Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose the best size hoop or frame... If you are trying to select the correct size hoop, try this tip: 

"To select the correct quilting hoop/frame, a quilter should measure the distance from the inside of the elbow to the second joint of the first finger or to the tip of your middle finger. I have seen both of these measurements quoted. These lengths are the largest diameter quilting hoops/frames that can be used comfortably, without causing shoulder or back pain. Each quilter should pick a hoop that seems most comfortable for the current project. The most purchased size is a 14" frame/hoop and the 16" comes in as a close second place purchase. Many quilters will often purchase several sizes of hoops/frames, including a little 12" travel frame for on-the-go projects or smaller projects. Adding other options such as a tilting base or one that can rotate will only add to your hand quilting experience. " In addition to that information… larger lap frames can be used on the floor stand that I make as it supports the weight of the frame and quilt off of your lap. You can also easily rotate it to get to the other side of the quilt as you find yourself reaching too far across the quilt top. The larger frames have more surface area and you don’t have to move the material as often… rehooping as it is sometimes called.

Models that I recommend looking at are the Original Frames and the lighter Vented Frames as these two designs can be used on my three lap base designs. The “bases” allow you to rotate and tilt your frame into a comfortable position. The Bean Bag and Floor Stand are the best sellers.

Why do I need it finished? Well, finishing it will help seal and protect the wood for years of use. Treat it like any piece of furniture in your house. I would at least recommend getting it clear coated to seal it. As for color… it just adds beauty to your purchase.

Payment options...
I accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Checks and Paypal.

I know some of my items are now getting up there in price and I understand it may be just out of reach for some of you.  I am always willing to work with you to break up the total into 3 or 4 payments by check or Paypal invoice.  As long as it is paid in full prior to shipping I will work with you.

Hope this helps.

Harry

Finishing information...  PLEASE READ!
I do offer a basic finishing service for a very reasonable price.  I should ask 2 to 3 times more for this service due to the added time and effort on each order.  Someday, I will update the website to reflect the new prices but for now, take advantage of me. :)  I do have a color sample box that can be shipped out to you if you are picky on the color.  I want to point out the wood that I use is a light Baltic Birch Plywood and Poplar.  Typically, these are rather light in color when stains are applied.  It may not be as "rich" or "dark" as you may expect.  If I built the items from a darker wood such as mahogany or walnut, it would definitely have a "richer or darker" look.  If you want a sample box sent out prior to your order, add it to your cart and I will ship it out asap.  If you are really picky... finish it yourself as I offer the unfinished option.  Remember, color is subjective and will vary a bit on every piece of wood that is stained.  End grains are really dark, tight grained wood will be much lighter. Different species of wood will stain up very differently.  With all of this said... I do accept returns if you don't like the item or its color. Unfortunately for you, I do not refund the shipping costs or offer refunds on any customized colors.  Be careful picking a color or just be flexible on the color expectations. 

"Do you ship to...?"  The answer is yes. I can ship to just about every country on earth but some of them will be expensive. My website will figure out the shipping cost.  Customers are responsible for any Customs fees that may be assessed.  Customs fees are very random. You may or may not be hit by this charge and it may be a considerable amount. 

"How much is it to ship to... ?"  The answer is it depends on how much you buy and what you buy.  Our shipping costs incrementally go up as the dollar amount of you purchase goes up, as the box size and weight will increase the shipping costs.  We do not try to make a profit on any of our shipping rates.  If for any reason you think the costs should or could be less, please contact us.  I will look up the exact shipping rate for your purchase and will make adjustments for you.

Construction and Handling Time:  Recently I have expanded into making many new items for the website Due to the larger selection, it has been a challenge to build and ship an item immediately. At this time my best estimate is posted on the top of my home page. Remember, this is a high quality hand-made item so please be patient. Some items at times will ship faster, if I should have a few extras pre-made. Books are subject to our suppliers availability and ship within 2 days.

​Shipping Rates:  We typically use Priority Mail shipping with the U.S. Post Office for orders in the United States. It is a 1 to 3 day service and is reasonable in price. Priority shipping, doesn't mean priority build times. If you should order books only, I will ship it with Media Mail with the USPS.

