quiltingshorttimer

I have used the same type of set-up on two quilts now--one with a panto and with FMQ. Neither are easy as a beginner (although I like the creativity of the FMQ). So while I urge you to give that a try, realize that YOU may not be up to quilting the type of designs you envision when you first start. Sorry about the mess up--hope you did not spend top $$ on this quilt either!

Robinlee

I agree is Gramie bj, I would take it to whom recommended her. This nearly made me "sick", as a reminder to me. I made the most prettest top that I've ever done. Took it to a local LAQ with her own shop, cause I had heard she was soo-good. NOT! NOT! NOT! ever again. This was 3-4 years ago, it was my first quilt that I was keeping and this "witch" ruined it....Someday, when I get over it, I will rip out the crappy stitching (she even left places without stitches that should of been done to match the other area's) and I will send to my trusted LAQ I found since. A true lesson learned.

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ptquilts

You may think you are "Too nice" to confront her (and I'm sure you ARE a nice person) -- but you are NOT doing her any favor to let her go on thinking this is acceptable work.

How about sending her a letter or email, with pictures? No confrontation but she will get the message that her quilting is not up to snuff.

alwayslearning

I agree. They should see what they are recommending.

Deborahlees

I have never used a LAQ, I have never ripped out my quilting......I only make quilts that I can quilt myself (nothing larger than a twin and that is a push). In the past I have always done a primative FMQ, I am getting better with each new one I make. The last one I even tried rather successfully doing a pattern on my wall hanging/banner......
My humble question is how long is it going to take to rip out all that quilting ????? will you be able to reuse the batting and backing.....my heart hurts for you when I see how badly it looks....

quiltbuddy

My first quilt I took to a long armer I was not happy with. It has little tucks, was very expensive and I hate the batting she used. This quilt was a blended Trip around the World using very small squares so I had many, many hours in it. Lesson learned. I think when you find a long armer you want to use give them something simple to do first to see if you like their work.

cmw0829

I'm glad you're going to have this redone. The work was terrible and even if your niece didn't see the errors, you'd always know they were there. You will feel so much better giving her a well-quilted quilt. And if you don't make the Aug 1 date, well...it won't be cold for a while.

I understand your reluctance to tell the quilter face to face how bad the work was - my personality has a hard time with it as well. However, you must show it to the people at the fabric store.

Deborahlees

I think that is an excellent idea, a simple non valuable item first to test the results.....and also would it not be acceptable to ask to see samples of their work first !!!! and ask how many years they have been doing this ( 3 months vs 3 years) and how about ask for a list of clients you could call to ask about the quality of their work......
We can all think of what we could have... should have done....but this also should be a good learning curve for us to use in the future.....

kcferrel

Perhaps you should post a picture (s) and get some feedback, I think the hardest part is in allowing someone else to "finish" your project... I have also found that my lqs is very selective in who they recommend you to... they save the really good ones for themselves (imho)...

hisgrace

I just finished my first quilt too, only I hand-quilted mine. As much as I love it, I can only imagine how upset you must be!!

If it's not truly horrible, I would try washing it and see what it does. I could hardly see my stitching after washing & drying mine. Mine was supposed to be for a brand new great-niece - now if I can only get our niece to e-mail me back with her address, so I can SEND it to her! Otherwise, I might just keep it myself!!

I had no idea that you could rent a longarm machine and use it - how would I go about looking into this in my area???

My sympathies for your quilt baby, and all my hopes that she can be fixed!



p.s. I finally found where you had posted the pictures of the quilting. Oh. My. Goodness! This IS truly horrible!! I know it would be horribly difficult for me - I hate confrontations of any sort - but maybe get someone (another quilter!!) to go with you, and yes, this lady needs to be told that this is NOT professional grade quilting!!!