This is my new set-up, in the garage, while weather is pleasant. My knees said, “No more groveling around on the floor when a quilt needs sandwiching/basting.”
Several of you wanted to see a photo of table legs and PVC pipe. The legs on each type of table may be different. These legs are slender with only a slight curve, and the brace is high up on the leg. We experimented with a paper towel roll to see how long the PVC pipe needed to be. Also, PVC pipe has standard sizes – these are 1 ½ inches. I can physically JAM the pipe on the leg when I’m setting it up, and it stays there. Also, I can do this job myself.
Happy Day! For me, sometimes a small change inspires improvements and creates energy. My table set-up in the garage resulted in a LOT of scraps being cut into 2 and 2 ½ in. strips – already, I feel less stressed, and more in control of my mess. I left the big door open, and could hear the birds outside, and I had a LOT of physical space. The radio was on, and I’m listening to Nebraska Public Radio, Car Guys.
DH became enthused and got to sweeping and tidying up the garage, better than usual. He WAS looking a little worried I had invaded his ‘private’ territory. We even moved 2 lawn chairs into the garage, just for sitting. We even have a wood stove in here. Not fancy but this arrangement does the job. (and ... no TV!!!) (Alright now, I don't want any comments about Ma and Pa Kettle, happily sitting outside in the garage! LOL )
I use basting spray and pins, and yes, there is PLENTY of ventilation! Flies were not an issue but something to consider. I wouldn't leave the quilt here for any length of time.
This arrangement is a major improvement for my quiltmaking process.
(BTW, appliqueing those red flowers was NOT fun!)
I can't even imagine having enough room to set up a table in our garage... DH feels the same way about scrap wood that I feel about fabric -- so the cars live on the street!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visual.
It's amazing how such a simple thing could make all the difference!!
ReplyDeleteAnother option - though just slightly more expensive at $8 - is a box of bed risers from BB&B. Good to go straight out of the box, and easy for one person to do the set up alone. Very sturdy, and leg size of the table doesn't matter.
Happy quilting.
-Michele
Looks ideal. We made our garage into a master bedroom. I am so happy that I have a studio to work in.
ReplyDeleteOnce again Necessity is the mother of invention! Great idea! No more crawling on the floor is a very good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds very pleasant. And no more sore knees or back! Yay!
ReplyDeleteThe red flowers may have been a pain to do but they sure are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI basted quilts on my hands and knees for 35 years. I am so glad I have my tables now.
Here is another option for raising the tables: if the legs are big enough in diameter you could take the cap off the end of the leg and jam a pre-cut piece of 1" wooden dowel into the leg. That is the way we raise our tables at the sculpture show.
ReplyDeleteMy DH, the CarGuy, has the garage full of muscle car parts for the car he is rebuilding. All other cars park outside. Keep in mind this is a 2.5 car garage.
Good for you, Elaine! So much better be basting upright. Wow, with a wood stove and wide doorways for light, elbow room....I would need to stay focused so I wouldn't be thinking about remodeling and establishing my studio. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour appliqued birds and flowers certainly look lovely from here. Good job!
ReplyDeleteNot fair that you nixed the Ma & Pa Kettle thing. Of course, even knowing who they were kind of dates both of us. LOL Great idea for the table and a perfect use of the garage.
ReplyDeleteYour table idea is brilliant, but let's talk about that quilt! It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have seen the PVC pipe being used as leg extenders before. It is a good idea. Do you think I could get my husband to clean the garage by doing the same thing? The garage is always a mess and nothing seems to encourage him to do anything about it.
ReplyDeleteElaine that table is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteYour set-up looks great. And the quilt is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteI use a home-made ping pong table for basting but since we don't have a garage I do mine outside on the deck. If it takes me more than one day to get the job done, I have to cover everything up with a big plastic tarp overnight & pray it doesn't rain. Still, it beats crawling around on the floor!
I'd have never thought of Ma and Pa Kettle... fun image!! How terrific that this became a joint project and the bonus of having the garage cleaned up! You are so clever!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, I love it. They have these at the Quilt Shop but it would be so much simpler to have this at home. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteHope to be catching up now. Sorry for my prolonged absence. Just not quite right I guess you could say although I'm not sure why that's different from any other time. I've never been "quite right." hee!
All your fiddling and work on the applique was definitely worth it! Beautiful, beautiful quilt!
ReplyDelete