LAYERING MY QUILTS!!

I have two cutting tables, one is very old and the other one I got from JoAnns with a coupon. They fold down to a decent size when you aren't using them, I set them up in the middle of a downstairs bedroom (shove everything else out of the way), I've marked them to match the centers, and they are big enough to do queen quilts on, at least the center with a little hanging over the edge. I clip my backing on to them with carpenter's clamps, and then lay my batting and tops over them. I can sandwich very well on these. I'm still using pins to sandwich, I've just ordered some 505 spray to try (my JoAnns doesn't carry it). This has worked exceedingly well for me. No back aches from crawling on the floor. Since they are narrow when folded down, I can shove them up against a wall when I'm not using them, freeing up the room for its intended purpose, a GUEST ROOM! Guests need to call ahead to make sure I'm not sandwiching while they are visiting!

I'm getting ready to switch play rooms with DH and he's leaving the pool table in it....I've used it before and it works out really well. I have arthritis in my knees and crawling around on the floor hurts.

A local church will often have an area with big tables for events that they might let you use for this.
Our quilt guild has made a deal with a local church to use their family life center once a month for "sit and sew", we each donate $5 to defray the cost of electricity, etc.
The floor would kill my back and I would be out of the hobby after one quilt.:o
I have a canvas topped table made from a plywood sheet that I use for everything, cutting, laying out, ironing, sandwiching, don't know what I would do with out it. It was made to accommodate my now closed drapery business and has a layer of homosote [compressed cardboard], a layer of foil, a layer of thick felt then the canvas. It is a back saver for sure. I do have to put a self healing mat on it to cut.

Shirley,
You sound like me and my DH. We both have playrooms. I have a cable hook up in mine tho lol.

Claire---sounds like you have the perfect work surface!
I am thinking this sandwiching thing would be impossible with my huge Ca. king size that I am working on, so I guess it will be time to take a breath and learn that quilting machine. No layering if I can stretch the fabric on the frame in the right order and the correct side up! I am thinking of labeling the leader bar rollers (or whatever they are called) once I figure it out!

I think that's my problem, at 70 I just have too much problems crawling around and lifting. Bringing them to store is a great idea, also expensive and a trip from where I live, but I have thought of that as a solution. Thanks for all the advice.,

If you have a garage, you could set your tables up there for the sandwiching detail, then take the tables down so the cars can fit back inside. Not good when it is 107 or zero below zero, but it could work for a quick sandwich session.

It is no problem for me to layer everything since I just set it up on my frame. The top is rolled on one roller, the batting on another, and the backing on yet another. I do remember the days of laying down on the floor, taping the backing to the floor, spreading out the batting and then the quilt top. I spent a lot of time going around it and pinning. These days they have basting spray. Short of buying a frame, I would suggest buying some folding tables so you don't have to get on the floor, even if you have to do it outside.

Folding tables will still led to back problems, because you have to lean over--that's why I use cutting tables, they are just the right height, no back aches afterward.

Not my favorite part at all. I don't have the room to do it, and my back rebels at bending and crawling around on the floor trying. The best part of it is packing it up and sending it out to be quilted and she does all the parts I hate. I love the getting the quilt back and sewing the binding on. I love the hand sewing of the binding I find it very relaxing.