Sailorwoman

I live in an RV in the summer and a sailboat in the winter. Neither are known for any large amount of floor space. I know others quilt in small spaces and I was wondering how they handled lying their quilts out flat in order to pin baste before quilting. I have tried a table and clamps but it is not entirely satisfactory. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. Thank you, ladies (and gentlemen).

Tartan

I no longer pin bast. I think I would try the method of hanging the backing and using 505 spray basting. I don't know how you could do that on the boat (don't want to get sticky overspray)but the RV outside is one large canvas. I would protect the RV with a sheet or tarp fastened to the top rack. Patsy Thompson shows how to spray bast a quilt on the wall and you could watch that for ideas.

Nammie to 7

When on land you could always seek out a church to use their space to pin baste. A local quilt shop may let you use their class room to pin baste also.

JT

Go to a public library and use one of their meeting rooms. Also check out the website or YouTube for Sharon Shaumburg (sp). She does thread basting that works great. It works particularly well for large quilt tops.

Sailorwoman

Thanks for the information. I watched the video, which was great, but upon further reading, I think I will try spray basting on the floor. I can't figure out how to attach the ceiling tiles without my husband throwing a fit. Also, the quilt is quite heavy since I'm using flannel backing as well as batting, so the floor will distribute the weight evenly. Wish me luck!

Prism99

For spray basting on the floor, be sure to lay down a flat sheet larger than your quilt first, to catch overspray. Also, spray from the edge towards the center to minimize overspray. Keep as many doors and windows as possible open for air circulation, and afterwards I would turn on a fan and air out the RV. Basting sprays have chemicals in them that are not good to breathe, so be careful. I strongly recommend using 505 brand basting spray -- no horrible odor and the most reliable brand on the market.

Sailorwoman

Thank you for the tips. I will be sure to follow them.

yel

find someone with a long arm and have them baste it ....or better yet just quilt it lolol

lots2do

I use boards to roll the top and bottom on a table top and baste. Found that method here. Sharon somebody's method. I love it.

Prism99

Here is a link to Sharon Schamber's videos showing how she hand bastes a quilt using boards:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_EjBGz5vGQ

I believe some people have used this method to spray baste also, but not sure. Anyone who does try to spray baste using this method should do it outdoors so they aren't breathing the spray for too long.