Not being able to afford quilting
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,973
Start small and you will be amazed at what you accomplish. Start with a walking foot, not in the ditch but just up and down, back and forth. Whenever I want something that I can't afford yet, rather than getting myself into debt, I set money aside until I have enough. Longarmers can really make a simple quilt spectacular. But, not every quilt needs to be spectacular
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,255
I'd go through the stack of tops and divide them by a) absolutely needs to be long armed, b) nice to long arm, c) I could quilt in a pinch. Then I'd save up for the long arming and tackle the ones I could do in a pinch. I'd use my walking foot and either do a grid or stitch in the ditch. As I got better, I might find I could maneuver my machine a little easier and get a little fancier. But I allow my quilts to NOT be perfect. At least they are finished, and I can give them away, sleep under them, or even use them as tablecloths or picnic blankets.
I have found that free motion quilting is too stressful for me. I worry about it constantly so I have stopped doing it. I do quilt bigger quilts in sections and sometimes I do some free motion in those. But mostly, I just use my walking foot, and I'm getting better at it all the time. I recommend Leah Day's book on walking foot quilting. It really helped build my confidence.
I have found that free motion quilting is too stressful for me. I worry about it constantly so I have stopped doing it. I do quilt bigger quilts in sections and sometimes I do some free motion in those. But mostly, I just use my walking foot, and I'm getting better at it all the time. I recommend Leah Day's book on walking foot quilting. It really helped build my confidence.
#23
Many years ago I clamped and pushed a quilt through my machine and at first the were a bit rough. After that on larger quilts I started hand quilting them. I have never long armed a quilt but sure would love to and am thinking about it. Even my avatar is hand quilted. I was unable to get the majority of the quilt under the machine so that took care of that . For years I used my grace frame and my Brothers 1500se. Right now it is not working either. Seems the frame is out of wack right now. Recently I have been doing QAYG projects that allow me to quilt on my smaller machines with little to no stress on my arms. My home quilting is always evolving for this I am grateful. I have no clue where the future goes. You might want to try a number of different techniques. Don't give up!
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: lexington ky
Posts: 1,418
I do too. My first quilt was only stitch in the ditch. Practice makes you better especially FMQ. Even after all these years that I have been quilting ,mine are no where near what a professional can do,but I still feel proud of them and it gives me a sense of accomplishment.
#25
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 640
I, too, enjoy the creativity of the patchwork much more than the quilting. I have a basic longarm that I bought to quilt my own. I do not quilt for the public. I made a deal with one of my friends -- she could use my machine to quilt hers if she would also quilt mine, one for one. Unfortunately, she passed away before she ever got started. But, it was a good idea. Maybe this idea would work for someone else. Yes, that was a simplified explanation. There was a lot of discussion with training, thread, supplies, etc. There is also an element of trust. She was a dear friend. I don't think I would do it with a stranger. But, a sister quilter isn't a stranger for long.
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,893
Yes, I find that having quilts done by professionals is expensive. I'm not saying it's not worth it, I'm just saying I can't afford to have all of my quilts quilted professionally. I decided that when a quilt I was not too enamored with was finished and ready to go to the quilter. It was a bed size quilt and would cost about $160.00. Once I calculated everything, I decided then that I didn't like that quilt that much, so it's still in the closet.
Since then, I mostly make throw or lap size quilts that I can do on my own machine. If it's special, I'll still use the long armer, but mostly, I just use my walking foot.
bkay
Since then, I mostly make throw or lap size quilts that I can do on my own machine. If it's special, I'll still use the long armer, but mostly, I just use my walking foot.
bkay
#29
The only quilts I send out are King because I just can't wrestle with one that big and our bed is that size.
I know a woman who does a King for around 120. That's a good price. She does a wonderful job.
Right now I'm almost finished with one to send her. She also provides the batting in that price but I want
to use wool this time so I will send it along and she will deduct the price of the batting she uses. She's done
2 quilts for me and I've been very pleased. She said with the quarantine she's backed up 3 weeks which to me
doesn't sound bad at all.
PM me if you want her info.
I like toverly's advise also. Save up till you have the money to have it quilted. Good idea.
I know a woman who does a King for around 120. That's a good price. She does a wonderful job.
Right now I'm almost finished with one to send her. She also provides the batting in that price but I want
to use wool this time so I will send it along and she will deduct the price of the batting she uses. She's done
2 quilts for me and I've been very pleased. She said with the quarantine she's backed up 3 weeks which to me
doesn't sound bad at all.
PM me if you want her info.
I like toverly's advise also. Save up till you have the money to have it quilted. Good idea.
Last edited by SusieQOH; 04-18-2020 at 05:27 AM.