Try this...prob'ly similar to crocus' method.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDcLMiR2SAo

Darn, I just checked and there isn't an online class!

I'lll take a look at my notes and see if I can put a whole day's lesson into a few main points on here. I just don't want to violate copyright, so I'll have to put it into my own words, not copy her notes. In any case, she demonstarted everything. I'll get back to you....
Love your smile!

Can you share about the method you learned....?

I just took a one-day course with Sharon Stroud from NY state called "Handquilting without a Hoop" It was wonderful and I am now almost finished a baby quilt using her technique. She has a really neat website, but a more active blog.

She's a great teacher.

http://www.sharonstroud.blogspot.ca/

Several years ago I ran across Sharon's video and experimented with her basting method on a "king size" quilt, worked like a charm. I have a HQ Sweet 16 sitdown quilting machine and it was so great not to have to remove pins constantly. I passed this idea onto a few of my quilting friends who don't have room for quilting machines or are working from their kitchen table, etc, they now think I walk on water. One thing I use that Ricky Tims suggested is to use Wash Away thread for your basting. You don't even have to remove it after you are finished quilting. If your quilt is going to be washed after quilting, it disappears. Or you can remove it as you are quilting.

Thanks, Rita !

Thanks, Rita!

Here's a link to Sharon Shambers basting technique:

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

Thanks Marilyn, I will check it out.

I'm not thinkin' that wool would move much anyway ! Sticky layers win ! I know there are quilters
who will not use hoop or frame and quilt in their lap...and some of that quilting is remarkable. I
know with my own arth. and multiple hand repairs...I'd have trouble . Thing I love about quilting is
that there is a method for everybody. You just find the thing that works for you. I
started out hand quilting and still love it the most ! and generally have one going along with other
projects all the time. When thread basting is in order I use Sharon Schambers' method .

Interesting, I will try without the hoop and see how it goes. I'm just quilting a baby quilt so it isn't too large. Definitely want to figure out machine quilting next. There is so much out there I want to do EVERYTHING! I'm totally obsessed and can't wait to retire at the end of this year so I can really go crazy! I'm glad I found TQS and have a place to ask questions and get some help. Thanks everyone.

I spray baste all sizes of quilts and if it is really big I might put safety pins around the outside edge because with hand quilting it is going to take me a while to get to that part. I do use a small frame for hand quilting and find that the spray basting is a real help.