Thread: If a LAer finds a 'problem' with something you've sent to him/her - - -

If a LAer finds a 'problem' with something you've sent to him/her to be quilted that will affect/afflict the finished item -

such as wavy borders, skimpy seams that might pull out, cones, backing too small - whatever -

what would you prefer the person to do?

Or what if the problem becomes noticeable part way through the process?

Are you willing to pay extra to have the 'problem area' fixed - or are you willing to 'hope for the best'?

I've seen several posts where the person was unhappy with the results - and in some cases the LA quilting did look really pathetic - but what if/when the top or backing is very 'challenging'?

Several people have said communication is important - and it is - but some people are very touchy/sensitive/territorial about things they've made -

One person (quite a while ago) had written that she was upset that the LAer had taken apart her 'first' top and redone it - it was 'improved' - but it was no longer 'her work' -

This implies that a LAer has to do an 'inspection' before proceeding - which I think would be fair to include in the overall cost.

I think a long armer should lay out all perspective quilts with the owner present. They are usually good but not miracle workers. It isn't fair to blame them for a top that has problems. I think LA should do this to protect their reputation and to discuss possible solutions. They should work out a price chart for any fixes that they attempt. If the owner just wants it quilted "as is" that should be clearly understood by both people.

A book made up for customers to sign for "as is" quilts may be good idea also. They should have a sample book of pictures of their quilting masterpieces as well. The LA then has some protection if an "as is" customer is showing everyone and making unfavorable comments. LA customers should also look through the persons work before leaving a quilt. Just my honest opinion, feel free to disagree.

What about mail-ins?

Originally Posted by bearisgray

What about mail-ins?

Opps, forgot about mail ins. I think In those causes the LA should take a picture of the top with it spread out flat and document the problems. I would store all the digital pictures together for future reference and it would be easy to send a picture to the owner if needed before proceeding. I wonder if anyone has thought about a certification system for professional Longarmers?

I had the same problem. Wavey border, LQS owner found it before she sent it to the quilter. The problem was I had used Batiks thru the whole quilt the added the border with regular 100% cotton. It stretched and the Batiks didn't. So I redone the border in Batik. Problem solved.

The price would go through the roof if we are certified.And who is going to set the standards?It just takes time to build a clientel.Customers you gel with.I was a hairdresser for a long time.I didn't keep everybody.I kept the customers I could work with.Sometimes I needed to clean house[so to speak].The same thing with long arming.You will not suite everyone.No matter what your skills are.Just roll with it until you build up.But it still needs to be said," We can't make silk purses out of sows ears."We can't fix everything.

My LA calls me if there is a problem....I pieces the backing one time and she could not get it centered to her satisfaction. I told her to don't worry about it and to finish it as is. I was able to make the correction before I bound it..all was well.....I did appreciate her calling and discussing all possibilities.

I would like to hear from some LAs about this. I am not sure it is fair to have them put in a ton of time going over your quilt top (time is money). Also if they have something on their frame and come across an issue, how long do they wait for you to get back to them? It probably also depends on the type of quilting you are having done - all over or custom. I think that we should know if we put our borders on the correct way or skimped and just threw them on - I have heard that this is one of most common things they see. I have heard - haven't tried it yet, that you can put your top on a table top and pull it across to see where you have any bubbles or extra fabric - haven't got to try it yet. Unfortunately when it is on the ironing board everything seems to lie flat even when it is not. I know they normally give you a list of things that you need to do (have everything square, threads trimmed, make sure all seams are sewn, etc.).

Maybe we can hear what the most common mistakes are - I would be interested so that I would know where to pay attention.