Hand Quilting - Quilt Books - Tips & Tricks

Thread Caddy - As requested by our facebook fans!

2012-01-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

Updated - Feb. 4th, 2012

Well, I have been tinkering again with the design of our Thread Caddy. The latest upgrade is the beeswax holder is no longer held on with Velcro. I moved it to the lower bolt and seated it into a precision cut holder. This was not an easy task, but I think it is so worth it. Now you can just pull thread off the spool and run it through the beeswax. When the wax needs to be moved or replaced, just loosen the wing nut and it will pivot down. Now you can just pop the container out and pop a new one in. I just wish I thought of it earlier. It's crazy how I will obsess over an idea and then it just hits me. I have been toying around with a "Deluxe Version" in the pictures below.

This "Deluxe Caddy" will have a Clover Desk Needle Threader, a lazy susan spinner and a location for your favorite pin cushion. On top of the lazy susan, I'll mount the original Thread Caddy. This should complete the little work station. I am thinking it would retail for $39.99. As always, this is still a work in progress - so email me or post a comment if you have any ideas for improvements. I am open to any ideas. If you want one, just click the new link ... http://stores.laptophoops.com/-strse-1168/Thread-Caddy-Deluxe-from/Detail.bok

Oh, please share our link with your facebook friends. As many of you know, I am a one man shop, trying to stay busy making our Barnett's Laptop Hoops, Featherweight Tables and now Thread Caddies. I have been blessed that orders come in almost daily now, but I could still use a little help now and then with a facebook "SHARE".

Thank you,

Harry Barnett

http://www.laptophoops.com/

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This was my first design...

I just updated the design - a little simpler and less expensive. I have a feeling I'll make a larger caddy but for now this seems to be a simple and practical caddy. I included two thread holders, two thimble holders, a magnet on the back to hold pins and needles, a slot to hold scissors, seam ripper, pencils, etc and on the far left side a container of beeswax that is held on with velcro.

Thread Caddy / Notion Holder from Barnett's Laptop Hoops - Click here to purchase.

The picture below is an older posting - earlier today. I changed my mind! - Harry

Well, I have been tinkering for a couple hours now on the thread caddy. This is my first attempt, so be kind on any comments. I am trying to keep it simple. So far I have a spot for holding two rolls of thread. These are held in place with a 4" bolt and an "Easy Turn" knob. Super easy to pull it out and replace. In the back of the caddy, I placed a 1/2" slot that can hold a pair of scissors, seam ripper, marking pencil, etc. The bottom plate will have rounded corners and a spot to hold bees wax and cone thread. I am thinking of keeping the other side open for a Clover Desk Needle Threader. Somewhere on the unit will be a magnet that will hold extra pins and needles.

Most likely, I will develop a couple variations to meet your needs. As I said above, this is my first attempt. Any input from our readers would be greatly appreciated. Please post here or on facebook.

Thank you,

Harry Barnett

http://www.laptophoops.com/

http://www.discountquiltbooks.com/

http://www.rockynookmarine.com/

P.S. The cute little girl in the picture is Payton Jane Barnett, my baby girl. We get to work together when Merry and my other kids are at school. I love working at home! If you look in the background, you may notice an Octagonal Rug Hooking Frame on a Bean Bag Base. This is the project I was working on earlier in the day.

The Sunday Morning Funnies ...

2012-01-22T03:52:00.000-08:00

Well I had fun putting these together this morning. I am actually procrastinating on going out to work in the shop, it snowed all day yesterday and it's cold. I'm a big wimp when it comes to cold. Maybe, I'll take the day off??? The Pats are playing today. That's a good reason right? OK, maybe I'll make it a half day. Well what ever I do, I hope you had a good laugh. Pass it on to another quilter you may know.

Take care,

Harry Barnett

http://www.laptophoops.com/

http://www.discountquiltbooks.com/

http://www.rockynookmarine.com/

bean bag

2012-01-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce our new lap base for any of our Laptop Hoops that have those little magnets on the bottom. This new base has a large bean bag on the bottom, allowing you to squish the lap frame into a comfortable position on you lap. Easily find that comfortable angle. No knobs to turn! It also has our trade mark lazy susan spinner that allows for effortless movement when you need to turn your project.

Another new item is our Deluxe Thread/Notion Caddy.

This Deluxe Thread Caddy has a couple added features. A small lazy susan spinner is mounted below the center rack. This allows you to easily access many of your necessary items that you use while hand quilting or sewing. Thread can be easily refilled by removing the wing nuts on the side. A small container of beeswax is included with your purchase. The bees wax has a unique holder that pivots up in front of your thread. This allows you to easily draw your thread through the wax. A Clover Desk Needle Threader is mounted on the side with a magnet to help keep it in place when not in use. On the opposite side we have left this area open for your favorite pin cushion or any other gadget you may need. You can store two of you favorite thimbles on the wooden dowels that have been mounted on the base while a slotted area in the back holds scissors, pencils and more. A small magnet is installed on the back to hold pins and needles.

