How Long Do You Wait to Get on Your Long-Armer's Schedule?
 

I was wondering what the "average" expected wait is? One LA lady that is very busy both professionally and with family gave me an estimate of 4 weeks for 2 semi-custom quilt jobs. Another lady that is retired and doesn't have other significant commitments gave me an estimate of 6 to 7 weeks for a quilt she would be using a template for and it is only small lap size (I'm thinking she doesn't spend a lot of time doing the quilting and has a lot of backlog).

Just wondering if this is the norm. I know I have heard some people waiting months for their quilts to be finished. I just couldn't sign up for that I don't think

Several in this area are 4 to 6 months from when you book in.

As a result, many register their quilts for a date and then make them accordingly.
For me, I don't care for that, as I don't want the pressure of the deadline.
And from the other perspective, once I have it finished, I want it LAQ ASAP too.

You're the one who has to make the decision as to how long you are willing to wait ... or whether you need to look for someone else.

Regardless, what is most important IMHO is that when they give you a date to start and finish, that they will meet that date and not delay it further.

Have you thought about sending it off to shops that LAQ like Missouri Star Quilt Co. I know they long arm. There are others that do as well. I would be very careful, though, who I sent it to. They would have to be a very well established business.

I have a quilt at my LQS now and it's been there for about 6 months ... hopefully I'll have it back by the end of this month.

I've never waited months for LA, just a few weeks. There are so many talented LA quilters right here on the board, that I would never waste time looking anywhere else. Many of them post photos of their work here and also have many who can testify to their skills!

My DSIL is my LAQ and I know at the moment she's backed up due to everyone bringing in their quilts for Christmas gifts. She also works fulltime at another job so she does this at night and on weekends. Had one lady drive from 2 hours away and brought her 6 quilts and wants all of them by Nov 15th. Since I get the "family" discount, my quilts get pushed to the back burner, but I've never waited over a month for one.

I AM a LA'r...and I am beginning to feel the "Christmas crunch" a little early this year...I guess everyone is trying to get their presents early. Most of us do try to give very good and prompt service...if we don't, no repeat business. Mine usually book about 4-6 weeks out; and I won't accept any orders for Christmas delivery after November 10th this year. If there's any time left after I'm done with customer orders, then I work on family stuff that didn't get done early in the year. So good luck to you all!

A few weeks really isn't that bad to wait. My LQS has 3 women who do their quilting, so I usually only wait about 2-3 weeks. Others take several months to get a quilt back from them.

It depends on the time of year. Some won't take anymore "for Christmas gift" quilts after a certain time in the fall.

piney

I don't think 4 weeks for 2 quilts sounds bad at all. I've only sent one out and that was to Charisma and it didn't take long (don't remember exactly) even with mailing it both ways and all the beautiful work she did on it!!!!