Nancy Zieman does a technique called column quilting which is like what you are talking about. She has a video showing this techinique. I believe it is on her website (Nancy's Notions) or possibly on you tube. She had a two part series on pubic tv that I watched a few weeks ago. I am anxious to try it. I think it will work well for people like myself who don't have a large harp on our machines. Good luck!!
Blessings!