Ask to see samples of their work. I don't quilt a lot for other people, but I take pictures of my quilts and have several of my own that I can show them. Talk to friends that use a LA quilter and get them to recommend someone and look at your friend's quilt. Even if the quilter quilted from the back of the machine, she should have been checking the quilt for any problems. If you talk to her and she acts like she doesn't want to fix it or doesn't know how, take the quilt to another LAQ. It probably can be fixed and the needle holes won't show after spritzing with a little water.

communication is extremely important when you are hiring some one to quilt for you- you need to take the quilt to her- discuss what you would like- talk about any problems that may come up- also when the quilt is finished- you should look it over- before paying- and see if it is what you wanted- if there are problems they should be discussed - find out what happened- taking the quilt home - then complaining to everyone else solves nothing.
if the problems are due to something you did the quilter should be able to discuss it with you and explain how to avoid them next time, she should also be able to suggest some ways to (fix) the current problem- that size seems awful small to really have had any problems---have you checked out other work by the quilter-do you know that normally her work is much better? you need to go back to her & discuss the problem & see what can be done to fix it- either by you or by her.

I had a lot of my quilts done on a high end Statler Stitcher by a friend. What I found was that she relied on the computer too much and would walk away from the quilt while the machine was running during interuptions. Issues happened that she did not see while they were happening. Since I was not asking for a show quilt, I did not mind most of them but when it was a tension issue or fold/pucker, I was so very disappointed.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. You must be heartbroken :(

Lack of communication is the big problem. IF there was a noticeable issue (top not square, improper seam intersections, different types of fabric, etc.)before or during the quilting process, the LA should have communicated it to you.

Where do the puckers occur on the quilt top? Do you have pictures you can post?

Another quilter asked but I didn't see an answer...Did you explain that you wanted to enter it into a show? (Stopping to say it shouldn't matter...just asking if she knew and you still got those results.) Is this your first quilt using her services?

There is a SERIOUS learning curve to longarm quilting. Someone could go out and just buy a long arm setup, put up flyers and quilt for others...but if they are not competent at it...they won't have any customers. The longarm business is run by reputation.

I would talk to her about it...in person with the quilt. Someone mentioned that the LAQ should make suggestions to you. Are you open to suggestions from her?

Did you ever hear of the phrase "ohhhh that'll quilt out"? Everyone should remember that only so much can be quilted out.

Nan

I think it is sometimes too easy to set up as a LA quilter without the experience or knowledge. I only do a few quilts for others and always make sure they know that even after having my machine for 21months I still consider myself a novice on a steep learning curve for anything other than simple meandering. Good luck with your quilt I hope you get it fixed and let us know the outcome

I'm so sorry to hear of your LA quilter experience. I am a LQer and always meet with the customer first and discuss the quilt. If I see a problem that may will not quilt out I tell them before I take the quilt so they will know what to expect. What I tell customers regarding warpy or wavy blocks and borders is that when you iron it, if it does not laY FLAT AND SQUARE then it probably won't quilt flat and square. There are thing you can do to resolve those issues, but they don't always work. I would talk with her and see if she can requilt any of those areas.

I would talk to your la quilter. If you don't you won't know why it happened. If it was your mistake you need to know what it was and if it was the quilter they need to know you were not happy with the results. That way whomever was at fault will be able to avoid this situation in the future.

Thanks for all your input. I did with your encouragement call the LAQ and told her of my concerns. Since she had done another quilt for me in the past, we had a good conversation. She is coming to pick up the quilt so that we can both decide what to do. Regardless, it's the last one she'll ever do for me.

I'm really sorry this happened. This has always been one of my fears if deciding to take my top to a LA. I'd have a talk with her and let her know the problem, and hopefully there is a way to fix this. Could be she's not as experienced as she had hoped, or could be some pucker was on the top before she did the quilting. If you don't talk with her, she will never know of your unhappiness.

I am sorry this happened with your wall hanging. I am glad to hear that the quilter is coming to address your concerns. What I do find a bit disturbing is your saying, "Regardless, it's the last one she'll ever do for me." If you turn this situation around how would you feel? Example, you make a quilt but one of the blocks does not lay flat so she says "You didn't make this square right so I will not quilt for you anymore."
It was mentioned that there should be some type of certification for longarmers. Then shouldn't there be some type of certification for shop owners and "quilt teachers"?
You can go to a beauty salon and get a bad haircut from a licensed professional. You can go to a doctor and get an incorrect diagnosis.
My point is we are human and we all make mistakes.