A question from Mary Carolyn
Since the question is what's in our hoops, I'd like some information on floor frames. I've never used one and would like to hear from those of you who do. How much room do they take up? What's the difference between three and four (I think) roller frames? If you have one that uses long boards, what do you think of it and do you know where are patterns available to build one? How hard is it to learn to quilt on one - if you remember? What other information would you give someone who knows nothing about them? I've been quilting for almost 40 years but didn't know anyone who had one - and still don't know anyone who uses one. I quilt just fine (all that practice!) without one but I'm curious.
I learned to hand quilt on a floor frame. I find it to be very easy for quilting. I use the grace frame Z44 and here is a link for more information on it that can explain much better than I probably would. http://www.graceframe.com/site/handframes/z44
ReplyDeleteThis frame can be adjusted from king to crib so the amount of space it takes up is simply a factor of how big the quilt is you're working on at the moment. You can also pay a little extra to have it stained for you if you'd like.
For my smaller quilts, I use a hoop, which is what I've been doing most of lately.
Do check out the link. It doesn't mean you have to purchase this one as the expense of it can be a factor, but there is a video for setting it up so you can see for yourself.
I have a Grace 3 pole frame that I've had for 20 years. Although it is adjustable, I always have it set up for Queen size. It does take up a fair bit of room. (You can see mine set up in the living room in this post http://appliqueaddict.blogspot.com/2010/08/progress.html) I like it if I'm quilting straight lines (like a grid fill) but discovered with a single panel Hawaiian that I had to be a contortionist to do all the curves. I like the frame if I need to quilt in the summer, but prefer snuggling under the quilt and a lap frame in the winter.
ReplyDeleteI have a hand crafted 3 roller that has no brand name as an individual wood worker built it. It takes up a lot of room, I love it for my big quilts. I will have to do a post on it. To adjust mine to a different size I would have to get different size rollers - I just leave mine as is - it can quilt up to (I think) 114 inches wide. It takes a little getting used to at first but once you get the hang of them you either love them or hate them. I have had mine for close to 15 years I think.
ReplyDeleteKaren
I have a Grace 3 pole and I find it just a bit small for a queen quilt. It takes up a lot of space. If space were not an issue I think the 4 pole king would be wonderful. I also think if you had space to store the various pole lengths it is nice to have the option to make it smaller. Working in a hoop I was able to move the quilt as needed, on the floor frame I have to adjust my hand movements. I find running multiple needles helpful.
ReplyDeleteI learn more with each project ;-)
I have a Hinterberg Classic, a 3 pole frame. It's about the size of a small sofa, and I can quilt up to 90 inch wide quilts. It tilts up, and very comfortable to work at.
ReplyDeleteIt does take some adjustment to learn to quilt on a frame. I am self-taught, and had to learn to quilt away from myself, so I could quilt in all directions. I put a tailors thimble on my thumb, and I find my stitches are as good or better than when I quilt towards myself.
I like having the quilt stretched out, and if I tilt the frame up, I can admire my work in progress, and plan the next step.
Janet
I have a Grace EZ3, which is their 3 pole floor frame. The only advantage to the 4th pole is it allows you to attach the batting to a separate pole instead of attaching it with the backing. There is a bit of a learning curve going from a lap frame to the floor frame. With a lap frame I can turn my work, can't do that with a floor frame and with the lap frame you start quilting in the middle of the quilt while on the floor frame you work from the bottom border to the top.
ReplyDeleteI have a Z44--there was a high learning curve for me about setting up the frame and changing from one size to another (fortunately we bought lots of Legos for our son in preparation for times like this). I use mine for basting large quilts so that I don't have to crawl around on the floor. I don't know if I could make the transition from a hoop and being able to turn my quilting this way and that. On a side note--I just finished a quilt that I quilted from the bottom up and right to left instead of from the middle out. I was quilting Baptist fans and it worked great.
ReplyDeleteI have a Jasmine Heirloom Frame (called Alice). Mine has a choice: 3 poles or 2. 3 Poles is the nonbasting option. As I rather control the basting myself than let my frame do that, I use the 2 pole option.
ReplyDeleteLearning to quilt on a frame is a matter of quilt ergonomics (good chair, sit straight, position your frame at the right height and tilt) and learning to quilt away from you. That demands a different technique. Or you change your position by sitting at the other side of the frame. Enjoy!