I've Made Up My Mind
 

I have made more tops than I will ever be able to quilt by hand, so I plan to get some professionally quilted by the local quilt shop. I have been thinking of things I want to ask when I go over there to get the first one done.

1. Price
2. Requirements (on my part)
3. Can I use my own batting, and backing?
4. What is the wait time? (how backed up are they)
5. What are their design choices, and do some cost more?
6. Thread color, brand
7. Do they want a deposit? How much?
8. What do I do if I'm not happy with the end product?
9. Do they have examples I can see?
10. How many inches extra batting and backing do they require?


Is there anything else I need to consider when I have my top machine quilted by a pro?
Thanks for your input.

I think you have all the pertinent questions covered. I have one long arm quilter that lets me chose the design I want to be quilted on my quilt. I think every LA quilter has different requirements so good luck to you and please share pics when they are done

There really isn't anything you haven't thought of, I'd say you're ready to talk to them. You might look to see if they have a web page that gives answers to some of your questions. I have one and most long arm quilters do I've found.

Boston, I get my tops done by a woman in Kansas who is fantastic and very reasonable even considering shipping. PM me if you want her info. I've never seen a better price.

Thanks Sweetie, but I worry about sending them out. In fact I was concerned about yours until it got there. But, I appreciate the offer.

Get all the help you can. Finished is better than languishing in your sewing room. .

Ah! Didn't think of that. But MY quilt is now in the best of hands :)

Yes, I think you have it all covered!

However, I would move #9 to the top.
If you don't like the quality of work, the rest is immaterial.

There may be other LA'ers either in LQS' in your area or privately that you may want to check out.

Another possibility, if you c/would machine quilt them yourself, but don't want to do the sandwiching.
Ask if they would baste your sandwich together? and their costs?

Oh, I can sandwich. Jim got me two nice fold up tables that I put in the living room. The machine quilting is what intimidates me. I can do little wall hangings, or placemats and that's about it. Anything bigger, I've been doing by hand.