Thread caddy can hold...

spool of thread

scissors

seam rippers

marking pencils

2 thimbles

needles

pins

bees wax (included with purchase)

Clover Desk Needle Threader (included with purchase)
and anything else that you can stuff into it!

Makes a great gift!!! Note: All the goodies pictured in the caddy are for display purpose only, except for the beeswax holder and needle threader.

Here is another quilting gadget that you may want to give a try someday. An Aunt Becky Finger Protector can make your stitches go much faster, with a bit of practice. I have been told it is not easy to master, but those who do, love it! Click this youtube link to see a quick demo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVXSGob_lKo

Have a cute quilting or sewing cartoon. Send them to me at laptophoops@comcast.net. I would love to post and share them on our facebook fan page or our next blog.

Our little business is expanding...

2012-01-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

I just want to start this post off with a BIG THANK YOU! We ended the year with our best month ever, even with the bad economy. I was building a frame or two a day for the entire month of December. I took the 25th off to rest. I still haven't figured out why it was so crazy, but it sure was fun! As I type this, orders have slowed down a bit, but its enough to keep me busy 6 to 7 days a week. As I have recently discovered, I can't do it all. I have asked a good friend of mine, Rick, to help out with some of the new designs. Rick is an extremely talented woodworker, who is designing a few items of his own to showcase on our website soon. I can't wait to see more of his new items. Check out this little sewing chest that he is making for us.

With a new year comes new designs at Barnett's Laptop Hoops. Starting this week we are developing a new line of frames that utilize Howard Brush gripper strips. These new frames are designed for rug hooking, punch needle and needlepoint. Each frame will work similar to our Original Design Lap Frames, having a solid base and 4 support legs. I will install the same little magnets on the bottom, so you can adapt it to any of our unique lap bases that tilt and rotate 360 degrees. Sizes that are being developed are a 14" Octagonal, 14" x 14" Square, 9"x 9" Square and a 6"x 6".

Another exciting item is a Bean Bag Base. This is another option that I am developing that utilizes a large bean bag, about 12' x 6" that has a lazy susan spinner attached on the top. It works similar to our other base units that tilt and spin your lap frame. The bean bag will sit on your lap and you can squish/adjust the angle of your frame and the lazy susan allows you to rotate the frame when needed.

Books, books and more books! Well we are almost finished with entering the supply of books from my wholesaler. I would say we have about a hundred more titles to go. Thank God! It has been a lot of work entering close to a thousand titles on the website. Our "Book of the Day" category has been working out well. I try to post a new book daily, the key word is "try". Many times it is a new release or a great deal, up to 75% off. I posted the latest book from Jo Morton, Prairie Flower Encore. This has been flying off the shelves! Here is a little bit of the introduction...

"Prairie Flowers was a success and sold out, but I continued to get requests for it here and there. I hated not being able to fill the orders, but new projects and my teaching schedule take up most of my time, an I don't like publishing an old pattern without updating it. Last year it occuued to me that I could resurrect the book and offer new projects by adding an additional 12 blocks and a larger center block for a medallion setting to the original 12 blocks.

This book offers seven projects using the 24 flower blocks. The first three quilt versions are from Prairie Flowers and are shown using the original 12 applique blocks, although you can use any 12 Blocks from the collection. For the "encore" part of this book, I started by making all 24 blocks, and used 20 of them in version #4, the medallion-style quilt, and the remaining four in the small quilt that became version #5. The blocks are great take along projects so the quilts went together quickly. If you're looking for a super-quick project, the two extra projects on pages 15 and 27 are just the ticket. Make a single block and frame it or turn it into a pincushion. Both of these sweet little projects can be accomplished in no time at all-and they make great gifts for your quilting friends.

Now that you know the story, it's up to you to choose what blocks to make and how you're going to use them. Don't you love choices?

Enjoy!

Free Hand Quilting Laptop Hoop Frame Contest and News!

2011-11-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I sent out an update / news letter. Recently we have expanded into making Extension Tables for Singer Featherweights. Square Hoops are now in the Laptop Hoop product line along with a Collapsible Travel Frame . We have a book division, Discount Quilt Books with over 1,000 book titles, all about quilting and most are marked 25% to 50% off everyday. We have a SALE always running on something at BLH and have a special "Book of the Day" at DQB that is up to 75% off. We are developing many new items too, travel bags for your lap frames, an Economy version of the Original Laptop Hoop, a Bobbin Lace Laptop Hoop, Rug Hooking Frame and a new lap base that utilizes a large bean bag to sit on your lap. Watch our facebook fan page or our blog for more details.

A new contest was also just launched. Share your favorite quilting tip or trick and you are instantly entered to win a free laptop hoop frame. Enter before Dec. 20th, 2011 for the random drawing.

___________________________________________________________________

We had a contest winner on Dec. 20th, Nancy from Texas. She won a new 14" Square Laptop Hoop. Congrats to Nancy!

As always, please pass our links on to a friend. Your support of this small family run business is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Harry and Merry Barnett
http://www.laptophoops.com/
Facebook Fan Page

Quilted Bags - Featherweight Tables - Square Hoops

2011-09-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

Carry-all Lap Frame Bags
New items are always coming at Barnett's Laptop Hoops! This week we started designing carry-all bags for our lap frames and the new Singer Featherweight tables. Trina, a good friend and a proud owner of a few of our lap frames has taken on the challenge of designing these beautiful and functional storage bags. She will be keeping us posted with pictures and plans. Here is a quick sneak peek at a prototype bag that holds our little 12" Collapsible Travel Frame.

Singer Featherweight Extension Tables
Here is a little peek at our "Unfinished" FW table. In the next couple days I will be staining a few of these up in various colors. I can't wait to see what it looks like with a beautiful golden oak stain an a few coats of clear. Recently, I found this website that has beautiful decals that you could apply to the table. Take a look at them on this Link...
http://www.keelersales.com/servlet/Detail?no=716

Square Hoops

These little hoops have been outselling our round hoops almost 2 to 1 these days. I actually ran out of stock this week and our wholesaler has them on backorder. I didn't want to wait or hold up our customers orders any longer - so I fired up the steamer and tried making them myself. It takes about 2 to 3 days to make one hoop, but it came out perfect. These square hoops have an advantage over traditional round hoops. This is the frame to use when quilting blocks or borders. You can secure three sides of you quilt equally, and have the edge of your border running through the center of your hoop and quilt all the way to the edge. When quilting blocks, you can quilt one block at a time without moving the hoop, since most blocks will completely fit within the square. No wonder why these hoops are selling so fast.

http://www.laptophoops.com/

http://www.discountquiltbooks.com/

Facebook Fan Page

Thumbs up for the Mighty Travel Iron!

2011-09-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

Might Iron gets a thumbs up review from a customer.

We just got a nice review of the New Mighty Iron from Dritz and I thought it would be nice to share it with you.

-Harry

Here is what she wrote:

I absolutely LOVE my new cute little travel iron. It is just so much better than the other plastic iron that I already owned. First of all the weight difference is significant, so the feel of the iron in my hand just seems so much more durable. Secondly, I always had a problem with my old travel iron's plug falling out. This ones plug is securely attached so no more problems.

Another GREAT thing about this iron, is the ability to also use it as a small steam iron if you would like! You can also use it dry, (which I prefer most of the time in my quilting) and what's perfect, the face plate isn't covered totally with steam holes so I also have solid face plate to iron with. No more little circles from the holes when I press - like a typical steam iron would make. The iron heats up really fast and stays hot. It's so nice to have a smaller iron sitting next to me instead of my huge household-sized iron. (I always seem to be heated out by it.) I certainly give this new toy of mine a thumbs up!!!

- Trina

To order you Mighty Travel Iron from Barnett's Laptop Hoops, just click here!

Hand Quilting Frames and so much more ... from Barnett's Laptop Hoops.

Most of you know by now, I make the Barnett's Laptop Hoops. I bet you didn't know how many new items we continue to add each week. Just for starters we probably have the largest selection of quilting books available anywhere. It has got to be close to a thousand titles. You will get lost scrolling through the pages of books. Secondly, we sell batting and notions. I try to keep the batting at my wholesale cost or 40% off retail. Why??? Well it is a great way to keep customers coming back for an essential item. The most exciting item that has recently been released is the new Featherweight extension tables. These little tables make such a difference when you work with your little Singer Featherweight.

Tips

When I'm hand quilting the outer borders of a quilt, I baste a ... read here. This is a great link!!!

New Travel Frame from Barnett's Laptop Hoops - SEW COOL!

2011-09-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

No screws or tools are required to assemble this little travel size frame. It works 100% on magnet power. These little magnets are super strong. Just hold the legs above the base and SNAP! It instantly jumps into place. The same thing goes for the hoop. Just get it roughly in place and SNAP! The hoop is now locked into place.

Recently I sent it out to a hand quilter in Pennsylvania for a testing and she gave it a great review. Here is what she posted on our facebook fan page.

"Ok, I just wanted to take a moment to give my two cents on how on how I like this new "prototype" travel frame that Harry asked me to test. I wanted to quilt a few nights with it to be sure to give it an accurate opinion. I have to say, I am totally amazed at how strong these little magnets are. I have worked on a queen sized quilt with it, and can pick it up by the top to turn my work and the magnets never let go. I really thought the hoop would just collapse while working on a larger project, but that hasn't happened even once. It honestly works exactly the same as the regular (Original or Ring Frame) travel hoop, only this one breaks down to take along with me. SEW cool :) I give it a thumbs up!"

- Trina

See our 60 second video link on youtube... Barnett's Laptop Hoops - New Travel Frame

To purchase one go to ... Collapsible Barnett's Laptop Hoop 12"

Step 1.

Unpack

Step 2.
Clip on legs.

Step 3.
Clip on the hoop

Step 4.

Add quilt!

Let us know what you think. Post a comment here or on our facebook fan page.

Barnett's Laptop Hoops, 30 Bay View Avenue, Kingston, MA. 02364

Phone: 1-781-248-7291 website: http://www.laptophoops.com/

Now on facebook

New Featherweight 221 Table from Barnett's Laptop Hoops

2011-09-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

New pictures of the FW 221/222k Extension Table. This is an example of the Baltic Birch Unfinished Table. I can't wait to see how it looks with a light stain and a few coats of poly. It will definitely be beautiful. I will post/edit the blog page again with the new pictures.

The picture below is the flip side. Notice the storage book shelf and the adjustable legs.

I just listed one on Ebay if anyone is looking to purchase one. Click here!

Oh, I bet my mother would have loved to have one of these. I have been toying with the idea of making a small extension table for my little Featherweight 221 and today was the day. I am happy to say, every detail came out perfect on the first one. The fit is nice and tight all around the machines edge and the height is perfect, since I installed four adjustable feet. You might have noticed it comes apart into two pieces. This is an extension kit for those customers who want a longer version. This version measures 23.5" x 16.0" and and the extension adds another 23 1/2" to its overall length. Three magnets pictured on the left, connect the two tables together. Each corner has been rounded to allow your fabric to glide easily across the table top. Underneath the table is a small storage area to hide a book or a few small notions. The table pictured here is made of solid pine, finished with a mahogany stain and couple coats of polyurethane. Customers will have the option of solid pine or Baltic birch plywood. This one is the solid pine version, finished with mahogany stain and a polyurethane clear coat. In addition we will have a choice of 4 color options, natural, golden oak, mahogany or unfinished. Each table is made to order. Please allow 3 to 5 days for build time. The clear coat must be fully dry before we attempt to ship the table.

To order your new Featherweight table visit are website link at http://stores.laptophoops.com/-strse-965/Featherweight-221-Table/Detail.bok. In addition to the Extension table we also sell the book, Featherweight 221, "The Perfect Portable" by Nancy Johnson Srebro. This little book takes you through the history of the machine and all the little details you will need to know, if you own one. Another must have item!

Please post comments on the bottom of the blog page or on our facebook Fan Page. I would love to hear any ideas or feedback.

Sew many new items at Barnetts Laptop Hoops / Discount Quilt Books

2011-09-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Sew what's new??? Oh, there is always something new on our website. We recently added a new thimble, a great little desk threader and a mini travel iron.

The thimble is a Colonial Lady Fingers and has received some great reviews. It is an open top thimble which is great if you have long finger nails. The yellow cushioned surface grips the needle and gives you a greater stitch control. It comes in 3 sizes.

The desk threader is another nifty little item that got great reviews when I posted it on our facebook fan page. This little desk threader from Clover will make threading those needles so much easier. If you are over 40, those eyes just aint working the way they use to work and a gizmo like this comes in handy. It is as simple as pushing a button and it is threaded!

Another nice item that will come in handy and I am sure you will have to show it off is the Mighty Travel Iron from Dritz. This is a very compact and lightweight travel iron that is great for quilting and crafts. It heats up quick too.

What else is new??? How about books? There are too many books that have recently been entered into our website that I can't even imagine starting a list, but here are three new releases from the publishers. The Best of Fons & Porters "Tableto p Quilts" and "Scrap Quilts" along with "Make Your Bed".

Small design change on our Original Design Laptop Hoop.

2011-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Small design changes...

As of 8/15/2011 I will install the magnets onto the base of all Original Design Frames. This will make it so much easier for future customers to upgrade a frame to a model that spins and tilts. No longer will you have to screw a conversion kit magnet plate onto the bottom.

As of today, our sister website, Discount Quilt Books has over 650 books listed!!! My wife, Merry has done an incredible job adding books to the site on a daily basis. If you have not scrolled through our book selection, you are going to be in for a pleasant surprise. You may actually be overwhelmed! We still have a couple hundred more titles to enter, so if you don't see a book that you wanted, email us. We may have it, but just haven't got a chance to enter it.

Tips and Tricks...
I will try to post some tip links from time to time, to keep the blog true to its original purpose - hand quilting. Todays link is all about thimbles. I have been fascinated by how many types of thimbles are on the market and how difficult it is to find a perfect fit. This post on the Quilting Board, will help you improve your needlework or at least your sore finger tips.

P.S. I like the posting where a woman makes her own thimbles out of bandaides, milk cartons and duct tape!

- Harry Barnett

Now on facebook - FAN PAGE

http://www.laptophoops.com/

laptophoops@comcast.net

1-781-248-7291

New releases for Discount Quilt Books.com and maybe a new Ring Frame too!

2011-08-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

Discount Quilt Books is growing fast! Just today another 40 titles were entered on the website. To tell you the truth, I have lost count. I think we are close to having 700 book titles all about quilting listed. I will highlight a few books from time to time here on the blog. Small Wonders is a new release from Thimbleberries. It is packed with 44 little quilting inspirations. Clear and simple instructions make these projects fun and easy for any quilter. Nature 's Table Toppers by Debbie Field has 18 original table toppers that celebrate all of nature's seasons. "You will find inspiration for fall holidays, your Christmas table, for fishermen, and bird-and-flower lovers." Debbie includes complete and accurate step-by-step instructions with templates for tracing. Quilt a New Christmas by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins will get you ready for the upcoming holidays. The book includes full-size templates of Christmas quilts, stockings and even a perky partridge pincushion/ornament. (Now say that 5 times fast!) Becky & Linda include a section on general quilt making and applique instructions to help guide you along on your projects.

