I really love hand quilting. I have done about 7 or 8 now, but they are all baby quilts. My quilting circle is going to do a birthday block exchange in 2009, and then I will start quilting a queen size. I am really looking forward to that.

I didn't know that they would do that. Great information!!!

Do they use a contrasting thread so that you can easily see it to remove after you are done quilting?

I hand quilt using a hoop - I have tried the oval standing hoop but like one of the other ladies I find I don't have as much control on where I want to go with my stitches. It felt akward. I have quilted everything from miniatures to queen size quilts with a simple hand held hoop. Someone just gave me one with the stand on the bottom that sits on your lap - going to try that one with the next project. Obviously it is like everything else in quilting ... try them all and do what works best for you . Have the large old fashioned floor frame but don't have the room to leave it up.

I have used a floor frame in the past but it takes up most of the living room. I have also used various sizes of hoops and done it without anything. I like a floor frame because it leaves the hands free and the scissors and thread can rest on the top and they are easier to find. I have a secretary's chair and it is just right to use at my old floor frame. I can scoot along the entire quilt that way. I just bought the Flynn frame but haven't had anything completed lately to use it on. I am about halfway on the queen size Dresden Plate and will use the Flynn Frame on it. I'd rather do it my hand but it wouldn't get done by Christmas that way.

Loretta,
I know that prices will vary around the country and from shop to shop but approximately what do you pay to have a quilt basted by the long arm quilter?
Thanks

When I hand quilt I use a lap size frame.

I hand quilt on a 3 roller, no baste frame. I have 'John Flynn's quilting frame. I have 2 of his older ones. I am quilting my husband quilt that is 120"x120". My husband has raised it to the ceiling because we dont have alot of room

Tish
from Vancouver, Wa

I quilt on o small hoop for my large quilts but nothing on my wallhangingss. I would love to get The frame that is made for the recliner. I saw it some where.

I just got an oval hoop with a floor stand at the thrift store for $4, some one didn't like it. So far I like it, I don't put mine in real tight, and just turn the whole thing. This was originally from Joanns for about $30.
I do quilt a bit different but it looks good. I have a rubber finger protector on my right index finger.......strange, but works for me. In another week I may decide I don't like it. Right now I sit in a rocker in front of the TV and window. :D

I'm using a full size quilt frame on a queen size project, an oval hoop on a wall-hanging size quilt project. I haven't try using none (I don't think I have). I would like to try it though. I always thought you have to have a loop or frame. I like hand piecing & quilting so that may just works out for me.

Thanks.
~ Quik