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The range of styles for longarm quilting is really as infinite as the choice of colors or patterns available. On this page I present the basics, plus a short essay on quilting styles.
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The Basics | ||
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BASTING: This service lays out a set of parallel lines about 4" apart along the entire quilt for those hand quilters who don't like to baste. low-density OVERALL: This includes one pattern of LARGE (4 to 6 inch spaced) meandering over the entire quilt with no special border (recommended only for comforters). OVERALL: Medium density, simple designs, large free-form feathers, swirls: no special borders. OVERALL-PLUS: Medium density. Includes simple designs, large freeform feathers, medium-sized meandering patterns, and large motifs. One example could include a countinuous-line pattern over the main portion of the quilt plus a different but complementary pattern in the border. Includes quilting that is specific to your creation, such as medium meandering or texturing, or a combiniation of any two countinuous-line patterns. CUSTOM: Detailed outlining, or small meandering. Includes intricate designs, small freeform feathers, cross- hatching over 2", circles spaced under 2" apart, echoing, and small or detailed motifs. Includes quilting that is specific to your creation, such as block stitch-in-the-ditch or 1/4" outlining, small meandering or texturing, or a combination of any two designs or patterns. Small meandering is included in this category because of the extra time involved. CUSTOM-PLUS Detailed outlining, SINGLE-block pantograms or original designs, detailed 1/4-inch or stitch-in-the- ditch outlining, cross-hatching, individual designs in each block. Just about anything you'd like on your quilt. If you have any questions you can contact me through the Contact page. | ||
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A SHORT ESSAY ON STYLES | ||
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Over time, professional longarm quilters develop their own signature, or style of quilting, which can be recognized by other quilters. This doesn't mean that all their work looks the same, but there is a consistency to their style that makes it recognizable, just as is the case in other arts. Even if you aren't a collector of classical works, you probably can recognize art by Picasso or Van Gogh, or at least say there is something quite familiar about a piece when you view it. | ||||
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It's that spark of recognition that is the quilter's signature. It can complement your quilt work just as picking the right frame for a picture has an effect on the aesthetic appeal of a painting or photograph. It's the same when you pick that fabric for a border or the binding of your quilt. The result can be quite dramatic. | ||||
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It used to amaze my husband that I could recognize the work of another longarm quilter the instant I saw it on someone's quilt at quilt shows. Now he is starting to be able to do the same. You may pick a longarm quilter because of their signature, because of previous work they've done for you or a friend, or maybe just because you like them. Most often once you have found someone you trust, you stay with them. | ||||
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It's important to me that you are pleased with my work. You put a lot of work into your quilt, and I've put a lot of time and effort into becoming the best I can be at longarm quilting. The quilting universe has been expanding rapidly in our generation, aided by the availablity of longarm quilting machines. I find it very exciting to be a part of it, always learning and sharing the talents God has given me. | ||||
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Interacting with others and always learning new things can keep us all sharp. Attending the quilt shows and gathering together in quilting groups is more than just getting together with the girls (okay, some groups have guys). Though you may not be aware of it, this interaction with others is developing your own styles and abilities. | ||||
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As time goes on, making decisions about color, style, and purpose become easier and more natural to you, and your enjoyment of quilting goes deeper. Your own creative style emerges and others learn new things and develop their own styles as you share with them. | ||||
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Observation and communication are very important. It's best for me and my customers to work together. We do this by observing each other's work and the quilt to be quilted, and by communicating what ideas we have together. | ||||
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It's not unusual for for someone to just drop a quilt off and tell me to "do whatever you think is best". This is usually only after they already know me or my work and are comfortable with it. I develop my style by practice, observation of the work of other quilters, feedback from customers, attending classes and seminars, and more practice. | |||
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