bamamama

Did she use a panto? Did she work freehand? Does she use a computer? Can't see the quilting very well but it does not seem to go along with the theme and style of the quilt. Maybe you should look for a different longarmer whose style and taste matches your own. Ask to see samples and pics of their work first. I like your quilt tho, but I agree the quilting does not do it justice.

PuffinGin

Regarding this post in response to another's about trying to communicate with a quilter about you want:
I chuckled to myself about Mad Mimm's post re hairdresser. I go to one of those drop-in & get whomever you get places. The hd's keep copious notes on their computer regarding what say I want/like, even down to how long I want certain parts of my hair cut. However, I've noted that even despite those very specific notes, results may vary. Considerably!

quiltmau

the first quilt I had done by a LA quilter-she charged way too much-the job was nice but I wanted leaves and she hated doing leaves so I got feathers. The second LA quilter I met at the LQS-we talked and I saw samples and we decided on a pattern. About 1/3 the cost of the first and the design was all I could hope for. After that I just told her to 'do you own thing' as we seemed on the same page. She did that on my nieces quilt and the quilting was perfect for the quilt design and fabric. She has on left as I can't seem to do the big ones on my machine. I will use her again as she was outstanding and I love her work!

galvestonangel

To me it looks as if it is lines with no purpose or reason. If she did any pattern I can not see it. It is a little hard to see all of it, but what I can see does not enhance the quilt.

Before you take your quilt to another LA, see some of the quilts he/she has done. I would rather pay a little more and like it.

purrfectquilts

Sometimes the price of education comes high....been telling myself and children that for years. Now you know what questions to ask and what to insist on. It might look a little better to you once washed ... more old-timey. Or, you can use it as a gift. It is nice and will be appreciated.

mim

Hairdressers can be frustrating -- moving between coasts as I do -- half the year I like it -- but I haven't found a west coast one yet.
When I backpacked in other countries, I gave up and cut it myself. Try to tell someone when you don't speak the language and styles are so different. -- Even to buy a band aid became a real experience - unless I found a blackmarket stall where I could point. It was a lot of fun!!

Mim
[quote=Mad Mimm]
I have a similar problem with hairdressers. I don't speak their language very well and have trouble putting into words what I want. I had a long conversation with my last hairdresser and basically asked her for tips and recommendations on how to communicate my needs better. I got some great feedback from her and have been a happy camper since.

meant2be

It can be done. I had an applique quilt and the quilter sewed on top of every piece of applique with monofilament thread. I clipped the stitches in the back and then pulled them loose from the top. It ruined my batting but at least I got it apart (hubby helped after I showed him how.) It took a long time but after I had it quilted again I was so happy I had taken the time.

CircleSquare

I am a longarm quilter and I agree, this was a poor choice for your quilt. Sometimes we misjudge what will look good, but after a few mistakes, we learn what would and wouldn't look good. This quilt needs a pattern with round shapes instead of points, to contrast with the stars on the quilt. "Popcorn" or "waterworld" would have been much better choices.
I don't recommend taking it out - it would be very difficult and you would probably make holes in the quilt. Your best bet, unfortunately, may be to live with it.

dixiechunk

Just a footnote. If you know how you want your next quilt quilted, just remember a good custom job is going to cost you more than pantograph or meandering. Important to ask what the LAQer charges for custom vs panto or meandering.

margecam52

You can take out the quilting & redo it. I do quilting on a longarm machine, and 90% of customers will say, "Do what you want, use a thread you think looks good." Scary thought, those words are.

This is really not the longarm operator nor you at fault...it's miscomunication/misconception.

Next time, wether you use this person or not...get some ideas of what you want on the quilt...webshots is great for this. Do a search for Star Quilt...lots will come up...find some close in design and color as yours...then decide what you like.

Let the quilter know what you want, what color thread, design, etc.

Did you pay for a basic all over design, semi custom, or custom? I think the all over stars desgin would have worked as a basic all over design..but in white, or a light silver thread...maybe 60 wt, so the thread would blend into the quilt more.
your 2nd quilt looks ok for what I can see. it's hard to tell without a closeup of the stitching.