Quilt in a Day Forums

I have a question ... I'm considering buying a sewing table/cabinet from Tracey's Tables where the machine will be level with the table and have a plexiglass insert. This is a big decision. I've been asking others if they prefer having their sewing machine level with the table or have the freedom to move the machine where they want and have it sitting on top of a regular table. Could you please let me know what method you prefer? Thanks! Nancy

Nancy, I have the plexiglass insert and I really like it. It makes sewing easier with the smooth surface. I sewed for years on a regular table and I like this much better. Hope this helps.
Beverly

Hi Nancy, I was having the same dilemma not very long ago. I ended up taking an old sewing machine cabinet and making my machine semi-permanent. I didn't invest in the plexiglass insert yet till I decided if I liked it or not. I love being able to slide pieces right along and into the machine. Would it have to be permanent? The way mine is now I can loosen 3 screws and I can move it where ever I want it. But after reading some other posts on here I've decided to leave it as is for fear of knocking the timing out of whack or some other thing that would cost big bucks to have repaired. I have an old Singer that I won't feel so bad about if it falls off the back seat of the car:-) Hope this helps...... jan

my son in law fixed me a table that was a old dining table cut out the area i needed to sit the machine on then measured carefully so my insert sits right where it is supose to sit i can use my plexiglas inseerrt just like it was made to fit it and i can easily remove the machine just move plexiglass and machine comes right out yes i like the level surface much better

I prefer the flat surface with the bed of the machine. I have one (my portable) that sits on top of a table with the plexiglas. The big difference is that the portable sits higher and is a little harder on the shoulders and neck/back.

I have a machine in the cabinet that has the level surface and I have a portable machine that sits where ever I put it. I like both ways and really can't tell the difference when I'm piecing. I had DH cut off a couple of inches off my machine cabinet legs making the front legs a little shorter than the back. Now my machine tilts toward me too. For the price the SewEZ table is a great value.

I ordered the small table that my machine sinks into for $99from AllBrands.com. I butted an old smooth table up in front of it and another to the left. So, my surface is about 5 foot deep and 6 foot long. All together, it costed me $125. I leveled all the surfaces with old fence boards underneath the feet. I've been using this setup for about 5 years. Amie

Nancy, I have a sewing machine cabinet and my machine sinks down into it. I have the plexiglass insert. I never had a smooth sewing surface before but I just love it.

Thanks so much for all of your comments! It looks like the level surface is what most of you like the best. I've been drooling over a sewing table from Tracey's Tables in Wisconsin, which is about an hour away from me. My husband and I drove up to their shop several weeks ago and I was very impressed, but my husband is wondering if he can make a table for cheaper. I know he can, but I want it to look nice too. I think I'm going to eventually get the table from Tracey's Tables, I just need to mull it over a little more. Thanks again! Nancy

Years ago I my dad gave me a sewing table which raises and lowers the sewing machine so I can use the free arm (I was sewing clothing at the time). I find that I can't sew for long periods of time when I set the machine up on the table. It's like typing at table height instead of with a keyboard tray.

Also, if you do any quilting having the machine bed flush with the table is almost a nececesity so the quilt doesn't drag.