As a longarmer, we some times get backed up with tops to be quilted. This longarmer got overwhelmed & took on more work than she could handle. To compensate, she offered a "no charge". To send her $300 for the 2 quilts would be reasonable for the work she did & the delay in getting them done. The note of appreciation would be a nice touch as well. Some longarmers are in such demand that a delay is inevitable, but 11 months? I couldn't ever do that to a customer! A delay of @ 2 months, I can see, but this delay was way too long!