Frequently Asked Questions
What is Basting? [Back To Top]
Some people love to hand quilt or machine quilt on their home machine, but don’t want to take the time to pin baste or hand baste their quilt sandwich. These quilters would benefit from this service. The only thing they need to do is send me their quilt top, backing and batting (unless purchasing these items from us) and I will baste it together so they can complete their quilt.
What is Meandering? [Back To Top]
Meandering is sometimes called Stippling or Puzzle pieces. It is an all over pattern that is simply “meandered” over the entire top of the quilt. It is a nice look for a busy fabric or if you just want an inexpensive quilting style for your quilt.
What is a Pantograph? [Back To Top]
A pantograph is a pattern that is stitched on your quilt. It goes from one edge of the quilt to the other with no breaks. It is a very nice alternative to simple meandering and adds interest to the quilt without detracting from your piecework. I have some pantograph patterns that I use frequently, but you can view other patterns at www.kmquiltingsupply.com or www.thequiltedrose.com. If you like a pattern please identify the pattern name and the company that has it.
What is Custom Free Motion? [Back To Top]
This service allows me to look at your quilt and determine the best quilting style for your top. I will not use simple meandering stitches, but will use various techniques to best compliment your quilt style. I do not use rulers or stencils to accomplish this type of quilting, only my creativity.
What is Custom Heirloom? [Back To Top]
Custom Heirloom quilting is for that special quilt top. Perhaps you are making a wedding gift or an anniversary gift for a special couple. These types of quilts deserve to be quilted with special attention. I will use stencils and rulers and other tools at my disposal to create the best design for your heirloom quilt.
What are Memory Quilts? [Back To Top]
Memory quilts come in many forms. T-shirt quilts and photo transfer quilts are a wonderful way to create a bed quilt or wall hanging to memorialize your items for future generations. T-shirt quilts are made of just that, T-shirts. Perhaps you have a high school or college graduate that has collected many T-shirts over the years. These make wonderful momentos as graduation gifts.
Photo transfer quilts can be made in different ways. I would take your photos, or copies of them, and transfer them to fabric to put in a quilt. We will discuss what you want to accomplish with your items and decide together the best way to display them in this form. These quilted wall hangings make wonderful gifts for special anniversaries. You can view different memory quilts in my Portfolio.
How do I prepare my quilt for you? [Back To Top]
- Trim excess seams, points, threads, etc.
- Press quilt top and lining
- Make sure lining and batting (if you supply) are 6 inches larger than the quilt top in length and width
- Quilt top, lining and batting must NOT be pinned or basted together
- Binding must not be sewn on quilt top
- Mark top of quilt (head) with a safety pin
- Sew lining together unless it is already in one piece. There is a $7.00 charge per seam to sew it together for you.
- Square up your lining so that it can be pinned to the machine’s leaders. Be sure that all four sides are square
- If you want me to bind your quilt, send one yard of fabric for binding (1.5 yards for King size)
How do I determine the total linear feet for binding? [Back To Top]
Measure your quilt top and side and multiply it times 2. This will give you the total number if inches. Take that number and divide it by 12 to determine the total number of linear feet for your binding.
What type of batting do you prefer? [Back To Top]
I have Hobbs Heirloom batting, 80/20 blend in stock . I have used many different types of batting and do not really have a preference. It all depends on what you want for your quilt. I like Quilters Dream batting, and can provide that for your quilt. If you would like a sample of Quilters Dream batting, please contact us.
What is your turn around time for completing a quilt? [Back To Top]
Generally I can turn your quilt around within 30 days, if not sooner. If your quilt must be returned to you sooner than my schedule allows, there will be an additional RUSH charge of $35.00. This time frame may change, depending on the time of year and the quantity of orders. I will inform you what the time frame is and when to send me your quilt.
What is a wall hanging sleeve? [Back To Top]
This is a sleeve that is attached to the back of the top of your quilt so you can insert a rod to hang it on the wall.
How do you ship quilts back? [Back To Top]
I will use whatever service you prefer, US Mail or UPS are both available. You will be charged actual charges. I advise you to add insurance to your shipment, and it is a good idea to have documentation such as receipts for your fabric investment should your quilt get damaged or lost in shipping. If you have your receipts, you will have a better chance of collecting the true dollar value of your quilt. That said, I have not had any problems sending or receiving quilts to and from my customers.
Why is a label important? [Back To Top]
A label should be attached to every quilt you make. It is a document that will enable future generations to know who made this quilt, and if they didn’t quilt it, who did. Why it was made and for whom, when and where it was made. If you would like a label for your quilt, please provide me with the following information.
- The name of the quilt or pattern
- Who pieced the quilt
- Who is it for?
- When was it made
- Was it made for a special occasion?
- Where was it made?
- City and State
If you have something special you would like include on your label such as a special phrase or date, please provide that as well. If you need suggestions, I can help you.
Labels will also have my logo and information that identifies myself as the quilter and the year it was quilted. These labels are printed on special fabric with my inkjet printer and require no special care after they are attached to your quilt.
How do I pay for your services? [Back To Top]
When you send your quilt to me, please include a 50% deposit based on your estimate, in the form of a check or money order. When the quilt is finished, I will e-mail or call you with an invoice. I will ship your quilt as soon as I receive the balance of your invoice.
|