Aaaghhhh! I give up on the hoops!

[Patti P.]

I have got enough versions of hoops to sink a ship - I have thimbles of every type and millions of needles but I can still only quilt without a hoop! I must be a hands-on person I reckon. I take heart from the fact that there are good quilters who work without - but I think I am irritated that I can't do it the traditional way! :?

[Frances L.]

Hey, that's the great thing about quilting. There is more than one way to do most things. If quilting without a hoop works for you, go for it. There is no law that you have to use a hoop.
Frances in hot Austin. I think we skipped most of spring.

[Lynn K.]

Have you tried the new hoop from Sharon Schamber? Look for it on Utube, she has a video. Sure looks easy.

[Alex A.]

Give your self 20 hours of lousy stitching - also make sure your thimble has big indentations and do not put it in the hoop tight - you can do it!!! :lol:

[Lynn K.]

Ohhhhh, I thought you were talking about MACHINE quilting!

I often don't use a hoop. Depends on what I'm doing when quilting by hand. I can go either way.

[Lynn K.]

Well I'll persevere! I'll also look at the link on utube re the new hoop - dare I buy another? Guess I could always run a hoop-la stall! x

[Lynn K.]

I think the other thing is I am way too fussy about the stitches on the back - but maybe they will improve - they are always smaller!

[Lynn K.]

I am far from a perfectionist. My stitches aren't perfect, they arn't tiny, but they arn't toe catchers either. Don't be so hard on your self.

[Lynn K.]

"Practice Practice"...."You can do it"! You are doing something very unique and much more valueable - quilting by hand,and I think it's wonderful,here patting you on the back. Keep us up-dated on your progress. I think with alittle practice you will truely enjoy hand quilting. Have fun with this and remember no hurry no worries!
Enjoy,Enjoy!

[Lynn K.]

I know a lady who does beautiful hand quilting, and on anything smaller than a full size bed quilt she does it without a hoop, although she does have a wonderful frame for bed quilts.

[Lynn K.]

I have decided to just go for it and not worry about what goes on at the back of my work. It's not so bad - thanks for all the encouragement - I'll keep working without any hoops, it seems to suit me best! x

[Lynn K.]

If it is any consolation the first few times I used a hoop and even now on occasion when I am wearing a dress or a skirt I some how manage to sew it into my quilt.LOL SEW DO NOT GIVE UP! YOu can do it. :wink: Rachel

[Lynn K.]

Rachel-I've done that too! Cracked myself up! :lol:

[Lynn K.]

Thank goodness I am not alone. My hubby just laughs at me and calls me Sew Nutz. Well keep trying Rachel who lost the directions to her new sewing machine and can't remember how the extra embroidery thing goes on. :?

[Margo C.]

I think the other thing is I am way too fussy about the stitches on the back - but maybe they will improve - they are always smaller!

If the stitches on the back are bothering you, you might want to try the "Aunt Becky" tool talked about in another thread in this forum topic. Check it out:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...19466527029261
and: Jean's web site to order supplies is:

http://www.jeansimpressions.com./