Please ensure the quilt top is flat (without puckering), squared up, clean, that all seams are secured, and hanging threads are clipped. The quilt should receive a final pressing before it is carefully folded to minimize wrinkling. Please pin a paper to the top of the quilt labeled ‘TOP.’ I need your quilt top, and the backing (which needs to be “4” larger than the quilt top on all sides). I can provide the batting; in fact, I would prefer to provide the batting to ensure its quality, and so I don’t have to de-wrinkle the batting prior to quilting. I will not use lower end batting (any batting that pulls apart easily, is inconsistent, or has stick-like wood splinters) in my machine. If you want the quilting to really pop, I would suggest using two layers of batting. Quality batting makes a huge difference in the finished look of your quilt.
If you would like me to sew the backing pieces together, I am glad to do so, but will charge my hourly fee of $25/hour. Otherwise, please have it already sewn together, and make sure your backing is square and 4” larger than the quilt top on all sides. I also need you to provide a completed Intake/Order Form (on my website). If you are local, you may bring the quilt to my studio or arrange to meet somewhere so we can review quilting patterns, thread colors, batting choices, and measure the quilt together. We will review the quilt costs together and you will receive an estimated price before you leave the studio. Please contact me to make an appointment for this visit. If you are not local, or cannot make it to my studio, please complete an Intake/Order Form and return it to me, after which we will have an Intake Conference by telephone to go over the plan for your quilt. Can’t wait to talk to you soon!!!
Different thread colors, of course, provide different looks to your quilt. In general, if the pieced quilt demands the attention, I like to use colors that blend well with the quilt to let the piecing make the statement. If you’d like the quilting to make a statement, a contrasting or more bold color can be used to give dimension and show off the quilting. It is difficult to tell by looking at spools of thread which will be the best for your quilt. If you are local, I would suggest coming to my studio so we can ‘audition’ many threads so you can make a choice based on your preference. If you are not local, I can ‘audition’ some thread choices for you by email or text so you can still make the best choice for your quilt.
If you provide your quilt to me by mail, it should be sent to my Quilting Design By Pam address listed on the website. I would strongly suggest you insure your package. It would be nice if you would provide me with a photograph of your quilt top. I will call you upon its receipt to discuss a plan for your quilt, and provide you with an estimate of cost and time frame for its completion. Once it is completed, I will contact you electronically and provide a final Invoice. The Invoice must be fully paid prior to return of the quilt to you. [You can pay by check through U.S. Mail, or Venmo to Quilting Design, LLC.] The quilt will be sent by USPS, and a tracking number will be provided to you.
NOTE: As a quilter myself, I understand how valuable your quilt, along with the time, energy, and fabric invested, is. My quilt studio is clean, smoke free, and pet free. Your quilt will be handled and stored with extreme care until it is ready to be returned to you.