Lets talk quilting frames. It's all about finding what you like, or don't like. My preference is to forgo the quilt frame and use a table, letting the overhang of the quilt be enough tensions to have a taught surface for stitching. I like to grab my quilt and pinch the surface when I'm stacking stitches. I also enjoy being able to freely turn the quilt around when the design calls for it. And another perk to not using a frame is taking the quilt outside, or on a trip. However, I use a quilt frame when I lack the table space. It's ergonomic and comfortable to have the work upright, especially for long stretches of time. It's also motivating to see the work all ready to go and moving through the work at a methodical pace.
I found a vintage Sears Roebuck quilt frame on criaigslist and like it! It's simple and pivots upright for a comfortable posture while stitching. It only has 2 leader bars, which I prefer over the 3 since I prefer basting my quilt before stitching.
I've tried out the Grace EZ3 quilting frame and realized it is not the quilting frame for me. On the marks of functionality, I do not like to separate my 3 quilt layers, so I do not use the 3 leader cloth bars. The 3 rail system is intended to be a time saver but not for me. If I do not baste or pin my 3 quilt layers together I find that the layers will shift and bunch up, which is no good. I end up not using the frame as advertised, and just draping my quilt over top of the frame to get it off my lap while I stitch. Even though it will adjust to fit all quilt sizes (crib-king), I am turned off by it's bells and whistles. I like that it is made out of wood but the plastic knobs are disappointing.
