I have been quilting since October. All this means is that I have been working on a quilt top in a block of the month program at my local quilt shop. I am 1 block away from finishing my top. I have a few ideas of what quilting I want to do by hand.
My question is do I go for something like this that is portable, collapsible. I don't have room for a full frame style. Thoughts?

I have 3 hoops I have used for my hand quilting....one is with a stand, one without, and the other is specific for borders....My best suggestion is , if you can, try it out before you spend the money...what is comfortable for you is the best fit. Ease of use and portability is certainly one of the factors I considered when I got my frames. Set one in your lap, or positions yourself at one and see which is most comfortable and easy to use. I am sure other hand quilters have some helpful hints as well. :D

Hi, like Sandra I use a hand held hoop to quilt with. But I sit in a straight back chair at a card table to quilt. I rest the quilt and my arms on the card table. Saves my shoulder and back from strain. Had a floor stand hoop and sold it. Just couldn't get the hang of it. So try out what you think you might like. Marge

Thank you for the replies. I wish I had a table I could work at but I just don't have the right setup which is one of the reason's I am looking st a collapsable hoop that I can put beside my chair where the light is good. I need to ensure the cat will allow this of course :lol:

I use a quilt hoop made of wood or I have on made of PVC pipe. The pipe one is my favorite. Sometimes I lean the far side on something, a chair back, kitchen table, tv tray, anything handy. Or I just hold it in my lap. I have also quilted without a frame at all. Just need to baste a little more. I like to do either. What you get used to will be what is easiest most times. Let us know what you decide.

I have a big round hoop for hand quilting and a big floor model. I wish I had one like is in the picture for samller projects. But my preference really is machine quilitng. I work long hours and if I am to get anything done it needs o be on the machine. I like the big floor frame cause it leaves both hands free. The round hoop is more cumberson to use, but if you had one like in the picture, that would be combining the best of both in my opinion.

I think the actual hand quilting was one of my favorite parts of the process. It would be interesting to see what a large frame would do as well. I did the outer borders without a frame but the inner top was fairly tight from so much stitching there was little chance of messing up so long as I straightened the fabric occasionally.

So don't you think the cat would like a new scratching post? :D

:shock: Why Steve! You little stinker! :mrgreen: How funny! :lol:

Yes, she certainly would like to use it as a scratch post if she can get her little paws on it :lol: