Here at Heather Spence Designs I like to do pantograph, free hand all-over and custom quilting. There’s so much variety that who could ask for more! Here’s a small selection of these types of quilting (the slideshow is currently not working):
Heather's Feather's Pantograph
Daisies Free Hand All-Over
Winter Wonderland ~ Custom Quilting
And because I can’t help myself here’s a few more custom quilting jobs I’ve done:
Double Wedding Ring
Dee's BOM ~ Shooting Stars
Pricing & Policies
All quilting starts at one and a half cents (.015) per square inch and increases depending on the complexity and density of the quilting. Work includes: Basic All-Over Designs (including pantographs), Partial Custom, and Custom Quilting.
To find the square inches of your quilt multiply the length times the width. (60 x 80 = 4800 p.s.i.) Then multiply by the charge. (4800 x .02 = $96.00) $96.00 would be the estimated cost of quilting.
* Partial custom means one to two borders quilted individually and one or two repeated designs on the body of the quilt.
**Custom quilting means three or more borders quilted individually, stencil and/or template work, small stippling and very detailed work.
Thread
Often times it’s the thread in conjunction with the quilting design that finishes the quilt. I keep a wide variety of threads in stock to meet the needs of the many quilts that come across my frame.
Hand Applique Quilt
I use Signature Threads 100% cotton, King Tut 100% cotton variegated threads. Should you prefer another brand or variety please let me know two weeks before your quilting date to ensure it is in stock. You can expect at least 2 bobbins per quilt. There is no charge if you provide the thread; however, I ask that the thread is on a cone and intended for longarm use.
Thread charges start at $1.00 per thread. Are you interested in receiving your thread for FREE? Ask me how!
Binding
All bindings are calculated per linear foot (p.l.f.), and cut at 2 1/2″. You have three choices: I make and apply the binding to your quilt and you stitch it down (#1), I make, apply and stitch the binding down by machine (#2), or I make, apply and stitch the binding down by hand (#3).
Other Services
Prepare your backing fabric $10.00 per backing
Batting ~ 90″ Warm & White $9.99 per yard
Table Runners ~ up to 3 with same backing $35.00
Please note: I am not a quilt restorer and am, therefore, unable to repair quilts that are in poor condition or need major repairs. If you need an appraiser or restorer please go to Quilting Resources located on my web site.
Policies
Scheduled Quilting ~ I prefer to schedule a date for your quilt to be quilted on. You bring me your quilt a few days before. It will go on the machine the predetermined date. It is my goal to have your quilt ready for you within one week (that is, seven consecutive calendar days). Should there be a problem and I am unable to finish it within that time frame I will be sure to let you know.
I highly recommend you schedule a quilting date when you start your quilt or even when you get near to finishing it. My calendar books up fast so to have your quilt ready in a timely manner it is important to keep this in mind! (Besides, you won’t be stressed out with a tight deadline.) Rescheduling is all right too. Once again, just provide me with plenty of notice.
Backing ~ For those of you who like to piece your backs from the leftover fabrics; this is okay to do. However (isn’t there always a ‘however’?), keep in mind that you want to piece it with the same care that you piece your top. If care isn’t taken there can be tucks and pleats, yes, even when it’s stretched out on a frame.
As well, please be sure to even out the sides, top and bottom. Uneven sides can equal sags in the back. There is a tutorial on my website for how I piece my large backs. It’s a simple method that makes life so much easier!
Thread ~ Generally speaking I use the same color bobbin thread as the thread on the top. This eliminates what is commonly called “pokies” or “whiskers” from showing on your quilt top. Due to the nature of longarm machines it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate these pesky guys. The down side is, should you have a high contrast between your backing and your top, the different color threads will show up. I’m happy to work with your needs and am able to show you examples of both so you can make an educated decision.
Holiday Hours ~ Generally speaking the 20th of December is the last day of the year that I will book a quilt. Should you need a quilt done for Christmas please be sure to book far enough in advance.
For a “Last Minute Quilt” I charge a $35 fee. “Last Minute Quilt” is a quilt that has not been previously booked and all my booking dates are full. Usually this means I will be taking time out of my families schedule to work on your project. It’s like getting a plumber Thanksgiving day for a plumbing emergency.
Shop Discount ~ Are you a quilt shop owner? I give a 20% discount for quilting services on your quilt shops samples. If you’re interested please direct all inquiries to www.heatherspencedesigns.com and go to the Contact Us page. I look forward to working with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of quilting designs do you do?
I am able to do a lot of different quilting designs. Please scroll down for a samples with a brief description of the Basic All-Overs I like to do. To see additional work on quilts please go to Quilting Photos.
What if I would like a design that you don’t have pictured?
It can be difficult to keep up with the amount of quilts I have quilted and the different designs. If there is something special you would like, whether it is your own creation or you’ve seen a photo, please bring it along and I will do my best to interpret it onto your quilt.
How do I book quilts in?
Unlike most quilters, I have days blocked out for quilting. We choose a date that works best for you. You bring your quilt to me just before that date knowing it will go on the frame and work will start on your scheduled date. I will call within 1 week informing you that your quilt is finished. Imagine getting your quilt back in one week instead of 3 months!
What kind of batting do you like to use?
The second most frequently asked question! I prefer to use 100% cotton batting off a roll, Warm & White is my preferred. Batting out of a bag, especially polyester, is difficult to work with and I do not like it at all. If you must have batting out of a bag please bring 100% cotton that has some “body” to it. Please understand that should you choose to use a batting that I find difficult to work with I can not be responsible for any irregularities, such as puckers in the batting.
Is there anything else I should know?
Yes! Your backing and batting should be AT LEAST 3″ wider than your top all the way around.
Please be aware that your backing, if seamed, needs to have straight edges. If they are not straight I will trim them and it will cause the backing to lose the inches I will need.
Please be sure to press your seams. Flat seams make a world of difference to a beautiful quilting job.
Stay stitch 1/8″ around the entire edge of your quilt. This ensures seams don’t pop open and helps your quilt to lay better on the frame.
We will talk in depth about your quilt when you drop it off. If I discover any potential issues during our discussion, we will talk about them. There are, though, “surprises” once the top is on the machine. When they occur I will contact you to talk about what you would like to have done.
What do you mean “surprises”?
“Surprises” are unexpected puckers, unfinished seams if they are really large, ruffled borders, and other factors that are difficult to quilt. Most quilts do not have them but they do occur and it is difficult to spot them initially.
Click HSD Pricing and Policies for a downloadable version of this page. Should you have any questions go to Contact Us and I will get back to you as soon as possible.