Do you choose a longarmer by word of mouth?
 

i have talked to and inquired about many longarmers and i've looked at their work, so i chose one close to home, who is very talented. i've read here on the board about quite a few mishaps and i wonder how does this happen? how do others decide who will quilt their projects? please share your insights...Thank you!

I chose one from an Internet search. She's really good and I've even seen her work in quilt magazines. I chose another by word of mouth, a recommendation from someone on this board. Her prices are reasonable, she has a quick turn around and does very nice work.

I once used the services at the LQS thinking it was a "safe" choice.... .wrong ! Now I use members of this board , having seen the talent that participates here was very eye opening as to what is available.

there is some fabulous talent on the board, i'll agree, i have a phobia about shipping something i've worked so long on a great distance...[with my luck]...

I see quilting on quilts at Show and Tell when at guild. All the same, loops or edge to edge quilting done in off white thread. Seems every widow bought a LA machine and now does quilting for hire. I let them do my donation quilts. For my keep quilts I find a LA online that has a nice website, her business depends on the quality of her work and the reviews from her customers. There are hundreds to choose from, just pick one.

Word of mouth is important, but be sure that the person giving the recommendation is looking for the same that you are in a longarmer. Some are only interested in price, others only want pantographs, others want dense custom quilting, some want fast turnaround, others don't care, etc. Although a longarmer may be able to do many things, some specialize only in certain types of quilting. There are a few horror stories on the board, but most seem to be quite happy with the work of their longarmers, so don't stress too much. That said, I think I don't think I would try out a new longarmer with a quilt that was really important to me. Give her a "practice" quilt first.

I chose by location. Since the closest one is in my back bedroom, I use that one...

WHAT DUNSTER SAID!!!!

Word-of-mouth recommendations are important to me, but I also ask to see the work itself. My neighbor may think the quilting is beautiful, but I may want something more complex, or more specialized, or more "modern", etc.

Personally, I think it happens because people assume longarmers, because they're longarmers, have the same skill sets, and maybe it doesn't occur to people to ask for references or to see samples. I've seen it happen in my quilting group many times. Someone found an "affordable" longarmer and gave her a try, only to learn the hard way that there's a reason why she's affordable - she's brand new and hasn't got her tension issues worked out yet! Another member made a gorgeous red, white, and blue top. She took it to a longarmer and said "Quilt it as you wish with something patriotic." Well, the LAer quilted it with a tulip panto. The quilt maker was furious because tulips didn't seem patriotic to her. The LAer was a quilter, but that doesn't mean she has the same artistic sense that my acquaintance does.

Ask lots of questions, get lots of personal recommendations, and look at lots of the LAer's work. If she refuses or gets upset, move on. There are plenty of good LAers out there who will happily play show-n-tell.

My local long arm lady is wonderful - she usually has a display at any quilt shows for miles around. She can do what you want her to - fast to custom. She sits you down in front of her lap top and has you choose the elements that you want on your quilt, discusses suitable threads. The entire project is discussed and then the price is quoted. I have another long arm person (met on another board) who does great work and is very reasonable - but I had seen his work before I sent him my quilt. I think you need to interview them just like anyone else you intend to "hire".

I would choose by location first. Shipping a quilt can be very expensive. You want to see the quality of their work and know their pricing.