I have updated my instructions on seaming your backing fabric and I hope you find this helpful.  I know many of us just love to use up as much left-over fabric as we can and as good as this looks it is a nightmare for long arm quilters.   After this last time of my machine breaking down and being down for 2 weeks, I just cannot risk these backs any longer and ask that you keep it down to simple seams as described in the "How to seam your backing fabric" pdf found under the tab Quilting prices in the upper left-hand corner.  

Types of fabrics that I do not accept are Minky, Fleece or other fabrics that stretch a lot.  Flannel works great for that nice soft feel.   Cotton is always the best.  Sheets can be used if you remove all the stitching and make sure the piece is still large enough.

Seams on your quilt top should be pressed nice and flat as well.  Personally, I use a steam iron and press them down (not iron - Press) by hitting them with a burst of steam.  This allows the hopping foot to glide over them.  Some block patterns that have multiple seams meeting in one spot should have instructions in the pattern on how to deal with those that work wonderful.  

I cannot quilt 3 dimensional quilts i.e..  bunny ears that are not protrude up from the quilt top, buttons etc.  folded border (flange inserts) etc.  Because I only do edge to edge quilting, I cannot handle these and if the machine happens to want to stitch (more often than not) It can break the machine.  Sadly, we have to do all the maintenance ourselves and I have learned a lot over the years about repairs.  

Both hand and machine Embroidery do very well as long as the stitches are nice and tight, and we choose a nice open pattern and thread color that does not take away from the embroidery.  Applique also does very well as long and all the edges are stitched down close or on the edge.  If the stitching is not secure at the edge, then the hopping foot will fold it over and create a tuck.  These quilts also work best with a nice open pattern and thread color that blends well.

I hope all this information helps us both to have a more pleasant experience and great end result in the finished product. 

Thank you 

Rebecca