117becca

Dream Cotton batting has minimal shrinking....I did a king size quilt and I don't think it shrunk an inch in either direction. i don't preshrink fabric.

quiltingshorttimer

LOL! This really made me chuckle cause I was thinking the same thing! As a LA I want to have the discussion with the customer about batting, density of quilting, any special concerns, thread color and choice, etc. I remember before I started LA that I'd just hand a quilt to the LA and say "do what you think best"--sure they were not thrilled! And of the 4 I sent business to, only 2 actually asked me any questions and only 2 (not the same two) put information,including price, on their invoice ticket.

When I started LA I decided that it's important to ask a lot of questions about what the piecer is wanting it to look like and also to put info on the invoice--if for no other reason that a record for future info for both me and them. Plus it's a word-of-mouth business and unsatisfied customers are not desired!

but I can tell you why the LA probably asked if you wanted to use the less expensive bat--she probably sells batting that she's able to buy at a significant reduction by the roll and without taxes, may even get an additional discount for being frequent customer, etc and then she plans to sell it to customers with a bit of a mark-up and make some $$ off it. Certainly not unethical and a part of business--but not when you show up with your own batting!

Bree123

Forgot to add ... you could always block the quilts. It should get many of the wrinkles out. I've done it with mini quilts where it matters to me that it's smoother. It's quite easy. I use a thin plastic tarp from Home Depo, some T-pins (JAF) & a spray bottle. It supposedly works even better if you can block on a large heat resistant-water resistant surface and add a bit of heat with the iron, but I never have. Just gently pull the quilt so it is smooth but not too taught (same as if you are preparing backing for sandwiching). http://www.adventurequilter.com/e-Le.../Blocking.html

mamagrande

I usually buy batting on a roll and with a business license on wholesale basis and sell it at retail price comparable to stores in the area. I have 80/20 and Dream Poly.
My forms request Name, address, phone# Date.
Date Due, Quilt name/description, size, Quilting pattern, color of thread.
It has quilting Cost per Sq in, Cost of batting per yd.
also offer: make binding, attach binding, hand sew binding. price per linear in.
Do you want is trimmed? I always give back all the trimmings even the tiny scraps.
I also have them sign and date when they pick up the quilt. (sometimes they have a friend pick up)

I have had good results with all of my questions. If they bring their own batting that is what I use, no questions.

Jane Quilter

i am surprised to learn the LA is choosing your batting for you......... It is such a BIG part of the quilt design, that I would no more let her pick the batting than pick the pieced top.......... I sure am learning a lot since I joined this forum....Thanks for the education.

quilttiger

Recently, I tried a Warm & Plush batting (made by the same co. which manufactures W & N batting). It is all cotton, slightly thicker and soft. After I washed the quilt in cold (which I use all the time), the crinkling was less than usual.

I bought a new batting put out by Quilter's Dream to try out....it is 70% cotton and 30% poly. It is designed especially for machine quilting. I haven't used it yet, but will let you know how it works out.

meyert

Will the crinkling return when the recipient washes it again?

Bree123

Some but not as much at first. It's similar to blocking a sweater. I can get away with a few times in between blocking where it is still pretty good, but eventually it will re-crinkle. It's the nature of cotton & the reason why I generally only block quilts if they are going to be hung. To prolong the time between washings, you can vacuum them with the brush attachment or a piece of hosiery over the hose.

Personally, though, if I know it's going to be used as bedding/play mat, I intentionally leave the crinkles in so the recipient doesn't think she "ruined" the quilt. Even people who otherwise like the crinkly look sometimes panic when it comes out of the dryer like that the first time. Rather than having to explain to them that it's a normal property of cotton during the wetting/un-wetting process, I wash all my quilts twice before I gift/sell them so people can see what it looks like without overly fussy care.

Geri B

When I L/Aed for clients, I recommended they bring their batting of choice, although I did have a roll of W/N both poly and cotton, if they chose, but I did not pre wash!

tessagin

I prewash in hot water and cold rinse. My washer is set with cold water rinses. I dry on hot temp for only a few minutes. When I made the first couple baby quilts before gifting them, I washed again but in cool water and gentle cycle and low heat dryer. Sent a note these were the laundry instructions suggested. I did cross hatching/linear quilting about 1 1/2" apart. It didn't get really crinkly, which is how I wanted it. I also used a cotton batting and prewashed it. My cousin is a longarmer in Florida. She uses what her customers tell her to use and helps with any questions. She gives them a receipt and also has an order form to write down details from batting to templates to thread best for the quilt. She also notes if it will be for a utility or just display.