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Quilt sandwich for sit down machine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeneK (Post 8031581)

My problem with sit-down machines would be that you still have to make the quilt sandwich. I simply cannot satisfactorily put a quilt sandwich together. I have ripples, pleats on the back and everything shifts at least a little. I am not asking for advice. I have tried every suggestion over the past 5+ years and I am just not happy with the results of anything over a small lap quilt. I have decided I am a topper more than a finisher. My LA'er is retiring this summer. Guess I am going to go to QAYG.

I do not have a sit down machine, but have done some quilt tops on an industrial machine. I have 2 sheets of 4 x 8 plywood that I covered with batting and heavy muslin I use for drapes making. I set them on tables and sawhorse that my husband has put tall legs on. When I want to work on a quilt top, I take my backing fabric, pull it tight and clamp with large clip I get at the office supply. Then put my batting on top, clamp it, then my pieced top. Again, more clamps. Now I am ready to use safety pins to hold everything together. As I pin, then I unclamp and roll to the center. If it's a king size, you have to clamp parts of it, then roll and stretch and re-clamp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeneK (Post 8031581)

I know you've tried everything but give this a shot...spray basting is the key...this works and the video is really helpful.

What an exciting adventure! Congratulations on your decision. Let us know when your machine comes in. I've also been looking and trying to justify. Waiting to hear how it all turns out.

I know prices vary across the country and I had the same issue researching a “fair” price. You can get great prices from a show or a used model however I wanted my personal hometown sewing store to set it up, tune in all the adjustment and teach me everything about the machine to include troubleshooting and minor adjustments. AND if it were to need repair I can take just down the street instead of shipping it somewhere. My dealer and I came to a price OD $3600 but it included tons of notions, extra hopping feet package, lessons, 3 years warrantee parts and service, etc. I know I could have got it for around $3200 but I support my local dealer and have a good rapport with them.