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Question comes from reading all of the discussion on Grishko's Handquilting question thread. http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/for...4011632/m/6543978667

Watched the video that used a nice lap hoop that stands up from the lap. Been doing some searching. Found the Grace swivel hoop - really nice, but not worth the cost for the little hand quilting I'll do. Saw the ones that Barrett(SP) makes and ThimbleLady.

Do you use a lap hoop that has a 'stand' so you have a nice separation and aren't trying to hold the hoop while you quilt.

What kind do you use and where did you get it? Round or square?

Thank you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Elainetoo,

Elainetoo, one of the videos in that thread was from Quilting From the Heartland. The quilter who demonstrated her technique using an Aunt Becky is now retired, but the frame she used is still listed as being on sale through Paypal on her old website. Scroll down the page.

http://www.jeansimpressions.com/

I bought a round frame at one of the first quilt shows I went to. I sits on your lap and your hand goes in between the top hoop and the bottom is solid with felt on the bottom.

The only thing close to it I can find is this: http://www.discountquiltbooks....l-Design-Frames.html

I have a BIG embroidery hoop that I used when lap quilting. It rests on the chair arm and I can turn it anyway it need to be turned without having to worry about a stand.

I have a full size floor frame and a Jasmine Heirloom hoop on a floor stand. I also have a Grace hoop on a stand, which I didn't like using. I had trouble with the square shape holding the tension all the time.

I like having the hoop supported when I quilt. A stable quilt surface makes it easier to make the stitches. I prefer my floor frame, but I'm looking forward to quilting on the Jasmine soon.

I bought the Jasmine on eBay, and was amazed at how many hoops are for sale there. If I'm ever looking for one for my lap, I think I'd check there first.

Janet

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RAtkins,

Thank you for the links. And your likes. I'll have to get something soon, so all info helps narrow the decision.

I have a Hinterberg Lap Hoop that I've been using for years. From trial and error, I discovered I preferred quilting without the lap extension on it, when doing large quilts. For small ones I put the lap extension back on, it seems easier to control the tension in the hoop that way.

Oooohh RAtkins, I am so jealous!! I have been wanting the Jasmine hoop or the frame. I'm not picky, I'll take either one!! They are so expensive that I never thought I'd get one, but I never thought to check on eBay. Good idea! I may own a Jasmine yet!

What I have used for years is a standard oval 18" by 27" wooden hoop on a floor stand. You can buy them at AC Moore, Joann's, and I've seen them at Walmart. I had DH reinforce the stand part when it got wobbly by screwing a yardstick diagonally from the upper part of one leg of the stand to the lower part of the other leg. I also lightly sanded the hoop part because the wood was pretty rough. It has lasted 19 years and lots of use. I think I paid $12 for it. I put it at the lowest height and unless I'm in a really low chair, that puts the quilting surface above my lap at a comfortable height. It is stationary though, and I want one like the Jasmine that spins around so I don't have to reposition the quilt in the hoop so often.

Grishko, I think we have the same stand, and for about the same amount of time. I didn't like the instability, so I took it off the stand and use it sitting at a table. I lean the upper edge against the table with the rest of the hoop in my lap, and let the table top support the quilt.

I have a large embroidery hoop that I use sometimes. After a while, though, I found it just as easy to quilt without any hoop as long as I'm careful about tension on the stitches.

Grishko, I think I met you on the BHG board several years ago. Aren't you a ballerina, and weren't you the one who used to go to summer dance "camps"?

Good luck, Grishko! I watched eBay for a long while before one came up. I lost the first auction, and was lucky on the second auction. I paid a bit more than I wanted, but it was worth it in the end.

Craiglist is another place to look.

Janet

I checked eBay yesterday, there are no used hoops, but lots of new ones.

I'll continue looking and searching for a little while before making a decision.

It's good to read the likes and dislikes and tools used to help make the decision.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Elainetoo,

AsiaticLily,

Was that on GardenWeb? I'm on this MB, occaisionally on GardenWeb, on Arachne (lacemaking MB) and on a couple of beekeeping forums. I used to be on BalletTalk, but haven't for years. I would never have called byself a ballerina (nor would anyone who saw me!), but I did dance and I did go to several of the Adult Dance Camps put on by Sun King Dance. Then my kids got older and into many activities and I no longer had the time, money or energy to do it. I just recently started going back to an adult class to try to get back in to shape, but just once a week. My daughter is the real dsncer in the family. She's in a preprofessional Russian-run classical ballet school. Nowadays, I'm mostly just the chauffeuer!
How did we meet? Were we talking about quilting? My memory is terrible!

Just adding a bit to this discussion. Like RAtkins/Janet, I have a Grace square hoop floor frame. I also do not like the square. It's much more difficult to pull the quilt so it's evenly centered. I've hardly ever used it. Never thought about selling it, but, I should... Would love to have a lap one that swivels.

Indy Anny

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Indy Anny,

Grishko,

I think we met on the old BHG Forums; there was a really active group of quilters there. And I'm quite sure we were discussing quilting. That old BHG was great until it gradually lost host support. I don't think it's existed for some time now.

You might not consider yourself a ballerina, but I remember reading about some grueling summer camps that made me envious of your talent and endurance!

And congratulations to your daughter. I do know that Russian classical ballet is quite demanding, so she must have a lot of stamina, endurance, and motivation. I'm sure you're quite proud of her!

AsiaticLily,

Oh my gosh, I had kind of forgotten all about that quilting forum!! I remember when it disbanded, a number of people came here and recommended it as a good and friendly site, so I came here too. I guess they kind of ran together in my mind and I forgot I had been on a completely different MB before this one. Lo rd, I think senility has finally set in!
So Hi there again! I did have a wonderful time at the dance camps, I remember them very fondly. Maybe someday I can do it again, but I think I'd have to lose about 40 pounds and start working out in a serious way. Not to mention that I can't afford it anymore! Kids have a way of sucking the money right out of you...

So how have you been? Have you been on a different MB all this time?