Will you keep my scraps if you trim my quilt?

• Nope! I never keep quilter's batting and backing scraps after trimming their quilt. I work on hundreds of quilts a year and I would run out of storage room quite rapidly if I kept all of those. You get everything back that you brought into the studio when you drop off. ​

My borders are full and rippling, will they quilt out?

• Yes and no. This will vary greatly on many different factors like: how full the borders are, what quilt pattern you've selected, the density of your batting. Sometimes these borders can be evened out but it's never a guarantee. Occasionally, I can manipulate the fabric to work the fullness out or take a tuck (or dart) into the quilt border and quilt it closed to resemble a seam line. ​

Can you piece my backing?

• Yes! You can always bring the yardage in for the backing and ask me to piece for an additional fee. ​

Should I pre-wash?

• Typically, I say yes, you should always pre-wash. Color catchers can only do so much and fabric bleed is hard to combat once it happens. Keep in mind that quilt backings that are 108" wide or flannel will shrink more than regular width cotton, so always double check your measurements after washing. ​

What batting should I use?

• I find this depends on the quilter's preference. If you want a loftier (fluffier) quilt that won't change after washing, I typically recommend 80/20. If you really love the quilt crinkle you get after washing your quilt and you want a thinner, softer quilt, I recommend 100% cotton. Wool batting is great for high loft and a light weight finish but remember this may need specialty care after finishing. Other options like polyester, bamboo, and silk have their own benefits and limitations. Ask me for more info if you still have questions. ​

How long have you been quilting?

• I have been quilting for over 10 years. While I got my start at a local quilt shop, I started my own longarm quilting business 5 years ago, and I have quilted thousands of quilts. ​

This quilt is hand-pieced and vintage, can it be longarmed?

• Absolutely! I love nothing more than finishing a piece started by a quilter decades ago. As long as the seams are in decent shape and the quilt can lay relatively flat, it can definitely be longarmed. ​

If I use Minky backing, do I need to use batting on the inside of my quilt?

• While this is debated by some longarmers, I personally always need a batting layer in all the quilts I work on. It gives the stitching something "bite" into and extends the life of a quilt. This can be a thin batting, like Quilter's Dream Request or Select, if you don't want to add any bulk to your quilt. ​

What's the biggest quilt you can longarm?

• My longarm machines both sit on a 12 foot frame. So that means I can quilt up to 120" wide by any length. If you have something wider than that, you'll have to search for a longarmer with a 14 foot frame instead.​

Ah! I have no idea what pattern to choose! Help me!!!

• Don't worry! When you bring your quilt in we'll discuss your favorite aspects of your quilt, who it's intended for, and what you envisioned for you quilt. I'll suggest a few patterns so you aren't overwhelmed with choices and we'll go from there. This is one part of the process that I try to make as easy as possible for you!​

Can I send you a quilt with buttons or embellishments?

• Please don't. Buttons, ric rac, sequins, ribbon, prairie points, borders with a flange, these can all pose problems for the foot on my longarms. While these machines are heavy duty, they can still break needles and possibly damage your quilt by coming into contact with these items. It's best to add any embellishments until after the quilt has been quilted. ​

Can you quilt over applique and embroidery?

• Yes! As long as there isn't anything for the machine foot to catch on, I can typically quilt over most applique and embroidery. ​