I love my system 4. It is extremely steady. The Lowery seems
quite tippy to me -- most people I know who use a Lowery
need to put a weight on the base to keep it from moving. I've
never had to do that with the System 4. I also like that it
is quite collapsible -- folds up easily and even goes in my suitcase.


THANK YOU KATHERINE!!!

This purchase is big bucks in my book, so I really want to do my
research. Of course it should be a lifetime investment.

You mention two of the reason why, according to what I read at the
"stitcher's paradise" website, I am considering the system 4. I would
definitely spring for the collapsible .

I also thought that the feature whereby the joints are somehow
mechanically inclined so that the project stays in place however you
place it, without having to constantly tighten wingnuts was really
"special" - so to speak. Have you had the opportunity to compared
this feature to the Lowery???

Right now I only use a hoop frame, a 1" thick x 10" Hardwick (german
made) hoop on a seat stand which I got on ebay (and really love
because it holds the fabric really tight) but I am constantly
tightening the wingnuts as I flip the hoop up and down and that gets a
little annoying - throws me out of rhythem!

I want to get a square frame, especially for some projects I have
planned using satin jean fabric (which wouldn't work in a hoop frame,
from what I have read.) I have gotten accustommed to two-handed
stitching, so I need a stand for such a frame. I would use the System
with a square frame - either a scroll-style frame with the sides laced
up, or I may spring for an English-style traditional slate frame (as
seen in the "Royal School of Needlework" and at the
"Accomplishments-Shop.com" website). I am currently doing crewel
embroidery and need the fabric to be really tight all the way around.

I want to do the "fish sampler" in the "Royal School of Needlework
Embroidery Techiques" book. My cousin is an advid fisherman and he
has helped me through some tough times, been like a brother to me, I
really want to do that picture for him and I think I need a square
frame because the satin jean fabric it calls can get marks on it from
a hoop frame (according to what I have read.) So that is the first
project I will want to do when I can get the right tools for the job!

Another question - You said that your system 4 doesn't tip - what
style and how heavy of a frame are you using with it???

Also - are you using the light and magnifier attachment?

THANK SO MUCH for responding to my request for an opinion on this
product, I don't have the opportunity to try it out before purchasing
it. Forgive me for asking you to indulge me with a few more answers
to my questions!

Sewing Susan :-)