Alex's TQS Classroom

[Lynn K.]

take a clue from ms.marshall... try quilting without a hoop. I haven't done alot of handquilting, but when I do, I use her method. it's very comfortable.

[Judy M.]

I use my thumbnail, too, to quilt away from me. I've tried a thumb thimble, but it just seems cumbersome. Judy in Torrance

[Beth A.]

I have never used this exact one, but I purchased one very similar ("card table size") at a quilt show years ago. I have not used it much because I found the lack of tilt was a problem - hard on the back. My 50-some year old eyes now require a consistent distance between eye and quilt, and a flat frame like this (not tilted toward you) makes that ore difficult. I found myself hunching over the quilt as I quilted farther away from myself, etc. -- not good.

With my eyes, I find that a quilting hoop works better. I can control how far away the stitching is from my eyes much easier and it is just more comfortable. I Put my feet up on the footstool, drape the quilt over me, turn on the TV and quilt away!

BethMI

[Beth A.]

The thought of using my thumbnails to push a needle gives me cold chills! :shock:

[Beth A.]

I have been quilting off and on since the early 70's my first "frame" was 4 twin size bed slats held together with c-clamps.
The backing was held on with strips of old blue jean legs and safety pins and layered accordingly. Propped the whole thing on my coffee table, sat on the sofa or floor and quilted the characters on the fabric for a baby quilt.
Eventually, I began to piece quilts. Now onto using the thumb. I use my thumb to quilt as much as I do the other fingers. I found that a leather thimble is much more comfortable than any other type of thimble on any finger. After wearing out the one I had used for years I began searching for a new one just like it and couldn't find one except thru the internet. In the mean time I bought some soft pieces of leather from the craft store and made my own custom fit and works great on any finger. or on all my thimble requiring fingers. They also make the leather sticky pads which work well but on me the eventually migrate around and I have to restick them in the correct spot, maybe they should be bigger. Oh well!!

[Beth A.]

Alex,Luv your classes. Just one question. As I watched you quilt, it looked as if you don't bring your needle all the way vertical as you take each new stitch. Is that true, is that the way I should be doing it? Or was I just not seeing it right? Just want to get it right. I've tried hand quilting but have never been able to get a good rhythm going. Have arthritis in my thumbs.

[Beth A.]

The needle is only vertical on the first stitch, then it kinda rocks up and down till the needle is "full". Hope that makes sense!

[Beth A.]

The needle is only vertical on the first stitch, then it kinda rocks up and down till the needle is "full". Hope that makes sense!

Why... yes! Yes it does!
Thank you for your help. In return, I give you Cuba.
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[Judy M.]

Did I miss something here??? :shock:

[Judith T.]

Judy, it must be a family thing, because sonuvaquilter is Sherry's son. Maybe Sherry is a fan of Cuba Gooding. Thought you'd like to know and maybe Sherry can clear it up for us. Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

SonUvAQuiler is helping mom educate us all about hand quilting..I appreciate it :lol: My youngest son would be messing aroud with me too if he was a member.....am I happy he isnt, :shock:
And dear Son...althoug Cuba is a good looking man,I would love to see some pictures of your quilts on your profile, I bet you are making greate quilts :wink: :lol: 8)

[Judith T.]

:lol: :lol:
I just saw my son's reply. The kid has been making me laugh for 18 years! Yes, I find Cuba quite good looking and shared that with sonuvaquilter the other day. :roll: He doesn't actually quilt but is very creative. Right now he's trying to think of some pics to add to his profile. He's a senior in HS and my last baby. He loves to mess with momma!
Sherry in S MS, still laughing.

[Judith T.]

I would love to see some pictures of your quilts on your profile, I bet you are making greate quilts :wink: :lol: 8)

Alright alright, I put some stuff up.

[Judith T.]

Hey Sherry, your boy cleans up nice! lol

[Judith T.]

Hi Sonuvaquilter, your earrings are beautiful. But what I'm interested in is the guitar. I heard you were pretty good. Keep it up. That's another talent that has no age limits (at age 55, I'm learning electric bass and just recently got a doghouse bass!)

Also, don't ever lose your sense of humor. It will get you through some tough times.

Have a great day, Sharon in TN (quiltnlady)