The frame did not come with very clear instructions on how to even load a quilt on the frame! Other things got in the way of my goal of "quilting on the frame 3 times a week" such as: too small of a room in TN, taking it apart when I had guests {and never setting it back up}, moving, a sewing machine with a small throat space, and no clear instructions on what to do!
Eventually I got a few things that made it easier for me to use the frame. First I got a steal of a deal on a Brother PQ 1300 ($330 off eBay including shipping) {Hello 9" throat space!}
Then I purchased and e-book from Kathy Quilts that specifically goes
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The last thing I got that has been very helpful was a "speed control" for the Brother PQ-1300. It is NOT a stitch regulator. It merely replaces your sewing machine's foot pedal with a little knob that keeps your machine needle moving at a constant speed. It's great because I no longer have to try to reach the back of the frame to turn the fly wheel. I also don't have to use the wooden handle on the frame to "squeeze" down my foot pedal. That set up is only comfortable for about 15 minutes of sewing time. Your hands get tired from trying to squeeze the wooden handle while feeling all the vibrations of the carriage. It really tired out your hand. Now with the speed control I don't have to squeeze anything! and there is no hand fatigue. The speed control is also responsive enough that I can make the needle go up or go down a single time. I found it here for $19.99 with free shipping. They also have one for the Juki TL-98E for the same price
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1 comment:
It was divine intervention that I read your blog today. I bought a Pfaff Creative 2134 machine - accoding to the users manual it is the perfect embroidery an sewing machine combination. I bought this machine almost two years ago. How much have I used it? Twice! That was for straight sewing, and I had problems even doing that! Now, I'm trying to do some free motion embroidery and cannot get the machine to work at all. Just like you, I am completely and totally intimidated by this machine. The book is no help whatsoever. I was working in Germany and bought the machine while I was there. Thought I'd have plenty of time to get training. Nope - ended up leaving three months after buying the machine. And where in the heck do I find somebody local to train me on a Pfaff embroidery machine? The book is no help whatsoever! Congratulations to you for finding help for your problem. Me? I'm still sitting here trying to figure out how to free motion my quilting when the machine keeps beeping at me to raise the feed dogs. Aaaarrrrggghhhhh!!!!
dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com
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