Here is a little variation I made today for lucky customer out in Texas. I made a small change to a 16" Ring Frame - I added curves. The quilt in the background is a top that my mother started, but never got the chance to finish. Someday, I will have it finished for her.

Take care,

Harry Barnett

P.S. Click this link, answer the question and you could win a 14" Sit On Frame from Barnett's Laptop Hoops and Easy Quilts.

Featherweight 221 Book - Third Edition by Nancy Johnson-Srebro

2011-08-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

Featherweights have a special following with quilters and become one of their most prized possessions. I inherited my mothers 221 years ago and I am sure I will proudly pass it down to one of my three daughters someday. Now, for those of you that know me...you know I can't sew a stitch or even operate one of these accurately. I am a woodworker and inventor - I can't quilt! However, I do find this little machine to be absolutely fascinating in so many levels. From the compact size, lightweight design and quality workmanship from a era that has truly gone by. It is no wonder why this little antique is adored so much and collected by so many.

The book I have featured today on the blog is Featherweights 221 - The Perfect Portable And Its Stitches Across History. The author, Nancy Johnson-Srebro started collecting Featherweights in 1990 when her husband put no just one, but two under the Christmas tree. She instantly fell in love with the little portable. Years later, she published her first book on the subject and it has now been revised to a third edition. If you own or are thinking about purchasing a Featherweight of your own, this is a must have book for your resource collection.

Here is a little introduction...

"Quite possibly the best known, most interesting and sought-after American sewing machine of all time is the Singer Model 221 Featherweight. A "breakthrough" machine when born, it was a winner from the start. The Featherweight represented a successful effort by a great and famous company to meet its customer's needs. you can trace the flow and ebb, the changes of taste, in its history. And the Model 221 just plain refuses to die! Even today, some twenty seven years since it left the line, the Perfect Portable is more popular than ever with a new generation of quilt makers, seamstresses and collectors. This book will help you appreciate, find and use this wonderful and beloved portable sewing machine."

New Featherweight Tables from Barnett's Laptop Hoops - Click our link to see more details.

Post your Featherweight story on our facebook fanpage and please SHARE the link with your quilting friends. You can purchase a copy on our website at http://www.discountquiltbooks.com/ , your one stop shop for hundreds and hundreds of quilting books on one website.

Take care,

Harry Barnett

New lighter frame designs from Barnett's Laptop Hoops!

2011-08-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a couple of updates that I have made recently to the lap frames. Our Sit On Base has as slightly different set up. The first change is 3 small holes that I drilled in the pivot point. This now allows you to adjust the height of the base up or down about two inches. Prior designs had only one fixed height setting. This should help you find a comfortable height to set up your lap frame. The second change is less wood in the construction which means less weight. It may not sound like much, but I eliminated a redundant piece and cut another a little smaller and now it weighs 13 oz. less! I have also made the same change to our floor stands since they work with the same parts as our Sit On bases. The one in the picture above has the updates.

Older Style v.s. New Model

Speaking of floor frames... our 18" Vented Frame is now much lighter. I cut out a larger area of the base, so once again less wood means it weighs less. I may roll out the larger venting to our other sizes too.

I keep forgetting to update all the pictures on the website, but our Tilt & Spin Frames now have 4 adjustable angles v.s. 3.

Well I think that is about it for updates. If I think of any more, I will be sure to add it to the post.

Take care,

Harry Barnett

http://www.laptophoops.com/

P.S.

Square hoops have arrived and I have been busy trying to make variations of all of our designs in each of the different sizes. This has not been an easy task, so if you don't see what you want on the site, just email me and I will make it for you.

Dating Fabrics 2 - A Color Guide from 1950 - 2000

2011-08-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

Look at what just arrived at our shop today, Dating Fabrics 2 - A Color Guide from 1950 - 2000 by Eileen Jahnke Trestain. If I am right, this will be a huge hit with quilters. Eileens Trestains first book sold out almost instantly for us and is now out of print. Eileens second book takes us from the days of poodle skirts and atom bombs to the Millennium celebrations. This book will be a walk down memory lane for many of you, with fabrics from your grandmothers era to current fabrics.

In addition to adding Dating Fabrics 2, my wife, Merry has been typing in new titles daily into our website, Discount Quilt Books. Many of the titles are all marked at 50% off the cover price! Our goal is to create the largest collection of quilting books available to you from one sellers site and back it up with great service. By the end of this Summer we should have 1,000 titles available for you to scroll through online. Our business started out as a source for high quality custom-made lap frames - Barnett's Laptop Hoops and has grown to include notions, batting and lots of books. So please take a look, buy book and pass our site on to family and friends.

You can now "Like" us on facebook too.

Barnett's Laptop Hoops/Discount Quilt Books Fan Page

Free Hand Quilting Lap Frame from Barnett's Laptop Hoops - Enter to win!

2011-08-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

Enter to win a free Barnett's Laptop Hoops 14" Sit On Frame.

