(have somebody with a strong back and knees help you.)Absent that, here's what helps me: a small pillow for my knees. And I do a little bit at a time. In between sessions, I cover the quilt with a sheet, so I can walk over it in stocking feet without worrying about getting the quilt dirty. You all know I tape the quilt backing to the floor to prevent everything from shifting.
When I'm done threading the ties (which is a lot like basting), I roll it up like a jelly roll,
and move it to my dining room table,
where it's much easier to cut the threads, tie the knots and trim the excess.
The Laughing Out Loud Quilt is all tied now. I'll work on it later. I've got a birthday party to attend this afternoon (note to self: don't bake a cake when it's 90F if you don't have air-conditioning), so I am not sure I can finish it.
7 comments:
I used to use a pair of hockey knee pads before I got my mid arm machine. I guess garden knee pads would work if you don't live in hockey country like I do. I got mine at the local thrift store.
Very interesting, so you sort of sew the tying thread in and out of the quilt and then snip it and tie it? Neato mosquito. I know what you mean about any kind of cooking except barbequeing when it's hot out, especially 90 degrees with no a/c - whew!
I knew there had to be a "secret" - start on the floor then move to the table! Got it... thanks!
VERY cool quilt!!!
Actually, Mary, if I am lucky, I have help. I sew the tying threads in with the crochet cotton -- I cut long pieces about six feet long, thread them where I want. Then the next person cuts the threads apart, ties the knots and leaves the long "tails" together. Then I go back and trim the tails all at once. Much much simpler.
I just love that quilt, it is so much fun! I think that you are right to recruit someone to help you out in tying the quilt, especially since it is big.
LOL - so you have an "assembly line" going. That's great! I'm going try that some time. I'm collecting beach fabrics to make a beach quilt, and I like the idea of tying it and not using batting. Thanks!
A helper for crawling on the floor looks like such a gift! I've never tried the tying there.... I usually pin the edge of the quilt really really well, then move it and lay it like a table cloth over the table -- smooth it out and tie from the centre. The idea of that much floor work completely exhausts me, but it'd be a great way to ensure the back was perfectly aligned!
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