I would be concerned about not having an estimate of the cost in place or at the very least a budget. what happens if she finishes the custom job and tells you it is $500? Will that come as a shock or price is no object? I am assuming you have seen this LAQ work or at least pictures of her work and you definitely want her to do it. But I would definitely want to know how much or at least a ballpark within $50 give or take before the first stitch is put in.
As for the wait, I do LAQ for others. In addition to discussing price (which is usually the first order of business) I always give a time table, however, I only pencil someone into a date frame until quilt is actually in house. (75% of everything I do is mailed to me) I have had too many situations where people want to reserve a spot then the quilt never shows. So for me, the quilt isn't in my que until it is in my possession. But that said, when I receive it, I contact the person to let them know it arrived safe and sound and then discuss designs if that hasn't already happened and give them a time line. Life does happen. If I get sick or my machine breaks down, family crisis, any number of things can happen and depending on the severity of the situation I can see where communicating to a LA client that a relative just passed away or I can't even get out of bed due to illness would not be on my radar.
It would not be out of line for you to ask she mail the top back if you prefer to go elsewhere and she hasn't started. i would also discuss a budget before she starts. This getting a price after it is all said and done does sound to me like your quilt is being held hostage for ransom!
Last edited by feline fanatic; 03-13-2014 at 06:50 AM.