We are sponsoring the 2011 Fall Easy Quilts Contest. The issue goes on sale, July 12th. The frame we are giving away is our best selling design, a 14" Sit On Frame. The total prize is valued at $575, with threads, fabrics and our frame. Follow the link to Easy Quilts Contest and enter. Best of luck!

- Harry

500 Books Titles - All About Quilting!

2011-07-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

We just hit the 500 titles mark this past week at our sister website, http://www.discountquiltbooks.com/. ( For now it is linked directly with http://www.laptophoops.com/ .) My wife, Merry has taken over the site. I can't enter all the books in the system and build quilt frames at the same time. In the last two weeks, she has doubled the assortment that is available for you to browse through. We still have another 500 titles to enter!!! Last weeks hot selling was Dating Fabrics - A color guide from 1800 to 1960. This book has gone out of print and we bought everything the local wholesaler had in stock. With the amazing power of our facebook fanpage, they practically sold out instantly. We have now ordered the book above, Dating Fabrics 2, from the publishing company and should have it later this week. It should be another big hit.

Our blog is titled hand quilting, well we started out with hand quilting frames and expanded into other areas. For those of you who are hand quilting addicts, type "hand" in the search bar on the site. You will be treated to many titles from well known quilters in the industry. The book pictured above, Loving Stitches by Jeana Kimball, is another closeout special at 50% off the cover price.

The Farmer's Wife by Laurie Aaron Hird is another best seller on our site. It contains letters from the 1920's farm wives and 111 quilt blocks they inspired. Also included is a bonus CD with 106 Piecing Templates. Here is a sample of the captivating introduction to the book.

The perception that city dwellers had of farm women in the 1920's was generally not favorable. It was commonly believed that the farm wife was a drudge and a slave, miserable with her life, and anxious-if not determined-to see her daughter escape from the farm when she was grown. The Farmer's Wife, a popular women's magazine of the day, with 750,000 subscribers, believed that this view was far from the truth.

"In January 1922, the editors of the magazine asked their reader the following question: "If you had a daughter of marriageable age, would you , in the light of your own experience, want her to marry a farmer?"

The editors asked participant to "consider this question in all its angles. Talk it over with your husband, your children and your friends. Consider not only the financial side of the question but the moral and physical viewpoint and the things that make for real happiness. You wish the best things in the world for your children. Would your daughter as a framer's wife be better off-all things considered-than she would be in the city or town?"

The magazine offered prized for the best 68 answers submitted... and by the end of the contest, the editors were overwhelmed with responses, over 7,000. Find out what 94 percent of the wives answered.

New Square Hoops for hand quilting and so much more...

2011-07-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

Well here it is... one of our first frames made with a square hoop. Over the years, I have had requests for a square design, but could never locate a quality source of hoops. I tried to steam bend my own, with little to no luck. Recently, I did find a source of high quality German Hoops.

These are awesome to work with. The advantages are easy to see. The square hoop is the one to use when quilting borders and blocks inside the quilt top. You can secure three sides of your quilt equally, and have the edge of the border running through the center of the hoop and quilt all the way to the edge. In addition, when a block fits inside the hoop, it allows you to quilt one block at a time, without moving the hoop.

It looks like this will be one of our best sellers. Our facebook fanpage received more comments and "likes" than any posting we had all year. Sales in the first week wiped out my stock of 14" hoops and I had to reorder almost instantly. Pictured above is beautiful quilt top in a 14" frame that one of our first customers is working on. She requested a Vented version and I was happy to make it and add it to our assortment.

Oh, I can make them in 12",14" and 16" sizes and they are interchangeable with any of our lap bases and floor frame. I have not uploaded every size and style to the website, so just send us a quick email if you do not see the size or model you want.

Our email is laptophoops@comcast.net or our phone number is 781-248-7291. Our home page is www.laptophoops.com.

Quilting - Books, Books & More Books!

2011-06-03T04:30:00.000-07:00

Well it is finally launched!!! http://www.discountquiltbooks.com/ This site is linked with our Laptop Hoop site, just click on the Discountquiltbooks Tab and you will discover hundreds of quilting books. Each day I try to add more titles to the assortment. I will leave the recently added books in our "New" category for about a month, so check this area first.

How the site works...

Recently, I have partnered up with a book supply house. I built the website and they supply the books. As they sell, I pick them up and send them off to you at a great price. We never sell any book at full price!!! Most titles are discounted between 25% to 50% off the cover price, everyday! 50% off titles are subject to availability, since these are considered a clearance item.

Recently added this month...

Eleanor Burns and her Quilt in a Day series of books. At my last count we just listed over 30 titles that Eleanor has authored. http://stores.laptophoops.com/-strse-334/Make-a-Quilt-in/Detail.bok

New Barnett's Laptop Hoop Frames!!!

2011-04-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well I have been inspired to start blogging again. Where do I start?

My last posting was about our new website, www.discountquiltbooks.com. Just an update, it is taking a lot longer than originally planned. It is so much work to type into the computer the one thousand titles, prices and descriptions of all the books. I am probably a quarter of the way done. I may launch it a little earlier to work out any bugs, but I want at least 500 titles to start out.

