Originally Posted by
joe'smom
If I ever go this route, how do I go about finding the longarmers in my area?
check at your LQS--often they will know of several in your area. Also, many guilds keep a list of members that long arm. Go to local quilt shows and look at who quilted the ones you liked the best (the quilting). Each of us tend to have a niche--computerized vs. free hand; E2E vs. custom vs. lots of ruler work, heirloom, etc and of course "traditional" vs. "modern"--Ask lots of questions when you contact them--computerized? FMQ? ruler work? pantos? turn around time, ask to see samples, what type of bat they use (or recommend), if they will use your bat (or if there are limits on that), backing--yours? theirs? arrangements on pick up/delivery? and of course--pricing!