Shelley

Thank you, Vickie!

You said what I've been try to find the words to say.

Knot Sew

I just do my own thing on my quilts, as my piecing improves so will my quilting. I play grandma I do my own completely. It sure isn't going to win any prizes, but my family enjoy them :D

SheilaE

I agree with the Grandma/family issue - I have made several and they go to family members who are thrilled to have a piece of Grandma's heart. I have made quilts or lap quilts every year for gifts for 3 years now (since I started quilting). This year will do table runners and placemats - as I think they are afraid they (daughters) will get yet another quilt. Youngest daughter brought up old t-shirts and we cut them out Easter weekend - she requested a quilt for next Christmas made from her T-shirts - so the outcome will be a surprise - but not the gift. It was fun to "relive" her T-shirts as each one has a story about her travels. Since these T-shirts are fragile - will probably tie rather than quilt.

crazyquilter

This one was a freebie. Occasionally I am asked to do something charitable as far as long arm quilting, and I am happy to assist others as I am able. This might be a certificate for a shop hop, a big discount for a church organization, or other such requests. This particular quilt was put together by a number of volunteers in honor of a lady who worked for the store that refers me to others for quilting. She died of breast cancer a little over a year ago. This quilt will be raffled off and the proceeds given to a family in need. Sue would have liked that! I'm almost certain that other long arm quilters are asked to do the same and probably comply??? So, I guess my point is, long arm quilters aren't really greedy after all....

kd124

ditto what Vicki said.

Skeat

It is too bad that there isn't some type of certification process or something comparable for those that would have the 'knowing' of that 'long-arm' quilter. What so many do seem to forget is those that appreciate the art and always strive to do better and strive to perfect their skills.....that you on the flip of the coin...have ,what I call,' the back yard machine quilter'. The person that has sewn for many years and says they can do it and then does by simply buying a frame, parking their sewing machine and viola...becomes the machine 'long-arm' quilter. Yes, we applaude those that are serious and are passionate of keeping their 'long-arm' quilting or machine quilting professional and serious. But, how many of you out there have earned their stripes (classes, classes, study, etc)are finding around the block from them the gal that is charging the same prices as you ..though w/o the exprience, classes, education, etc. You can say you get what you pay for...but, how many of us don't really know. Yes, there are the obv. ones...and, then there are the others that might appear to look great...but, wait till after the 2nd washing...then what?! No one here is trying to minimize the serious long arm quilter..but, around here I can say there are many that are charging the same...w/o the schooling, classes, etc. All I can say since I am not a professional...they look okay:0) In fact, I'd call myself 'ignorant' on it....yes word of the mouth would be our only advantage...if the word was right after the 2 washings!! I think you that are doing it right and wanting to do it right have missed the point here. I do think this has been a good topic for those that do and have taken the time for classes and know it is ongoing learning...your opinions have educated all of us. And, I know I can not be the only one thinking this:0)IF so....stuff a bobbin in my ear!:)Skeat

rabbit2b

As the new owner of an HQ16, I can't imagine anyone spending the money for a longarm setup and not being interested in bettering her skills. Furthermore, I bet there aren't many of us who weren't surprised by the learning curve. It certainly isn't "plug-and-play" to achieve control.

I became a graphic designer without any formal training, classes, etc. It started as a hobby that I got good at, and ended up doing it as a business for 13 years, at the end of which I was charging $65/hr (in 1998!) and had more business than I could handle. Was I a "backyard" designer? Maybe, but a screwup on my part sometimes had the potential of costing thousands of dollars to correct at the printer. Needless to say, I was very careful not to overreach my ability, and to make use of colleagues' knowledge.

Quilters seem to be a remarkably "open" and giving bunch, freely sharing knowledge and tips, even with those who are or may become competitors. Here in Indianapolis, the guild is several hundred strong, and includes piecers and quilters at all levels. I think people know who to go to for simple quilting and who for show-quality, or can easily find out.

But then again, I'm a bit mystified by what a longarm quilter can do that wouldn't show up until after the second wash...

crazyquilter

Amen! Yes, that has me wondering also... Could the one who wrote the initial statement about the quilts falling apart or whatever happens after being washed twice please explain a little further? And what exactly is so compelling about the second washing??? Are we long armers being accused of using water soluble thread or what??? Or as we touch the quilts with our evil hands and our evil mechanical devices, does something magically cast a spell and after 2 washings, voila!!! Gone??? Is there an ugly, jealous witch in control of the quilt police, egging them on with infuriating statements; ie... Long arm quilters will destroy our craft, they must go, they must not be allowed to continue this...they are undermining our world; they are evil and greedy; we must stop them now!
On a much more serious note... I do believe that long arm quilters have contributed a great deal to the quilt industry, cottage and otherwise, to make it what it is now. How many people, unless retired, unemployed, empty nesters, or those with just an incredible amount of time on their hands for whatever, would be able to complete their quilts in any reasonable amount of time without the aid of long-armers? There are the purists, the hand quilters, and there will always be; I certainly respect and admire their patience and their skills. But let's be honest? If your favorite local quilt shop had to depend on just the hand quilters to purchase fabric and complete their quilts, how many shop owners do you think would remain in business today? (And believe me, not every hand quilted quilt I see is a prize winner by any means!) :D I think the initial expense of a long arm is usually enough to inspire the new owner to be the best that he/she can be to achieve and maintain a good reputation and work ethics.

crazyquilter

Just to empasize the number/lack of hand quilters..this past week, I attended a small local quilt show. There were probably a hundred or so entries. Just guessing on the number, I would say there may have been 12-15 hand quilted and the rest machine quilted. So we old long armers are needed, no matter what some may think!

Skeat

Thanks to all who answered the pricing questions and education. I appologize to those that feel offended by this subject as I did not mean to cause such a conflict. This was NOT meant to offend the serious 'long arm' quilter-So sorry-Skeat