WWQP Bulletin Board

Monday, May 18, 2009

questions for long arm quilter?

I'm thinking about taking a quilt to a long arm quilter that is sort-of in my neighborhood. By that I mean she works out of her house, and is within 10 miles of me.
What questions do I ask other than pricing? I know to ask if she smokes, has a cat, but what else should I ask? Do I get references?
I met her briefly at my quilt guild meeting several months ago, but don't know anything about her.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sara in Fla.

5 Comments:

  • At May 18, 2009 at 3:15 PM , Blogger Kathi in Idaho said...

    I know I'd certainly ask to see examples of her work. Ask others who have used her, not just the ones she tells you to ask. You also need to know what the difference in cost would be for the different types of quilting, i.e, pantogram, hand guided, extra detail in the quilting, etc.

    Kathi

     
  • At May 18, 2009 at 3:51 PM , Blogger judy in ar said...

    She should be able to show you--and you make the decision--what designs she has and what you both think will look good on your quilt. Also find out when the quilt will be ready and how long it will take her to quilt it. My quilter has a computer program and it tells how long each row takes to quilt. You can sort of figure out how much she is making per hour if you want to know.

    judy in ar

     
  • At May 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM , Blogger Judy in Ohio said...

    The longarm quilter I use is a woman I have never met in person but she came highly recommended by another woman I do know. I mail my quilt top to the quilter one week before she is ready to load my quilt on her machine. I tell her "designer's choice" which means I let her decide what pantograph pattern she wants to use and emails me the design before she actually uses it. I always agree. I let her select the thread as well. Shirlee has done four quilts for me thus far and I've always been pleased.

    I would never leave a quilt with a longarmer unless you knew she was ready to go to work on it right away. I would not quibble too much about cost ... if she's good, she'll be worth every penny. (If she's too cheap you don't want her working on your quilt. You get what you pay for.)

     
  • At May 18, 2009 at 10:24 PM , Blogger judy in ar said...

    Another point--ask if she provides the batting and if so, if it's included in the cost or if you have to pay extra. If she provides it, find out if it's one you like so that you can bring your own otherwise.

    The reason I mentioned cost isn't so much as to bargain but so you won't be unpleasantly surprised or unprepared when you pick up your quilt

     
  • At May 28, 2009 at 8:13 AM , Anonymous riley said...

    I would ask for a estimate of cost (detailed, so I know what is or is not included in the price). I'd also ask for estimated completion date. I would ask to see examples of her work. I would not try to figure out how much she makes per hour because that is none of my business, any more than it's my business to know how much my dentist makes per hour. If I liked her work, I'd hire her.

     

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