How to handle the rest of the quilt....
 

I have done a little hand-quilting and really enjoyed it, but I have not gotten back to it because it was so frustrating handling the bulk of the quilt and finding a comfortable position to sit in. I get hot really easily and find that having the quilt draped around me makes me feel smothered. I have tried a google search but suspect I am not putting the right thing in the search engine. So do any of you have any tips or tricks to use for maintaining the bulky quilt around the area you are hand-quilting? I hope my question makes sense. Thanks, Terina

Are you lap quilting or using a frame? You may try the ring things that they use for holding the quilt when machine quilting. At least you can bundle up some of the bulk and would have a roll laying across instead of a blanket.

Some quilters use a table to support the quilt, keeping it off their lap.

Janet

This thread is by a couple who just finished one of the PVC frames. It really looks like it will make FMQ'ing a much easier task by taking the weight of the quilt off of you. Check it out -- http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...a-t259653.html

a table? Since I like to sit and watch tv with hubby, I think I'll set an ironing board up and drape the quilt over it. that would surely take the bulk off of me and make it easier to manage and an ironing board is easy to move around.

I'm fortunate that I'm not bothered by the weight/heat of having the bulk of the quilt on me when I quilt. I mostly use just a hoop and quilt in my lap. The only thing I find cumbersome is shift stuff around when I have to switch direction. I guess I'm also just naturally fidgety as I'm always shifting my sitting position - whether quilting or not - so being in one position for prolonged periods isn't really an issue either.

If you don't want something as bulky as an ironing board to rest the quilt, possibly one of the folding TV tray type tables? Smaller to deal with and folds up out of the way fairly easily???

I was practicing hand quilting the other day. Had a 3x3' sampler and just practicing away. Next thing I knew DH was trying to wake me up. I got so warm and toasty and comfortable. Took a 2 hour nap. Could hardly sleep the rest of the night.

Personally I have never had this issue about getting hot when hand quilting but I do keep a fan blowing on me if I get hot. But this week I got my new Mary Maxim magazine and I saw an adjustable quilting frame that rolls up. Its called a EZ3 Quilting Frame it is 299.99 I found this one also on amazon for 199.

Here are some more that might be cheaper

[h=1]Dritz 28 by 39-Inch Quilters Floor Frame 89.48[/h]

Maybe even a tall laundry basket in front of your chair could support the weight of the quilt, and keep air flowing between you and it?