Humble Beginnings

Quilting - Wrap Yourself in Love!

It seems that life is so full of "first times":  walking, riding a bike, falling in love, getting married, having your first child, etc.  Life is just one big "first"!

Well, I not too long ago I finished my first quilt (well, the top piece).  I'd like to start quilting it together in the next few weeks or so, but I'm lacking a quilting frame (and the $$ to buy a new one).

So, I'm going to make one out of our card table.  Our house is less than 800 square feet (with 4 people), so I need something that can be folded up when not in use and take up relatively little space when it's in use.  So, I sat down the other day trying to figure out how I could finish my daughter's quilt (she's 5 and can't wait to start using it!).  Then, I saw our card table.  The top of it is falling apart and we really need a new one. The frame is in pretty good shape, though.  So, I'm going to take the top off the frame and I'll use two clamps on each side (for a total of 8 clamps) to hold the quilt in place.  Then, I can unclamp it to move the quilt to a new section when necessary.

Now, Lauren's quilt is about the size of a throw (maybe a little smaller). In theory I think it'll work.  Once I find out I'll let y'all know.  But, I thought ... this is a great way to homestead - using what you have instead of buying something new!  My grandmother would be so proud!!

I'll try to post pictures of the quilt top.  It's really very pretty and feminine.  I did the entire thing by hand (as I don't own a sewing machine, nor do I have the space for one right now).

If anyone knows of any other quilting ideas, patterns, stitching techniques, etc., please let me know.  I'm feeling my way through this as best as I can since I've never done one before (and I think I've done a pretty good job of it).

Have a happy day!

Quilting frame

{ 06:24 , Thursday, January 4, 2007 } { Posted by maa }

I love reading this kind of stuff, make due with what you have. That is a great idea, I never would have thought of that. I am a quilter and I use a med sized hoop.Once I started quilting I was hooked. I love to make quilts out of old cotton clothes. Another make due with what you have tip.
maa's mom

another tip...

{ 07:58 , Tuesday, January 9, 2007 } { Posted by mc2rwe }

Another way of making the frame is to buy PVC pipe and elbows. You then make the desired shape you want (square or rectangular) and use the elbows to join the corners. I have seen it done with mostly 1" PVC. I have a lap frame that I use that is made out of this but I am mainly a machine (longarm) quilter. PVC is a pretty cheap way to go.

Kat