Greenfairy,

It's not unusual in this business to have a backlog of several months. If they need it NOW, then charge a rush fee (think of it as overtime!) and fit it in on a weekend or an evening. The people who plan ahead should not be schooched out on the schedule to make time for someone who has not.

Most LAers that I've talked to calculate by the square inch, around here .015 psi is about the minimum. Batting, binding, thread is all on top of that. As much as I'd like to, I can't subsidize the hobby of another by not getting what I need to pay for my investment of equipment, training, and practice-practice-practice. I also think that we should at least get minimum wage and be able to pay the businesses taxes too.

Hang in there. This is a fun business. I love that I get to play on quilts that may be outside my own comfort zone! PM me if you have any other questions.

Shelley