby Grandma

I have a Koala cabinet that the table for the sewing machine raises and lowers, good thing because my machine does empbroidery and needs to be raised. It also extends in the back if I am quilting on that machine it gives me more work area and greater stability for the quilt. The table doesn't raise and lower electronically, I just have to push down on it. I have really liked it since I have had it.

dms

I have one of "Tracy's Tables" and I just love it. It has drawers on one side and two flip outs. I really think it is made sturdy and I just love being able to piece on a flat surface. I do raise it up through when I'm embroidering which is a quick and easy process. I love this work space.

sewdamncute

Gee, I feel a little awkward, but here goes. I had a beautifully made Koala Quiltmate for about 7 years. It was never the right height for me...I changed chairs, still no luck. My advice is to sit at the cabinet with a machine...preferably your model and see how it fits. I sold mine to a friend and had a second hand table made to fit my machine and my sitting height...whole thing cost under $200 and I can sit and sew for hours without pain in my shoulders and neck. JMHO

Silver Needle

Love my koala cabinet, mine is almost the biggest they make. Had heck of a time getting it into the basement. Had to call on neighbors to help. Worth all the effort and every penny.

purplefiend

I have a Horn Quiltmate II that I bought about 12 years ago. I love it! I have 4 machines that all share this cabinet, just change out the free arm insert. Pictured are a Bernina 930 and Pfaff 1222E.