I have always struggled with the size of my sewing desk. Whenever I did anything large, I had to drag the beast of a sewing machine upstairs and do it at the table. Recently, I got a wild hair to do a Toni Whitney design, and blew the thing up to 4 times it's original size. Then I made my own frame, and was quilting at the dinner table. The bummer is...there was a pin under the pvc pipe that I didn't see...and it did some damage to my table. I am refinishing the table anyway, but I had to come up with another idea. I stared at my sewing room for awhile, and came up with what you see below. When I'm not using the full area, the sides stay down, When I need the full length for the frame...I flip out the sides, put the pieces of pvc under the edge, and voila'! Easy! What a great thing to have all that room! I have also included a pic of Midnight Glide x4...the background is all quilted now, and I was staring at it this morning imagining what stitches I will use on the owl...I don't want to go off to work today!

Great Ideas! I love the quilt. Isn't it great when you have the right equipement!

Very clever! Happy quilting.

I Love your beautiful quilt!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :D :D

Wow Smart idea!

Great idea and wonderful looking quilt.

Did you make your quilt frame yourself? Did you use a pattern? I am wanting to have my husband make me something so I can start quilting the quilts myself, I cant afford a long arm and it is getting pricey to send them out.

Great job handy with the tools.

Great Idea. I like your frame setup as well. Is that a homemade frame or a kit?

What a wonderful quilt! It's a great quilt of a beautiful flying creature.

I just love seeing eagles fly. We've just had 2 eagles in our area have babies. We're not known for having any so this has been a big deal. The city even put up cameras so you could watch online to help view their growth as well as a spot to view with binoculars. Hopefully this year we'll have another birthing of babies.

Ok, so now would you explain how you made you're own frame? Is it possible to do this for a king size quilt?

Pam M

Love your new table and quilt. But wanted to ask what is the name of your quilting set-up?

way cool !

Pretty!!

Nice desk set up, and great owl!

That’s want I call quilters ingenuity.
Midnight is beautiful.

lovely!!

Very nice desk very beautiful quilt.

Very nice desk very beautiful quilt.

Nice

Really like your frame. Like others, did you make it? If so, from a pattern or just something you came up with?

Thanks, all! The name of my quilting set up is..Melanie's Quilting Set Up! Just kidding..I did make it. I saw the Flynn frame, and thought the idea was great, but as you can see, I make lots of things, and that includes frames. I thought his frame was pricey, and I suppose it has to be, as he has had the pieces manufactured. I figured I'd have a go at it myself, and it only cost me $50, and works great. In my opinion, anyway. I bought 3 wood closet dowels and cut them to the width I wanted, which was 72", or 6 ft. I put a two ended screw in the end of each one. One end is a screw that goes into the wood, and the other has smaller threads, for a wingnut. Then I cut two pieces of 1"by 3" for the ends and drilled three holes in each, spaced like Flynn's. I put double sided sticky tape on them, made 15" muslin leaders....Ta DA!!! Worked like a charm. The rollers are pvc pipe, like his, and I could only buy it in one long length. I cut two pieces for the rollers, and used the other piece to make legs for the table ends.
I was a bit worried that I could quilt nicely doing it this way, as I read every post about people's likes and dislikes. I absolutely LOVED it! Yes, you only have a certain width to quilt in at a time, but if you are meandering all over the quilt, like I did (except for the appliqued parts, they will be done off the frame) it goes very smoothly. I got the hang of it right off the bat. I just want to stay home and meander all over everything, now.....

Love your idea! Thanks for sharing it.

Did you make that quilting frame in the second picture? If so, where did you find the pattern?

What a great idea!! I love your quilt!

Lucky you to have the area needed. I like the idea of when the sides are up you are either locked in or everyone else is locked out and no disruptions. Absolutely love your Owl - is that your own pattern, fabulous!!

great job on both! I have the John Flynn quilting frame & have never used it because of lack of room. My girlfriend on the other hand loves hers. Now you can turn them quilts out in a flash!

Tools make all the difference!

Nice table and beautiful quilt

great quilt. I love your idea.

GORGEOUS !!!!!!

GORGEOUS !!!!!!

Great idea! Love your owl!

I am interested in the quilt frame set up... please be sure to share........

The quilt is beautiful, I like the table too.

I love your puppy! Boy? Girl? Name? When I was growing up we always had collies. Great memories. Give that puppy a big hug an kiss from me.

Awesome quilt!!!! :thumbup:

What a great idea! I love your quilt frame, did you make it-if so would you be willing to share your idea? Love the quilt.

I want to know where you got you're quilt rack design from. I absolutely love it. I have a homeade one that is just a bare bones design. I have been wanting to buy a new one since it is tax time. Please tell me where you came up with your's. My e-mail address is [email protected]. Thanks in advance. By the way the quilt is lovely and I wish I had enough spare room for a sewing and quilting area. I'm envious.

Great ideas, love the quilt.

I admire your ability to construct this yourself. I can envision what I want to make but don't have the stills to do it. This is when I miss my DH the most...He'd be able to do it in an afternoon. Happy you have your great work center... :D