Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will it Take to Complete My Quilt?
Depending upon the extent of the quilting requested, I can complete a quilt in a day or it can take up to a week. You can generally estimate 3-4 weeks after I receive the quilt for completion. I recommend e-mailing me for both cost and time estimates while you are working on your quilt. I currently have a backlog of approximately 3-4 weeks. This can increase around the holidays.
Why Make a Reservation?
Rather than just sending in your quilt and putting in the queue for quilting, I prefer not to have your quilt sitting around my studio any longer than it needs to be. Two weeks prior to the date I have given you, you should ship me the quilt. Also, if you are planning a quilt that needs to be finished for a specific time or date, you can reserve a date ahead of time and know that the quilt will be finished when you need it — even if you haven’t finished sewing it yet! For example, if you are planning to give a quilt as a gift and you have just begun to shop for the fabric, you can reserve a date for your estimated completion. Just allow enough time to ship me the quilt 1-2 weeks prior to the reserved date, 2 weeks to complete, and another week for invoicing and return shipment. Should you need more time to complete your quilt after you have reserved a date, just contact me and we can move your date. There is a $25 reservation fee (or deposit) which is put toward the cost of your quilting services. If you should decide to cancel your quilt, the $25 is non-refundable. However, I can give you credit toward a future quilt.
Will You Do a "Rush" Job for an Extra Fee?
Yes, I will do a rush job. The fee for a rush job is 50% of the project total.
Why Does it Cost More for Some Designs Than Others?
The simpler a design and the farther apart the stitching, the less time it takes to quilt. Also, an edge-to-edge continuous line pattern will use less thread and generally does not require thread changes. A more complex, custom design may require stopping and starting the stitching line, will take more time, and will use more thread. Separate borders designs will require me to re-mount the quilt. This adds to the complexity as well.
I am Allergic to Animals and Cigarette Smoke. Do You Smoke or Have Pets?
I live in a smoke-free environment and do not have any pets. I also ask that quilts that are sent to me be free of cigarette smoke and pet hair. I am not allergic to animals, but just as the quilt should be free of loose threads, it should be free of other matter, such as animal hair, to enable me to quilt it properly. If I receive a quilt in a less-than-desirable condition, I reserve the right to return it (at your expense) before quilting.
Can I Use a Bed Sheet for the Backing?
Although it is tempting, I do not recommend using bed sheets for backing. The fabric content may be different from the quilt top and may shrink differently. Also, thread count is very high in sheets; and this can tend to dull a needle very quickly. There are many wide-width white, natural, or patterned muslins and cottons that are made specifically for backing quilts. If you are having difficulty finding a suitable backing fabric, I can assist you.
What is Echo Quilting?
Echo quilting will put a line of stitching approximately 1/8” to 1/4” away from the edge of your design. This is a custom quilting technique.
What is Stitch-in-the-Ditch?
Stitch-in-the-ditch refers to stitching that sits directly in the seam joining two pieces of fabric. This technique is very difficult to achieve; and my stitch-in-the-ditch will be as close to this seam as possible - I cannot guarantee that it will be invisible unless using invisible or nylon thread. This is a custom technique.
What Kind of Thread to You Use?
I use Superior Threads -- So-Fine Polyester and King Tut Egyptian Cotton. I will use the same color thread in the bobbin as on the top. Standard thread color is natural; but I do have other colors available and will try to select the best color for your quilt if requested. Although I do maintain a small inventory of thread, it may be necessary to special order thread. For a special order thread, you should allow an extra 2 weeks for completion of your quilt.