We need a thread on where arthur is visiting and on how to encourage him to move on :lol:

I've heard of 'Auntie Flo' :D, before, but have never heard of 'Arthur'...LOL...that's a good one. Wouldn't you know that last spring I injured the middle finger on my right hand (my quilting finger :cry: ) and it seems that 'arthur' is still visiting--he does need to move on.

I love making the tops but hate basting the 3 layers together. I also like finishing up the binding while I watch T.V., I find it relaxing to do.

When I hand quilt, I use a device that looks like a spoon (held in the left hand under the quilt. I bought it about 5 years ago and have never seen one since. My fingers are no longer torn up from hand quilting...now if I could only find something to help with sore thumb joints...ah, the thrill of aging!

I used to do all hand quilting, but I bought a Janome 1600 and a Gracie Quilt Frame a few years ago and I can do simple machine quilting fairly quickly. I look longingly at the fancy-schmancy quilting machines (computerized Gammill, etc.) I will make do with what I have...I do a little machine quilting for my friends. I work cheap for them (we are teachers, so we aren't rolling in the dough, but thankful to be working).

Maria,

I am with you. Making the tops is the tedious part for me. I could spend all day hand quilting. I have done one queen size wholecloth and lots of smaller ones. I have another queensize wholecloth kit that I can do. I just might get it out this winter. I also love the preprinted panels. With the addition of a border or two they are ready to be quilted.

I love fabric and have an enormous stash. Making the top is the stumbling block.

I love making the top, doing the quilting and putting on the binding. The part I don't like is putting the 3 layers together. That is the hardest part for me, to just get them smooth. probably because I don't have a really convenient place to do this. Small baby quilts or lap sized ones aren't a problem, but larger ones sure are. I really like sitting there and hand sewing the binding to the back side. This is very relaxing for me.