waltonalice

I've got a Westalee free motion foot, a couple of rulers, and a video by Patsy Thompson, but she assures me that I need a large plastic surface which should surround the sewing arm to make a flat area for free motion ruler work. I've found several varieties of these table in Nancy's Notions by Sew Steady, but I'm not sure just how extensive a table that I need. I'd love to have people who have used the basic, deluxe, and wish table (with the built-in drawer) give their opinions about the style they chose. Additionally, I note that there is "an up-to 4 week" waiting period to get the table delivered, which seems to be a fairly long time. Has anyone recently ordered one and how long did it actually talk to arrive? Lastly, I tried to Google sewing cabinets for the Expression and found only limited information. The cabinets shown don't seem to address the need for a flat surface around the arm of the machine, that is what's left after you slide off the drawer section of the sewing machine, so the plastic extension table seems be the only real answer to the need for a flat surface. Thanks ahead of time for any information that you all can share.

ManiacQuilter2

I remember someone posting something about using the vinyl that is sold at Walmart and JAF on a roll. It is not very expensive.

Tartan

It depends on the size and type of the ruler you are using. You want a stable surface so when you hold the ruler against the foot it doesn't wiggle or tip. I have no trouble using a smaller ruler on my regular acrylic table around my machine. I work on a regular sewing machine so I couldn't use long or large rulers anyways due to the machine harp restrictions.

Dolphyngyrl

I would get the biggest surface you can afford. Since they are customizing it it does take time for them to make and send. It not like when you have stuff in stock and just send it

cashs_mom

Custom always takes longer. But it's worth it.

Prism99

It would be a lot less expensive (and probably faster) to make your own custom quilting surface. Here are links to a series of Youtube videos by Marguerita McManus that show how to do this using foam insulation sheets from the hardware store:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14govA4pIM (table part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAS25v3ZTk0 (table part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0lk7UBQgZY (table part 3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwrA6m9tw-A (table update)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbmQ...F28BF9&index=4 (ergonomics)

Edit: I modified her directions to make a smooth quilting surface to surround my Bernina on my cutting table because I prefer quilting on a domestic machine while standing up (much easier on my back and shoulders). Works really well!

quiltedsunshine

I'm loving the Westalee templates! I just did a demo on them Saturday.

Some of the ladies are using the Teflon baking sheets to give your table a slick surface. I think they're bigger, and a lot less expensive than the ones made specifically for quilting.

I order from Sew Steady for the store where I work. They usually take less than 2 weeks for the tables to be delivered. We only sell the 18" X 24". The Deluxe and Wish tables would be great if you've got the money.

When you order a cabinet, the "insert" is custom made to fit snugly around your machine, and is included in the price. However, not all cabinets are big enough to hold the bigger machines.

eastslopequilter

My husband made me a table using a big piece of used countertop. He cut out the hole big enough and tall enough for my sewing machine to slide into. I have 4 sewing machines and he has used the countertops in different lengths to fit each machine. I love all of them.

jmoore

I ordered a custom Sew Steady last year when I purchased my Janome 8900 and I'm pretty sure it came faster than the time they quoted me. I wonder if there is a less busy time of the year for them where production is faster?

In any event, I love the surface and space of my Sew Steady. I don't have it on my 6600 but may consider ordering another one.

Sephie

I did this same idea myself just a few months ago. Couldn't find the thick blue insulation, but found some purpleish stuff that was about 1in thick, and was able to easily cut it with an x-acto blade without too much mess. I taped the stacks together and then covered in vinyl that I taped with clear packing tape around the whole thing so that all the cut edges were covered. It's working perfectly and so cheap! Probably around $20 of materials and no waiting.