To Prepare your Quilt Top:

• Backing material needs to be 8 inches longer and 8 inches wider than your quilt top.  You can sew muslin to the sides if you like, keep in mind that the lbacking fabric is centered to your quilt top and I can not guarantee that this will not be included.  I do return all fabric and batting sent to me.
• If piecing your backing material I recommend that you have the seam down the length of the quilt top.  This allows me to load the lining where I am rolling with the grain of the fabric thus causing less shrinkage.  This is not required but I do find that the results are much better.   
• If your backing has the seam gowing across the quilt then I will load it with that seam going up and down and lay your quilt sideways.  This can be an issue if your backing is directional and I do not recommend a stitch that has a direction.  
• I do not recommend that you open the seams either on the quilt top or on the backing material,  This weakens your seams and could come apart over time.  For best results iron all seams flat to one side.  

What you can expect from me as your long arm quilter:

• I do lightly press your lining and quilt top before loading on the machine.  I find that often just sitting and waiting that a few creases will appear so I want to press those out.
• I will square your backing fabric as long as I have enough to play with.  This allows for the best results in the quilting and life of the quilt.
• I load your lining fabric so I rolling with the grain of the fabric,  I find that there is less chance of puckers on the larger size quilts and this causes less shrinkage in the quilt itself.
• I baste the top of the quilt to a straight line at the top and center the quilt to this.  I will sew straight lines down each side and baste as I go.  This keeps your quilt 99% Square,  If it was not square when you sent it to me chances are it will be when you get it back.  I am able to quilt in some excess fabric depending on the type of quilting, however if you have very wavy borders this is when I will see it and unless I am able to quilt this in you will need to have the borders removed and sewn back on properly.  I have only had 2 cases that required removal in almost 2 years.
• You will have excess batting around all 4 sides of your quilt so if you like to do your binding using this excess you will be able to.  I personally trim mine off and bind right to the quilt but I know others who like to use about 1/2 of extra batting width.
• I get many comments on how nice and flat the quilt lays after I have quilted it,  I take great care in making sure I am keeping and/or getting the quilt square.
• I seldom trim any lining fabric or batting off unless you have giving me so much extra that I can not work with it without trimming.  I will return all fabric and batting to you that is not used.  Normally this will still be attached to the quilt for you to trim off as you like.
• I try to keep my basting within the 1/4 seam allowance so it will be hiden when you bind the quilt but you may find it necessary to clip a few threads here and there.
• I do secure all my stitches off the edge whenever possible so you have a nice clean product.  When thread runs out in the middle of a row (bobbins will run out) I do a stitch back over about 1/4 inch for strenght.
• I use a thread that is an embroidery thread to give more distinction to the quilting.    I match the bobbin thread to the top thread color.

My goal is to enhance your quilt with my quilting process so I take great care in the process.  If I do not like something that I have attempted I will take out the stitches and start over again.  This is not something that I have to do often but I sometimes just do not like the effect so I remove it. 

I hope that you will let me add beauty and value to your quilt.

Thank you

Rebecca Verrier-Watt