Return Policy:  We advertise a no hassle return policy for 60 days.  I have worked in retail all of our lives and know what great customer service is all about.  We want you to feel comfortable purchasing a new and unique item online, without the fear of knowing how it works or if you will I like it.  Try one out for 2 months.  If it doesn't work out for you, you can return it for a full refund of the purchase price.  We don't refund shipping.   ( I do have one exception... if you have any customization of the order done to fit your specific needs... all sales will be final.)    

Swap Outs: If you think you ordered the wrong size, contact us for a swap out. We will gladly ship you another size, but you are responsible for paying shipping costs and any difference in price will be adjusted.

Damages:  If you believe your frame was damaged during shipping, please contact us as soon as possible.  We may be able to just send a replacement part or another frame.   Do not return anything to us until instructed too.  We will pay for any shipping in this case.   

If your frame should break for any reason in your life time, call us or send us an email and we can figure out a solution that works for both of us. Sometimes we can send you a replacement part at our cost plus any shipping charges.    

How to use or hoops... 
  • First step is to find a nice cozy chair and brew up a hot pot of coffee or tea.
  • Next step is to lay out your backing in the floor with right side down.
  • Place your batting on top of the backing.
  • Now put your top on facing up.
  • Pin with quitter's safety pins or regular safety pins. 
  • Loosen the knob on the outer hoop and remove the hoop. Put the outer hoop to the side for a moment. 
  • Place the laptop hoop frame underneath the backing in the center of the quilt. 
  • Slide the outer hoop over the top of the quilt. Grasp all the quilt layers and gently pull it downward until the backing is smooth with no bubbles or wrinkles in the fabric. 
  • Tighten the knob until the quilt is firmly locked in. The fabric should be loose enough to lift up slightly 1 to 2 inches in the middle of the hoop. Do not over tighten . 
  • Start quilting, work outwards from the center. Adjust the hoop as needed.
  • Enjoy 


Safety Warning for Magnetic Frames:
Read Before You Order and Use the Magnetic Designs - We use 3 to 6 little 3/4" magnets on the base of our lap frames.  Below is the disclaimer my magnet supplier has on their website, so I figured I would pass it on to you.   If for any reason you don't need the magnets installed, email us and I will customize your order.

Disclaimer: Barnett's Laptop Hoops neither assumes nor accepts any liability for damages resulting from the handling or use of magnets. With your purchase, the buyer confirms that you have read and understood the following warnings, the buyer agrees that he/she is responsible for all damages and injuries caused by the magnets, which include personal injuries , property damages and magnet damages. The buyer must agree with the terms before purchase. Pull forces we provided is estimates only, we are not responsible for any inaccuracy of magnet pull force. Please test the pull force before any usage. 

Neodymium magnets we use are very strong. Handling them with care is necessary to prevent personal injuries, property damages and magnet damages.

Neodymium magnets are brittle; they can be broken or can splinter in a collision. One should wear gloves and protective glasses when handling these magnets, because splinters could disengage and fly from the magnets. 

The strong magnetic fields of neodymium magnets can damage items such as television, computer monitors, credit cards, bank cards, computers, diskettes and other data carriers, video tapes, mechanical watches, hearing aids, loud speakers and VCRs. Pace-makers may be damaged or switch to "Test Mode" in the presence of a strong magnetic force, if a pace-maker is in use, keep a minimum of 3 feet distance. 
You should avoid having constant contact with magnets of any size and keep a distance of at least 3 feet to large magnets. 

Children should not be allowed to handle neodymium magnets as they can be dangerous. Small magnets pose a choking hazard and should never be swallowed or inserted into any part of the body. 
Under no circumstances should you try to cut, saw or drill the Neodymium magnets! Not only would the magnet break, but the resulting dust from the magnet is very flammable. Neodymium magnets should never be burned, as burning them will create toxic fumes. 



       Barnett's  Laptop  Hoops

30 Bay View Avenue, Kingston, MA. 02364 U.S.A.