Went to a quilt show not long ago, locally. Lots of lovely quilts but yes, most long-arm quilted by the same 3-4 people. All were quilted in the exact same pattern whether it enhanced the quilt or not. They were nice-but I always thought quilting patterns were individual to the quilt to show off the piecing or applique.
There was one entry I questioned (in my mind, not to anyone else). The quilt was lovely, made by a very talented quilter. It was long-arm quilted by the winner of the $100,000 Quilters Challenge. What did this person pay to have her do the quilting? Is this "fair" to other quilters? Of course she won a prize (her quilt alone was prize-worthy). It just didn't sit right with me (and I over heard others expressing the same thought) that why enter a show if this is what you're competing against. I have mixed feelings-what is considered professional vs what is okay for a local quilt show?
Again-the quilts were lovely. I started as hand quilter and always was taught to let the quilt tell you what pattern to quilt on it. Now they all have the same all-over design.
Whew-sorry. I don't mean to criticize or write an essay but this has been bugging me since I went to the show. Thanks for starting this topic-I can't wait to see other opinions.