I think there are two things possibly at play here - the first being that prices vary greatly depending on where you are located...and also that with the increase of long arm owners - the cost of service is starting to level out. Fifteen years ago nobody had a long arm, so you might have to drive an hour or more to find someone with one of these mystery machines and pay a small fortune. Now just about everyone is free motion quilting and long arms are becoming more and more affordable to the average hobby quilter. So I would say, if she does a good job, chalk it up to changing times and enjoy! Also remember that there are different types of quilting - pantographs are a wonderful affordable option - but custom quilting will cost you a bit more while on the same note every square inch of your quilt will recieve a little more attention.
