I have sent a few quilt tops to a LA but only for simple all over quilting for utility quilts. I have not been impressed enough with any of the LA around here to ask for special quilting. I do better doing my own SID. The going rate here is $65 bed size for an all over pattern, using cheap batting and thick thread. The last LA I used I asked her if she had ever been in a quilt shop much less been to a quilt show.