annette1952

I have them too. Not "Halo" but some I bought from Nancy's Notions a few years back. I used it a few times & now it sits neatly in its box on the shelf. I probably didn't give it a chance & didn't practice enough with it. I just found it awkward to use. I guess it is one of those things you just have to try for yourself. It will be great for some & not others.

NanaCsews2

I use the Fons and Porter machine quilting gloves. They have grippers on them and not only do they give me control with the fabrics and fmq, but they are thin enough to keep my cold hands warm. I found I cannot piece with them on, but once I have the batting and backing in place, I have to wear them because they give me more control.

MadQuilter

I have been debating about getting a halo. Don't really care for the full gloves (machingers or grabaroos) - feels a bit constricting on my paws. One thing that seems to work well for me (and it is a very inexpensive solution) is a piece of vinyl shelf liner for each hand. I just grip the edges of the area to be quilted with the piece of liner and use it to move the quilt around. When I need to reposition or grab thread, I just release the liner and reposition.

Pennyhal

I put the Martelli hoops on my Christmas wish list. It was on sale from Martelli direct. My husband went right to his computer and ordered it. Now I wonder if I have to wait until Christmas to use it...

joe'smom

That's great! I hope you will like it.

purplefiend

I've tried the "Halo" at a quilt show, it just made my hands hurt. Instead I use Machinger's quilting gloves. I make a halo using my hands and it works well for me. I've never sewn my fingers in 50 years of using a sewing machine.
Sharon in Texas

Shorebird

You need to sign up for Martelli's REDINE DIRECT sales (every 2 to 3 months they put items on sale fo 50%off retail.............that is when I buy their products....

DonnaC

I didn't really care for the Halo. Just to get us all on the same page (like that will ever happen..LOL), here's the Halo:

http://www.amazon.com/Quilt-Halo-Fre...=quilting+halo

That photo shows two Halos stacked together. I only have one and like someone else mentioned, it made my hands hurt a little bit trying to hold onto the very thin surface.

I think what someone referred to as having the opening was not the Halo, but the Gypsy Quilter (which I have not tried):

http://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Quilter-...=quilting+halo

I have both sizes of the Martelli Rings and I do like them. I actually bought mine from HSN when Martelli used to sell their stuff during craft days. They have the easy-pay plan so you don't have to pay the whole thing up front which is what sold me on trying them. Unfortunately Martelli isn't affiliated with HSN anymore.

http://www.amazon.com/Martelli-Gripp...telli+quilting

What I find myself using most often, because they work and always seem to be within reach, are a cheap pair of gardening gloves I bought at CVS! (I have tried the Machingers too and I really hated those; they made my hands way too hot and sweaty.)

marcias

I bought them but after a few tries, don't use them. A friend really likes them.