I know what you mean. When my knee went bad I pieced a bunch of quilts but couldn't put them together. Isn't it frustrating. My knee is better after surgery, but now I have a bunch of quilt tops to put together.

My diningroom table is just wood - not a "glossy" piece of furniture, so I can use that. I tape the edges that are currently on top of the table. The weight of the fabric pulls the rest of the quilt pretty smooth and taut.

[IMG]http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/k.../woolbatt1.jpg[/IMG]

Cathie, thanks for the visual. Do you just keep moving it as you baste an area.

I need to try that. It would be so much easier on my knees.

You know, I've thought about doing it that way..on the wall, but thought someone would think I was nuts!
Glad I'm not the ONLY one who thought about doing it this way. Seems like it was be easier, if you ask me!

Yes, I move it.

I just realized that I didn't explain very well. I start in the middle and run the radiant lines out as far as the edge of the table, then I leave the thread long enough that when I shift the quilt, I just pick up that thread and baste out to the edge. Because the needle is larger, with a bigger eye, it's not hard to thread.

I took a bunch of cardboard boxes apart and taped them together to make a cover for my kitchen table. I then lay the backingand clamp so its taut, lay on the batting and smooth it out, then lay on the top.

I either spray baste while I am laying it out (smoothing small sections at a time) or I pin baste it with the curved pins after I get the top placed. I also use a crochet hook to close the pins.


Cathe...that quilt you are basting looks fabulous!

Roy cut me a sheet of 1/4 inch plywood to lay on my table to layer and baste my quilts on. I can't lift it though, so I'm going to have to use your method soon, Cathe. Once Neil goes on shifts with the Sheriff's Dept. it will be all on me. I have an oval table but think I'll be able to tape or clamp it to the top to baste it.

I just can't get on the floor anymore, I can't bend over the table, whew but it's hard to get old! I liked Sharon Scheiber's way of using the 1 X 2's, I may try that on my next one. I HATE using the pins, but there are limits to a person with arthritis, aren't there?

Hugs,
Sharon

mimisharon You could try the cardboard folding cutting boards, they are 40"x 70", I got mine at JoAnns for less than $20. That is what I am going to try to use on my table. I have gotten such wonderful ideas. Thanks again to all of you.

I am very lucky to have a little group at the church. They have 4 nice long tables.