It seems like quilting without a hoop is nowhere near as unusual as I thought. I was really interested to read the comments on my previous post. I’m thrilled with the results I get by giving up on battling with the hoop! The three bed-sized quilts that are basted and waiting for quilting may well get done this year now that I’ve discovered this. This will definitely be next up for quilting. After that it will be a whole cloth quilt that I have been wanting to do for ages.
A couple of years ago we found this little scratching post in a pet store. Smudge guards it like it’s made of spun catnip or something! We caught him in this pose yesterday, sleeping on it, it seems, while he guards it. I don’t know where he thinks it might go, but he’s making sure nothing happens! And just in case he gets bored, notice the two toys he has within reach. 😉
Smudge seems to have been featured more lately so we made sure we got some good photos yesterday of Lester, our wonderful house lion.
Quilt Obsession 
I read your posts regarding the use of a hoop. A few said that they, like yourself, got cramping hands. I use a hoop and have never had that problem. I have one hand on top of my work, and the other on the bottom. My hands don’t hold the hoop while quilting. I either have the hoop leaning on my arm, leg, or the table… But I have bought a round hoop floor stand that I haven’t tried out yet… I think I shall give it a try when the winter comes… But I shall have to try hoop-less at some point… gotta try everything at least once! 8-)Happy stitchings!
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I’ve been hoopless quilting a small quilt. I thought I’d give it a try. It doesn’t make my hands or wrists hurt like a lot of other things and I have to be careful since I’ve had 3 surgeries. I got the idea from a class with Suzanne Marshall, who does all of her quilting that way.
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Great cat photos! I like the quilt you’re going to work on next.
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My quilting mentor NEVER used a hoop for handquilting. She managed to quilt bed sized quilts nicely!Ooooo – wholecloth!! My all-time favorite. Are you doing that by hand too?Thanks for your kind comment on my boullion rose buds on the smocked daygown. I can’t wait to get the construction further along…
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I like hooping it and not hooping it. Whatever feels right. Smudge is hilarious with his guarding behavior. I love Cat Watching. He’s so funny.We love Lester the Lion.Grateful for Kitty Love, *karendianne.
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Hi Cathi,I do wonder if there is an “Anne of Green Gables” inspired quilt pattern. Have you ever come across one?
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Wouldn’t it be great to make an “Anne of Green Gables” quilt though?! 🙂 I think so far, I have only see a cross-stitch pattern, but it didn’t really appeal to me…
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Smudge – now that’s a great name for that kitty!
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Your cats are adorable!
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