Professional Longarm Quilting Service
Welcome to Shadywood Quilts. I started machine quilting back in 2001 before we moved to Houston in 2003. I had been hand-quilting all my quilts since the late '70's. I figure it took about a year to complete each bed-sized quilt. After taking that first longarm quilting lesson, I never looked back, gave up most of the hand quilting, and started my longarm quilting journey. While I continued to work at my 'day-job' in the corporate world for several more years, I started quilting for others and eventually added making t-shirt quilts to the line-up in 2006. At the end of 2019, we sold the t-shirt quilt part of the business, and I am back to just quilting for others.
Quilt Finishing Services
If you are like most quilters, you love to piece those quilt tops but are then faced with the dilemma of how to handle that large quilt in a small home sewing machine. Hand quilting is one option but that is going to take months and you just don't have that kind of time.
We love quilts, we love to see what you are working on. There are many quilt shops in the Houston area, so we see a variety of quilts. However, my favorite quilt tops come from other areas of the country where the quilt shops have new and different ideas and offerings than what we have locally. I have a 'regular' quilter that lives in the Atlanta area. I 'know' that there are lots of quilters in that area, but she still sends all of her quilts to me. That is a huge responsibility that I take very seriously, and always strive to give her the best job I can.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have a quilt quilted?
Most professional quilters charge by the 'square inch' of your quilt top. This is easily calculated by multiplying the 'length' times 'width. This will give you the total "square inches" of your quilt.
Next multiply the total "square inches" by the rate of quilting you request.
Example: A quilt top which measures 60" X 82" = 4920 square inches X . 02 (2 cents per square inch) = $98.40.
What is a Long-arm Quilting Machine?
A longarm quilting machine is set up where the machine head moves while quilting instead of moving the fabric. On a mid-arm or home domestic machine, the fabric sandwich is moved while quilting.
For more definitions check out our Terminology page.
What is pantograph quilting?
A pantograph is one "edge to edge" design that is quilted continuously across the whole width of the quilt. The stitched design crosses the piecing and unifies the quilt with one color thread and one pattern, resulting in a lovely and budget-friendly quilt.
Pantograph quilting is done on my Gammill Longarm with an Intelliquilter Computerized System to assure you the highest quality results with a fast turn-a-round time. There are many beautiful designs to choose from, ranging from simple geometric patterns to intricate feathers, swirls, and leaves, just to name a few. Prices range from .02 to .04 per square inch. Minimum labor charge: $50
What is a "Computer Guided System?"
A "Computer Guided System" is a feature added to a long-arm quilting machine that has hardware, a computer, and software which will guide the sewing head making it possible to precisely execute a wide variety of patterns from simple to intricate over and over again. Our computer guided system is the "Intelliquilter "
What is an "IntelliQuilter?"
IntelliQuilter is an after-market add-on for the long-arm and mid-arm quilting machines. The IntelliQuilter is a state of the art computer that sits on the head of the longarm machine and allows the quilter to program pattern size, size of the block, stitches per inch, repetitions of the pattern along with many other computer art options.
Since the patterns are digital, accuracy in patterns and stitch lengths are ensured.
What is hand guided quilting?
Hand guiding is when a person physically controls or guides the movement of the long-arm sewing machine head to create the stitching pattern. It can be done totally free-hand, with a stylus and template, or a design can be traced by following it with a laser light. We have moved into the new century and use computer aided quilting to quilt your quilt.
How long will it take to get my quilt back?
Our current time in the studio until your quilt is ready to be picked up or shipped out is around two weeks. Please allow additional time before the Christmas Holidays and before Graduation in the Spring. You are always welcome to call and ask about our schedule. If you have specific date deadline for your quilt, just let us know, and we will do our best to have your quilt completed by your date.
What should I consider when choosing patterns for my quilt?
- How will the quilt be used: functional, utilitarian, decorative, heirloom, etc.
- Who will the end user be? (a child, nursing home, college dorm, guest room)?
- Scale of piecing: large, medium, small
- Motifs or designs in the fabric
- How "busy" is the quilt
- Theme or Style
Click HERE for a few of pantographs that we have available. We have HUNDREDS of patterns, and are continuously adding new patterns.
What kind of batting is best for my quilt?
There are many factors to consider which can help you make a wise choice. How will the quilt be used? For show, as a wall hanging, by a baby or child, by a family with pets, or as a home decor item versus a "blanket,"
- Is it likely to need frequent washing?
- How much puffiness and what kind of drape versus stiffness will you want the quilt to have?
- Do you need a flame retardant fiber as one might for a baby or child's quilt?
- Do you need a natural fiber such as cotton, bamboo, wool, or silk?
- How warm will the quilt need to be? (Southern states do not need as much warmth as up north!)
- What color/s are your quilt top and backing? Black Batting is suggested when using predominantly black fabrics on top and backing.
Both cotton and cotton/polyester blend battings are all-around good choices for many quilts. Polyester may be warmer and have more puffiness. Wool adds warmth and puffiness, and doesn't hold creases or wrinkles as much making it a good choice if you intend to enter a quilt to in a show or competition. There are flame retardant battings and newer battings made from eco-friendly materials. Batting comes in white, natural, and black colors. Occasionally fabrics such as cotton flannel or polar fleece are used as batting.
We are happy to help you select batting that will meet your needs. Or for more detailed information about batting, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment