When I can afford to, I'm sending mine to Charismah. She's got great intuition about what design best enhances the quilt. She's also got similar taste to me, so I know I can't go wrong. I've loved all the ones she's done. Have you checked out her work?

I suggest you go to your local quilt shop ... they will have information on longarm quilters at the front of the store, by the cash register, usually. Ask the owner of the quilt shop, who does her quilts? And just take in one quilt first to make sure instead of taking in a bunch of them.

I second the recommendation on Charisma and a few other board members who's name (apologies to them all!) I can't remember. I believe there is a section on the board for LAQ and then you can look at that user and look at their posts. See if what they do is what you are looking for. Most of the time they post pictures of work they've completed for customers.

If you are limiting yourself to a local person - check around your LQS - a lot of times the sample quilts they have hanging are done by someone who is willing to do professional work. Take a look at the samples and ask the LQS if it's possible to see the back as well as the front.

Once you find someone, get the agreement in writing. Price, what is included in the price, the type of quilting expected, any special considerations (ie a pieced back to be centered), type of batting and thread to be used, time frame, etc. Doesn't hurt to get recommendations either.

I used a LAQ once. I found her work in my LQS and I liked it and the LQS lady had her business card handy. Both of my regular LQS have a space where LAQ's can put their business cards. My lady was local, very easy to work with - of course I handed her the quilt top and told her what I wanted, she suggested something different that sounded better so I gave her the go ahead. She did an awesome job.

I think looking at their previous work is important, all LAQ do have their own style, while some people quilt beautifully, some overdo the quilting to me even if it is beautiful as well so I would probably not send mine to someone who quilts heavily. You want to choose someone whose taste match yours

I've got a couple of tips for you:
1. See samples of the work, either in pictures or in person
2. What is included in the cost of the qulting? What I mean is, sometimes there are charges you don't expect. Make sure the contract or work order is clear and that you get what you pay for.
3. How does the LAQer charge for their work? Some charge by the sq inch, some by the sq yard, some by the number of bobbins used, etc. Is there a minimum cost regardless of the size of the top.
4. Are there different price categories for different types of quilting?
5. References?
6. What is the turn around time for completion of the quilt?

I agree, see samples of his/her work. Talk to other customers. Find out if the LAQ does pantos or custom. Ask about prices. My LAQ only does pantos, and that is fine with me. The price depends on how dense the quilting is, the type of thread used and whatever extras I want (pieced back, binding attached, binding sewn down). Also turn around time. My LAQ is so busy that it might be several months before I get a quilt back, unless I give her a specific timeframe that I need it. That is alright by me, as she only lives a block away.

I honestly think each person has a different taste. I am the kind of person that doesn't like heavily quilted tops since i feel like i lost my work and my blocks are covered with thread (my personal taste), but i just sent my first king size quilt to a board member (gramyx7) and she did a wonderful job. Just got my quilt back yesterday and i am in love with it and her work is beautiful and the price is very reasonable and the turnaround time is amazing (i am thinking she didn't sleep to finish it for me on time...lol)

Here is the link to her work.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-149494-1.htm