Originally Posted by Millstream Mom
I am beginning to hand quilt a queen sized top. I am lap quilting it on a hoop, started in the middle, and rolled up both ends so just the center row is exposed. How in heavens name do you handle the bulk? Are there clips or clamps or something to keep it all rolled up neat and tidy? Do I whip stitch it into a giant batting-burrito? My dogs would LOVE to curl up on it!
:roll:
I save my hand quilting projects for the winter, then I use the quilt as a "throw". Whatever extra is not being quilted keeps me warm. As I need to move the hoop, the bulk shifts. Sometimes, there is a bunch piled up on my right arm as I can't figure out what to do with it while I'm quilting that area.
If, for whatever reason, I need to quilt in the warmer parts of the year, I will sit at the dining room table with the quilt spread out all over it. I can put a small fan under the table if I need to keep me cool. I usually rest the hoop on the edge of the table to take some of the weight off me.
At one time, I had an old fashioned quilt frame that resembled the frame of a long arm, but without the machine. I sat at the frame and the quilt was on a slight angle. I liked it as I didn't have to baste the quilt first, but you couldn't turn the quilt as you quilted so that the direction of your stitches was more comfortable. Learned how to quilt away from me using my thumb. There are many styles of "thumbles" for this feat.
The cat really liked this way, until I started angling the frame into a vertical position - nothing to lie on.
Good Luck & Happy Stitching.