I've been through a variety of stands through the years. It is most important that the chair to table height fits yourself. Propping the pillow on something and having it rest on your lap is one way to get the working surface at a usable height. The shoulders should be relaxed, upper arms hanging down, and elbows bent about 90 degrees. It's like the recommended working height and posture for typing.
When I first started, my teacher suggested using a TV Tray. It was lower than the normal table, and would fold up for transport if needed. That works fine with some chairs, but is too tall for other chairs. I then got an adjustable folding stand from Kenn Van Dieren. That worked fine until I went to IOLI conference and needed to be able to put it in a suitcase. I then got one made that was three inches shorter so it fit my largest suitcase. But being shorter, it's comfortable only with short chairs. There are several different stands around that fold, and are intended for cookie pillows. Then the adjustable Rubbermaid tables came on the market. It has been a favorite at home since the height can vary with chairs or pillows, and is a bit larger surface to hold accessories. It also folds to take to demos. The Rubbermaid, or similar barnd, table adjusts to four heights, and is flat. There's another adjustable table with "L" shaped legs that has to be carefully checked out. I got one that can't be adjusted flat. It was an imitation of the original table and, though cheap, was a bad buy. Buy from a reputable company and watch the bargains carefully. The ultimate in a table that's easy to transport to classes, meetings, demos, etc., is the Instand Portable Computer table. (No connection to the company, just a satisfied customer.) It comes in two sizes. It has a flat tray top, and a set of folding legs that come in a bag about 3 x 2 x 12. It doesn't take much room in a bag or suitcase, quick to set up and take down, has a non-skid top so the pillow doesn't slide off, and can be set up on a slant if desired. It is expensive so cost must be considered. For practical use, I like the Rubbermaid variety best. For travel, I like the Instand. For cost, the plastic tables would be least expensive (under $20) with folding wooden stands next (under $100) and the Instand most expensive ($120+). Of course, if you want to go really deluxe, I've seen fine furniture round tables with adjustable height and ability to slant. There could be other tables around that would also serve the purpose. I have a manicure table that I had shortened 4 inches that is a favorite. The legs fold up for transport but it is heavy. I only take it when I'm doing multiple days of demo (county fair). I make most of my lace in the living room while the TV is on. (I have this odd idea that I should spend part of each day in the same room with DH.) My table is designated to whatever project I'm doing that day, usually lace, and not used by DH for anything. Use whatever works for you, and expect to try different methods with different pillows or projects. I have even worked lace in a recliner chair with a small cushion propping up the far side of my pillow. Doesn't work with all projects but it does with some. Alice in Oregon... hoping to stay home on this wet, snowy, windy day. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Katelyn Schreyer" <[email protected]> I am wondering what everyone is using as a pillow stand for a cookie pillow. Do you have a freestanding prop only used for your pillow, or do you make all your lace with the pillow propped up on the kitchen table? If you have a prop for use on a table, did you make it or buy it? - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003/albums/most-recent
