Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Snowballs in Summer


I brought my little snowball quilt out camping and quilted by the fire. I ended up machine stitching with clear thread in the ditch after I got home, but the hand stitches still seem a bit distant to me. Well, it's done, and I like it. I don't really ever recall quilting without a hoop and I don't think I'll do it again. I like to have some tension on the quilt as I think my stitches are smaller and more even. It can pass as a doll quilt made by a child learning.
Do you like to hand quilt with a hoop? Or without?

19 comments:

  1. Quilting in a hoop or frame is the only way that works for me. I agree that the tension is key. I've seen others quilting without anything to hold the quilt, and wonder how they do it. But, some people have great results quilting without a thimble, and I can't do that either!

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  2. I quilt using a lap hoop. I only ever knew one person who did not use a hoop for hand quilting. I don't know how she did it. I need that tension.

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  3. I prefer using a frame. I just finished a small quilt on a hoop and there is a difference in my stitches. Your finish looks so cute!

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  4. I have tried both ways and agree with you. I do need to feel a little tension to get my stitches just right. I did fall in love with your little quilt and wouldn't change a thing! How big are the squares...it looks very small! Elaine

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  5. I really like your snowball. I can't use a hoop, I have tried...but I think whatever works for each person is best! Maybe I need to try it again.

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  6. I like both ways. If I'm looking for nice tiny little stitches, then it's the hoop for me. Still there's something free about quilting without one *s*

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  7. Love the quilt - without for me - though that could change if I were given a nice hoop on a stand. Other wise I have a hard time handling the hoop & the stand. With all of that said, I have only been successful in quilting doll/crib sized quilts because I can only bunch up so much quilt in my hands.

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  8. Well, WHEN I hand quilt (LOL) I try and wad it up in my hand the best I can...I guess lap quilter. I read snowballs in summer and chuckled to myself because I just posted August Snowflakes! Too funny...at least I thought.

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  9. No hoop and no thimble here either.... I quilt primitive... anything goes! If it is something special, maybe I will pull out a hoop, but otherwise it is so awkward to hold.

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  10. Quite cute quilt! The quilting looks lovely too!

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  11. I have to use a hoop also - I'm surprised there are so many who don't use anything! I tried it and it just didn't work very well. I still consider myself rather inexperienced at hand quilting, but I'm hoping to improve. I love the snowball quilt. Someday I want to make one.

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  12. I have friends that quilt without a hoop but I can't manage the bulk and the back can distort or pucker if you're not careful. I love my hoop. The doll quilt is very sweet.

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  13. Hi I can't quilt using a frame or a hoop. I have been taken classes and I try and try, but I can not quilt in a frame or in a hoop...

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  14. I am a beginner hand quilter and I have tried with and without a hoop and with and without a thimble. I still haven't decided which way works best for me.

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  15. I think your piece is beautiful, great pattern for using leftovers too. I hand quilt without a hoop, need to grip my fabric. I hand quilt primitive quilts, so my stitches do not need to be perfect;) Otherwise I use the machine.

    Debbie

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  16. I need a hoop, 14", and a thimble. And I quilt at a table. It's the comfy way for me.

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  17. That's adorable. Great colors. I prefer a hoop. Just a small hoop. I can't quilt in a frame. Drives me nuts.

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  18. LOve this little snowball quilt
    just adorable!
    Kathie
    hoop and a thimble!

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