I had to laugh at this thread. I started quilting in October. I have 6 UFO and only one completed table topper.

I had to laugh at this thread. I started quilting in October. I have 6 UFO and only one completed table topper.

Check out Keepsale Quilting......they had them last I knew.

What does echo mean?

As in FMQ? To echo stitch around a shape: Continue stitching by going a bit further away from the same shape. So for example, if you stitched a heart shape, then echo around it with another slightly larger heart shape. Usually echos are more than one stitching line - like several or more.

I took a class through my local quilt shop and now rent their long arm machines by the hour. My quilts are finished and I love knowing I did it from start to finish. And an added benefit...I get better with each quilt! Maybe someday I'll have my own, but for now....

I am like you, creative process all the way-
And I agree with the lady who suggested bartering with one of your long armer friends if you don't have the $ and feel quilty about them doing it for free... Maybe cleaning (everyone hates something about cleaning- windows etc)...dog sitting/walking etc... And you would be amazed how far a 5-10$ tip and a huge smile goes...
Alot of you have said some LA's from this board are reasonable... But, what is reasonable? lol

As someone said, There is longarming then longarming.. My longarmer does a basic meander(no binding) on a queen size quilt for 40$ (oh, and she finished it the same day)..I supply the top/batting/backing.. It's so worth it to me ..I just don't like crawling on the floor to sandwhich/pin , then wrestle it through the machine to quilt, ugh.. And I actually like a meander (too much quilting makes the quilt stiffer, which I don't care for)

Now I might regret getting a machine with a little bigger throat..I can no longer say > Yes I made it..Of course, I sent it out to a longarmer to be quilted..Cant do that on my little machine...Unless you want to buy me a longarm for $$$$...pause.... naaahhh lol

"Big Stitch" is about the size of my regular hand quilting. So if I use pearle cotton it will look legit. Good to know!

It is a very pretty look, I must admit.

I feel your pain. I too have so many unfinished projects. I have great ideas, but that is as far as it goes. It has to be quick (a day or two) for me to complete it. If you find a solution, please let us know.

Congratulations, you are no longer a beginner. LOL