Originally Posted by Jingleberry
You could also wrap a piece of canvas fabric around the top pole and sew it to itself, then baste your top to that. I have one in the shed, haven't used it since the 1970s, can't really remember exactly. I no longer have enough room for it and only do machine quilting now.
Thank you, Jingleberry. Sounds like you have what I have and I love your idea. You are among the wise folks who have suggested the same basic idea and I'm going to go with that. When it is 20 degrees and the snow is flying I'll be happy sitting with my ancient frame and a lovely quilt.