A recent addition to Laptop Hoops are the 16" Vented Lap Frames. It seemed like a good idea, and it was! Orders for the Vented Design just keep coming in on a weekly basis. Oh, the Vented Frames are simply a lighter version of our Original design and it allows heat to "vent" off your lap, thus the name! Feedback from the customers who have purchased it absolutely love it! I get calls and emails from them, just telling me to expect more orders, since they were showing it off in class. I have been working on an 18" version too. I would expect it to be too large for most quilters to use on their lap, but it would be perfect for our Floor Frame. Look for this size to be listed in early May of 2011.

Design Changes - The 12" Travel Frame, now comes with 3 legs, v.s. 4 legs. The 12" hoop is so compact/strong, I thought by removing the extra leg, it would allow more room to maneuver your arms and hands. It works great!

I almost forgot - 16" Border Frames have been added to the site. Additionally, I have offered the option of having magnets installed on the bottom to work with our unique bases. If you are new to our designs, I install 4 to 8 magnets on the bottom of the laptop base. These attach to a small lazy susan spinner on the lower base. This cool option allows you to "pop" off the upper frame whenever you want. It makes adjusting your fabric a breeze. It also allows you to use our frame with or without the base. Another cool option is the top laptop frame can be used on any of our other bases. Hint, tell your significant other to buy you a Floor Frame for your birthday. It would go great with that Vented Frame you purchased recently!!! Now I am just rambling...

Well it's back to the shop for me. I am revising the 14" Vented Frame slightly... new location for the logo and a large center hole. Basically, it will look like the 16" size for consistency and a bit lighter.

Take care,
Harry Barnett
www.laptophoops.com

Ups and downs...and exciting news!

2011-03-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting year so far. Most weeks I have been building a frame a day for various customers. Life is good, when the shop is busy. Then came Spring. Ouch!!! Where did all the quilters go? Do they all go on vacation at the same time?

To off set seasonal sales, we are diversifing the business. Coming soon is a new site, www.discountquiltbooks.com. We will be stocking close to one thousand quilt book titles all at a deep discount. This site is going to be awesome. I can't wait to share it with you. It is just taking a lot of time to build the data base of books.

- Harry

December Sale

2010-12-11T04:07:00.000-08:00

Check out out December Sale at www.laptophoops.com/sale.

It's been a while...

2010-11-24T06:34:00.000-08:00

Sorry for such a long delay in posts. I have been using the blog space as a way to keep my followers up to date with new products, design changes and ideas. I will post another update before the month ends with a complete listing of changes.

-Harry

New Designs

2010-08-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

I promised some pictures of our new designs. I am still playing with the length of the arms, but it should look very similar when it rolls out. I am calling it the Light-weight Sit-On Frame. It will have 3 different size hoops 8", 10" and 12", that will be interchangeable. The hoop attaches to the base with 3 strong magnets. The magnets clip on to a small hinge that allows you to flip up the hoop to look at the underside of your work. I am thinking it would be ideal for needlepoint, cross stitching and embroidery projects or maybe a small quilt project.

-Harry

HAND QUILTING: My 3rd Blogaversary is Coming Up

2010-07-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

HAND QUILTING: My 3rd Blogaversary is Coming Up

Where did June go?

2010-07-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Wow! June flew by so fast. Between making frames, fishing and enjoying summer vacation with my kids, I forgot about our blog. It feels like I don't have enough time to do all the projects on my list. The little business has become a steady career. I don't want to keep track of the time spent in the shop or online working. That would take the fun out of it, but life is looking good for Barnett's Laptop Hoops. We are selling frames daily now, even without a single paid advertisement. However after the May release of Fons & Porters article, I know we have to advertise.

Today I am building a few more frames and then taking pictures to design a few ads and update the pictures on the Website. Oh, I need to squeeze in a couple of hours to go clamming at the beach. Saturday Laptop Hoops is having a Clam Bake/Lobster & Fish Fry at the shop. Good times! Our Tiki Bar will be open too.

My next post will have pictures of two new prototype frames. Check back soon.

-Harry

New Hoops

2010-05-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Wow - Wood bends so easily when you steam it. Check out this Custom 18" Hoop. I can now make almost any size hoop you may need. I listed 12", 14", 16" and 18" round sizes as our stock sizes.

If anyone is interested in a square or oval hoop, please email me. I have not attempted these shapes yet, but when someone asks for one...I will figure it out.

May is our best month ever!!!

2010-05-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

Exciting times here at the shop! We have a small article that was featured in Fons & Porters, "Love of Quilting". The orders just keep rolling in! The power of advertising is amazing. I can see this little business growing into a full time income.

Well I posted a picture on our new items page of a floor frame that holds a Magnetic Hoop Frame and I like it. I have one small adjustment to make on the pivot bracket, but I think it will work well. I will need a hand quilter to test this one out before I start production. Anyone local to Massachusetts, email me and I may ship it to you to test out for a couple weeks.

