Need Advise
 

I'm quilting a larger than lap size quilt for the first time and am having trouble with all the extra material hanging over the edge of the hoop. I'm constantly having to pick it up, way up, to turn the hoop for better access while quilting. How do you handle this? Is this something I just have to get use too? Thank you,

That's what I do, keep rearranging. When I am hand quilting a project, I really don't mind. I haven't learned to quilt in any direction except toward myself, so, that is why I keep rearranging. Will look forward to hearing what others do.

Hope this helps.
http://www.daystyledesigns.com/quiltingsetup.htm

You can also use bicycle clips (if you can find them). The other day I went
to Canadian Tire and asked for said clips. They looked at me like I came
from Mars.

I have been hand quilting at home with a friend today. I used a hoop and sat at the dining room table. The quilt and hoop rested on the table while I quilted away, feet on the floor and sitting upright. It amazed me what better stitches I had today, than when I try to quilt in the recliner with my feet up. And the table took the pressure off my lap supporting the weight of the quilt. Yes, there was some turning and readjusting, but I'm happy with the results! Just a few thoughts.

Here's a video that might help you handle bigger quilts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWmbTbbDclw

Oops sorry. I just realized you were talking about hand quilting.

For me it just seems like it's the nature of the beast. Doesn't bother me. And I've hand quilted up to king size quilts in a hoop. Funny thing yesterday, though. Friend and I were in Lancaster. Stopped at Shady Maple for lunch. I've never been there before so was the first time we've seen the quilted goods section of the gift shop. Lady working the shop was shocked to learn that me and my friend both hand quilt in a hoop and not on a frame (they had a small one in the shop). The look of amazement and lack of words on her part cracked us up. Conversely, I couldn't imagine quilting on a frame. Can't imagine sitting in one position for any length of time. I need to wiggle constantly...quilting or not.

You might want to try this, but read my modification from the photo. I have 3 big hooks screwed in the wall behind my machine. I just clamp and lift up and chain out of the way the parts I am not using. The quilt floats. For machine quilting. For hand, I used to sit in the recliner, tipped back: http://pinterest.com/pin/351069733421845032/

Here is another recent thread on this topic:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...p-t226611.html