Yes, looking at the pictures I agree that the quilting leaves a lot to be desired. Even if you don't want to confront the quilter, I would take it to the person who made the recommendation. I've had my LA for a year and don't think I'm ready for paying customers! For most folks, it's a loooooooong learning curve.
I also agree with just leaving it be. Most folks will just see your lovely piecing, not the quilting, and the 'where's the duckie' idea is a hoot!

I would definitely let the long arm quilter know that this isn't quality work. I know you don't like confrontation - not many of us do - but she needs to know before she does this to another quilt top. Unless she did this for free, I would ask for a refund of all or part of the fee, too.

From the pictures shown, I agree that it will not be so visible once it's washed, but that's not the point. You paid for a certain level of expertise, and you didn't receive it.

Janet

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'd be very sad too.

"find the ducky" - the new name for that quilt?

I agree - the quilting is definitely NOT professional looking -

The suggestions to talk to your niece are good - see what she thinks - as OCD as I am - I am tending to agree that the piecing will overshadow the quilting - the top you made is lovely.

And when it is washed and puffed up - the majority of people probably will not look at it all that carefully - what they will see are the colors.

BUT - the people that pointed you in that direction NEED to be SHOWN the work - and perhaps they can talk to the LAer if you aren't willing to.

I really appreciate you posting the pictures! i have had my longarm since november and am only doing my own quilts at this point. but I like to see other's LA quilting to know what is expected and what is totally wrong.

It looks like:
1) she is using a pantograph or a scallop template. some back tracking is very obvious
2) many skipped stitches. the machine is not working correctly or the stitch regulator has a major problem.

I think it "works" for a college quilt but not a show quilt - though obviously the longarmer should refund for you.

This is a real shame. I'm so sorry for you. It can be salvaged, but the labor would be intensive. If it weren't your first quilt, I'm sure that you would likely chalk it up to a bad experience and move on. But, you only have one "first". Dang. If you would like some help, let me know.

Wow....looks like she was drinking when she was quilting. I would for sure go back to the person who recommended this person and would go back to the LAQ and get my money back....how awful!

a friend of mine had a purple and pink quilt done in red thread by a Long arm quilter. she had to rip it all out and do it herself. lesson taught to talk first about everything. hope you can rescue the quilt.

I would get a black permanent fabric marker and go over. All the stitching ib black. Then i would do a stipple design over that to mask it. The stitching on the print isn't as noticeable.

Definitely let the LA quilter know you are unhappy with the work and the people who recommended her too. This poor work for pay must stop now, you will be doing any future customers a big favor!