Yesterday I took a road trip to locate some beech wood for our Custom Hoops. These are extra strong, 1-1/2" wide x 3/16" thick hoops that I steam and bend to custom sizes for you. Email me the size, order the Custom Hoop on the Store Page and I start steaming! This is really cool to do. Making a perfectly straight piece of wood into a round circle is just crazy. I have also ordered a new wood brand with our name and Web address that will be burned into each hoop.

Well it is time to run. The kids are tugging at my legs.

Have fun,
Harry

Who needs thumbs???

2010-04-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, I had a close call with my new scroll saw. It was just a small cut but it woke me up rather quickly. Well I have been bending more hoops in the shop and it has been a frustrating endeavor. I want perfection every time and I hate that learning curve one must go through to get it. Today I learned, the wood must fully dry out from the steaming process before I can glue up the ends. Glue doesn't like wet wood.

The day has not been a total waste. I was able to shoot off a dozen emails to various quilters this morning and received a wonderful picture from our first customer to buy a "Sit - On" frame. Her smile was perfect!!! I believe her husband shot the picture on his cell phone as she was initially trying it out. She made my day even if I nearly cut my thumb off.

Here is an amusing note. My kids love the new magnetic frames. They have been playing with them, sticking each one to the dishwasher, trash can and the refrigerator. It does look funny! It did give me an idea to make little magnets with our Website on it, to go in the box with every purchase. Nobody throws away a magnet! That little idea cost me $225.00 to the guy who makes the wood brands. I use Brandnew in CA., but it is worth every penny.

Recently I have partnered up with Fiber Arts / Mixed Media to try a new promo. We are giving away a $25 coupon to the purchase of any frame or hoop, if you win Susan Sorrell's challenge. Check it out at http//:fiberartsmixedmedia.ning.com/.

May 4th is coming soon. Why is that important? It is the date our frames will be featured in the Fons & Porter magazine, Love of Quilting. I need to thank Jodi Davis for this one! She runs the QNNt.v. Website and she also took a couple of the frames to test out. I am hoping for a nice little spot in a show with a quick demo.

Well it is time to surprise my wife. I am actually going out with her for a night of fine food with the company of old friends. She says, I am never ready on time...but today I am going to be early.

Take care,
Harry

New Designs means fun in the shop.

2010-03-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

My mind is always thinking of a new way to improve a design on the frames. My first attempt at a Tilt & Spin frame was driving me nuts! I new I could do better and I finally figured it out. A little Velcro and a change on the base, a couple new hinges and it was done. You would think my brain could take a rest, but no - it didn't. I started work on a frame that slides under your lap and on my second try - I got it. Perfect!!! Well, I say it was my second try, but I would say I experimented with 20 to 30 variations on paper and scrap wood. I built two. I now have a base that I consider to be a little to tall.

The latest endeavor is making my own hoops. Wow, it's a lot of work, but I bet you can't buy one like it in any store. Thick and heavy duty is the way I would describe them. I want to play a little more with them before I offer them on the Website. If anyone wants to test one, email me. I will make you an offer you can't refuse.

I am also considering making a low cost version of the frames. What do you think?

Well my kids are tugging at my legs, so I better get off the computer.

Have fun,
Harry

Snow storm??? Well it finally came at 8:00 p.m.

2010-02-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today was the day of the big storm. A wicked bad Nor'easter was coming. School was released early, my wife stayed home from work and all activities for the kids were canceled. And we waited, and waited all day. Just rain! Well just rain until now. It finally came, snow, snow and more of it. I can't wait to shovel out in the morning.

Well, this is a blog about hand quilting, not the weather. Today I spent the entire day dedicated to making quilt frames in the shop. At this point I can tell you...I hate saw dust. It covers everything!!! For anyone who buys one of my Tilt & Spin designs, let me tell you how much work goes into each. Well it's a long process that has too many steps to elaborate about here. The price of $99 should probably go to $199. Now I know why the competition charges so much.
I am just tired now, so sorry for the rambling. I actually enjoyed working in the shop all day. It's my little place at home that I can escape to and be creative. I figured out a way to have multiple settings on the Tilt & Spin today after 6 other failed attempts. Good news on the failed attempts, I now have kindling for the fireplace.

Well, email me if you find and actually read my blog. I think it's turning into a documentary of how to start an online business selling woodworking.

Good night to all,
Harry

Just another day at home with the kids.

2010-02-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

Well today was semi-productive. I spent the morning emailing as many hand quilting teachers around the country to see if I could get some help on the website. I am keeping my fingers crossed they like the designs and want a few to use in class. Well I am off to Taekwondo with my oldest daughter.

Harry

Late night and no snacks in the house.

2010-01-29T00:06:00.000-08:00

Hello,

This is my first attempt at this "Blog Thing" and I am trying to think of a way it could work for me. I don't quilt! That could be a problem, since this is a Hand Quilting Blog. I do make quilt frames for quilters. That's got to be worth something? Maybe I can sub it out to a quilter? Maybe a guest blogger can come on each week? I can do interviews! That's it, interviews with hand quilters and we can upload pictures and stuff. If by chance, someone out there does find this blog, send me an email at laptophoops@comcast.net You can be my first interview.

Thanks

Harry