Question for Longarm Quilters...
12-16-2010, 07:07 AM
#11
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 862
These tips are great. Sometimes depending on backlog the quilts will be gone several months. Customers don;t always understand that.
Originally Posted by Shelley
Andi gave you GREAT information!
Here's a few more hints:
Check with your LAer to make sure the batting you want to use is one that she is willing to use. I've had 2 battings that have been brought in that I really don't want to use again. They were inconsistent in their thicknesses, which gave me inconsistent tension.
Don't be surprised if your quilt top will be gone for several months. It depends a lot on how your LAer handles her backlog. Some won't put a quilt into the queue until it's in her hands. Some (I'm included) don't want more than a couple of month's backlog in the studio and have an ongoing list for the months further out.
If your quilter doesn't ask, make sure you let her know your budget for the quilting on this quilt. That way neither of you are surprised when the bill is given.
Here's a few more hints:
Check with your LAer to make sure the batting you want to use is one that she is willing to use. I've had 2 battings that have been brought in that I really don't want to use again. They were inconsistent in their thicknesses, which gave me inconsistent tension.
Don't be surprised if your quilt top will be gone for several months. It depends a lot on how your LAer handles her backlog. Some won't put a quilt into the queue until it's in her hands. Some (I'm included) don't want more than a couple of month's backlog in the studio and have an ongoing list for the months further out.
If your quilter doesn't ask, make sure you let her know your budget for the quilting on this quilt. That way neither of you are surprised when the bill is given.
12-16-2010, 08:57 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: S. Dakota
Posts: 512
Originally Posted by Shelley
Don't be surprised if your quilt top will be gone for several months. .......
If your quilter doesn't ask, make sure you let her know your budget for the quilting on this quilt. That way neither of you are surprised when the bill is given.
Another thing that I address with new clients is thread color top and bottom. In these photos, I used green thread on top and white thread in the bobbin - doesn't look very nice, does it? Unless you're using a higher loft batting, this will often occur with two high contrast thread colors.
I usually match my bobbin thread to the top thread color, this avoids what is known as 'pokies' or little dots of color where the two threads meet. If a customer asks me to use two different colored threads, I'll ask them "what color would you use on top if you were hand quilting?" When they tell me, I then ask "And what color will you use on the bottom?" After looking at me funny a few seconds, they get it, and are fine with me using the same color top and bottom!!
12-16-2010, 04:52 PM
#14
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 66
Originally Posted by smtp5
It is really important to ask questions! I failed to upfront, on the most important one---how long will it take! It was received on Oct. 8th, and I still haven't got it, and hopefully it will be here before Christmas!
12-16-2010, 06:17 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 849
Originally Posted by cdcatlovers
Originally Posted by smtp5
It is really important to ask questions! I failed to upfront, on the most important one---how long will it take! It was received on Oct. 8th, and I still haven't got it, and hopefully it will be here before Christmas!
12-16-2010, 06:52 PM
#16
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Yulee Florida
Posts: 1,011
I agree with everything that others have already stated. I always ask for piecers to have at least 2 inches wider on all 4 sides, the backing and batting for thier tops. It helps in the loading and also helps for some quilt issues that are stretched or pulled. I always try to show many options for thier quilting designs. Most longarmers charge for the density of thier quilting. Also more cost for ruler work then a meander/stipple. Is this quilt going to be placed into a show. There are lots of variables that need to be discussed with your longarmer. Never assume they are psychic. We are not.....
12-17-2010, 02:43 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 849
If the quilter has been in business for many years...most of the questions should come from her, right? I only have been quilting almost 1 yr and haven't any experience on what to ask, but have learned alot through this board. Also, by my mistakes.
12-17-2010, 02:53 PM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: La Pine Oregon, USA
Posts: 5,907
I'm just starting but I can tell you what I learned that I would have never thought would be a problem.
1) I now do a back stitch on all seams that are on the very outer edge. They can and do pull apart when putting on the frame.
2) I now make sure ALL seam allowances are going one way....looks better and especially, if doing SID, it helps.
3) Where seams meet (the intersections), I now pound mine down so the machine doesn't drag the interesection or make a boo-boo. This isn't too much of a problem with meandering, but when doing a computerized quilting design, it does matter (at least on mine, it does).
4) I am more concerned and finicky about cutting loose threads on the back. I just did a quilt (my own, thank God) where the dark thread shows thru on the white top. A little extra time would have made a big difference.
5) Just did a customer quilt -----they pieced the backing -- which would be fine, but please piece it with the same color of thread (white on white or cream on cream batting). They did it in green -- and yip, it showed thru on the white pieces on the top.
1) I now do a back stitch on all seams that are on the very outer edge. They can and do pull apart when putting on the frame.
2) I now make sure ALL seam allowances are going one way....looks better and especially, if doing SID, it helps.
3) Where seams meet (the intersections), I now pound mine down so the machine doesn't drag the interesection or make a boo-boo. This isn't too much of a problem with meandering, but when doing a computerized quilting design, it does matter (at least on mine, it does).
4) I am more concerned and finicky about cutting loose threads on the back. I just did a quilt (my own, thank God) where the dark thread shows thru on the white top. A little extra time would have made a big difference.
5) Just did a customer quilt -----they pieced the backing -- which would be fine, but please piece it with the same color of thread (white on white or cream on cream batting). They did it in green -- and yip, it showed thru on the white pieces on the top.
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