topstitch

I have never understood why some longarmers do not quilt their quilts in the order that they are received. If you don't have the thread or a desired design why not have the owner hold the quilt until the supplies are available. I just heard a quilter talking about her longarmer holding one of her tops for over 3 months. She finally went to pick it up and the one the quilter had done wasn't even her quilt. That hasn't turned up yet. Three to five quilts in waiting is a great idea but I doubt the hoarders will abid by that.

valleyquiltermo

I'm in agreement with ckcowl, this is also the way I do quilts and customers.

gramarraine

The LAQ that I have used for about 10 years tends to quilt the quilts in the order they come in unless she has someone that has a speedy need and some that are in no hurry. She has one that I am having done for our travel trailer that I will not need until summer and one that I don't need until Christmas. I am not sure what order she will put them in. I really like her work so I am willing to work with her. If I am doing a quilt that I know I will have a deadline to meet I always call her and ask her to put my name on her list for a certain time. That way she knows it is coming and be ready for a deadline. She has not failed me yet. I guess all quilters are a little different and once you find out how yours works you can work with her.

Geri B

I am a professional longarmer (meaning I take clients) and my waiting time is 4/6 weeks. None of my ladies have ever expected a top to be done in 2 weeks......but that is just how I operate. I only work at it for 3/4 hrs daily.....I do have other responsibilities in my life....house to clean, meals to cook, laundry to do, DH to pay some attention to, and of course my own piecing. I do not E2E on any tops.....I treat each one as if if were my own and quilt it that way...
and yes, it does take a good 45 min to 1 hr to load, clean machine, oil, set up and start. And, yes, my clients begin bringing in their Christmas quilts in June/July "just in case" and because I take two weeks before holiday for my own "stuff".........but that is just me, everyone works the way that works for them............and their clients.

40MPHK9

When I discussed my quilt with her, she suggested an all-over stipling, and something more detailed (leaves, I think) in the border. Same type of thing for my wall hanging. So from what I know, that isn't an extremely detailed thing. She did tell me there were a few (4-6??) ahead of me at that time, which is now coming up on six weeks. And she told me four weeks. I understand completely if she's had knee troubles, but I kind of wish she would've kept me in the loop, instead of me having to call her and feel like I'm nagging her....

I met someone last Sunday who is a quilter, and she told me about another woman nearby. I may try her next time. This same woman also offered to teach me to HAND quilt. Not sure if I'll take her up on that, as I usually use my 'non-sewing' time to crochet.

amandasgramma

As others have said -- there are variables. I've stopped taking customer quilts - I have 14 on the shelves to be done and I plan on traveling this summer (after all, I'm RETIRED!). This is a part time job for me, I have a life beyond quilting, and I'm SLOOOOOW! I do custom quilting for the most part. I have a King quilt on the machine right now ---- VERY VERY dense quilting (for a show) and it's taken me a month. I have another 2 days work, I believe. I've also had health problems that have slowed me down even more.
Your quilter SHOULD have told you when it would be done, and then called you if she couldn't make the due date. That being said --- I find it MOST irritating when someone constantly calls me to ask how I'm doing. I mean, calling every other day. I told one customer when it would be done.....something like 3 months away. She started calling me once a week and then the closer the due date was she started calling every other day. Folks -- that took away from my quilting time!!!!!!! So please be courteous, ask her when her new due date is, then give her a day or so --- THEN start calling -- don't call BEFORE she's even had time to get it on the machine.

Peckish

Ordinarily I would agree with this, but the OP has stated that the quilter has given her 2 different dates, the first one has passed and the second one is right now, so I think it's reasonable for her to call and ask about the quilt.

40MPHK9

Yes--she initially told me four weeks, then I waited a little over a week past that before I called her....then she said she'd 'probably' be calling me the next week. Which is this week, and it's already Friday.

I am very aware of not nagging her...nothing to be gained by that. HOWEVER, when I did call her she said, "I told you I wasn't sure when I'd get to it" which is definitely NOT what she told me! She told me FOUR WEEKS. It is now almost six weeks.

amandasgramma

I was speaking generically (apparently too vague) - I was telling you about a customer I had -- in your case, I'd be giving her a few more days, then show up at her door. She's even more vague than me!!!! I have had my share of illnesses and problems, but I have met my deadlines.....at least I believe I have!!!!!

40MPHK9

OK, tomorrow will be SIX WEEKS since I took my quilt top to her. I am calling her tomorrow.

I am starting to get angry, and I don't like feeling this way. She has not called me ONCE, to let me know her four-week deadline wouldn't be met. And she DID tell me four weeks! I understand if she's had physical issues, but how hard is it to pick up the phone??