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Longarm Machine Quilting

 Then

I began machine quilting in 1993, when there was little instruction available. It seemed that the only person in the country who was teaching the skill was Harriet Hargrave. As I was pretty certain that Harriet and I would never cross paths, I began teaching myself.

There is something rewarding about learning to do things the hard way. I have always figured that mistakes are just an opportunity to learn a better way of doing things.

In 2001 I started my longarm machine quilting business. I still remember how a friend helped me load my first quilt on my longarm and taught me the basics of doing a pantograph pattern. That first year was really difficult, and I wondered if I would ever become proficient at the task of machine quilting for others.  Fortunately, I am a person who is only spurred on by challenges, and I quickly adapted my original quilting style to accommodate the limitations of my machine as well as the needs of my customers. And, I got rid of all those boring pantographs.
 
Now

 Now, almost ten years and hundreds of quilts later, I am still trying out new ideas. Every quilt is unique to me, as is every customer. It really doesn’t matter to me if a quilt arrives on my doorstep with big tucks sewn in the seams and is destined to be a grandchild’s nap quilt, or the quilt is made by someone who consistently turns out award-winning heirloom quilts to be entered in national exhibitions. Every quilt and every person are treated with the same respect, and ultimately my goal is for each piece that leaves my studio to look its absolute best.

 I am extremely fortunate to have so many loyal customers who have a great appreciation for what I do.

 

Pricing

Machine Quilting Price List

My machine quilting usually falls into one of three categories. At times though, it is necessary to combine the different types.
1. Freehand Quilting: .025 per square inch
    This is an overall freehand design which goes over the top of everything.
2. Custom Quilting     : .05 per square inch
    This would include stitch-in-the-ditch and separate designs in the borders as well as in the blocks.
3. Heirloom Quilting    : .055 per square inch
    This type of quilting is the most labor intensive with more intricate hand-marked  designs and denser stitching.

 Note: These prices are listed ad cents per square inch.

 

Preparation and Process

Quilt Preparation

1. The quilt backing needs to be 4” larger on each side than the quilt top (so that it is a total of 8” longer and 8” wider than the top).

2. The quilt top and backing should be well-pressed, have all threads trimmed on the quilt top, and be free from pins and needles.

3. I prefer to use my own batting which I will provide for you at a reasonable rate. I  will use your batting if it is a reputable brand.

  Shipping Instructions: 

1. Place your quilt in a plastic bag which is sealed, and send it in a box large enough to accommodate the finished quilt. 

2. Include all of your contact and return shipping information along with your e-mail address if you have one.

3. I prefer for quilts to be shipped via Fed Ex or UPS as we have the added security of tracking the package if something goes awry, and I have found them to be more prompt than the postal service. 

4. I will contact you once your quilt arrives, and I will get back to you in a few days time with options and suggestions for the quilting and an estimate. 

5. Once we have agreed on the quilting and reviewed the pricing, I will have you send a check for payment in full. I will hold your check until your quilt is completed, at which time I will deposit your payment and notify you before shipping your quilt back to you.