I've heard that sometimes when a LAQ quote includes attaching the binding, it just means stitching it on the front. You might still have to trim the edges and hand stitch the back. You might want to make sure you are both on the same page on this.

In general though, I think machine stitching the binding on quilts for kids is a good idea because of the frequent washing. I guess the same would hold true here.

Can't wait to see the pictures.

Faye

Faye is correct about attaching the binding. LAer's usually just attach the binding to the front. You must ask!

Don't be nervous about the quilting, though. Did you choose a pantograph pattern or custom quilting? A loose pantograph (if he does them) or a loose meander pattern will be less expensive than a custom quilting job.

Around here a loose pantograph or loose meander would run about .0125 - .015 cents per square inch. This is possibly much cheaper than your area, of course.

When I hand stitch my binding, I make a knot every 2-3 inches. That way if the thread should break, the entire binding will not loosen.

beverly

Thanks, I think I too think machine stitched front & back will launder better.

It's just I hadn't thought about it & his doing the bindng adds abt 1/3 to the price. But certainly, I'd wish it to last as long as possible.

Yes, thanks abt the pricing, fortunately he's plain & open & I had seen samplings & prices (starting at double the lower figure you quoted for the most simple). It happens I chose a simple swirl pantograph; happens to be his least costly. I wanted it 'cause the Quilt is a Disappearing 9 Patch w/ several prints. So I wanted a simple, overall pattern to recede in the background & let the fabrics be the stars.

Yes, I'll do pics when it's done, cross your fingers & thanks!

I suggest you permanently machine sew 2 sides of the label on along with the binding, so it cannot easily be removed, and perhaps include a phone # - if it is lost or stolen, as well as washing instructions.
You Mom will love her gift from you!

Another thing to consider re. the binding - how difficult will it be for you to machine sew it to the front on your home machine? If it's a lot of pushing, pulling, rearranging, etc. in order to get the binding onto the quilted quilt (don't forget it will be heavy), it may be worth the extra $ to have him do it on the frame.

Donna

When I did a quilt for my FIL in assisted living last year, I wrote on the quilt in perm fabric pen: "Shame on you for trying to steal this quilt. Give it back to Bob immediately!" Then I sewed the label over the top. Like it was suggested above, I sewed 2 of the label seams into the binding. Stealing of precious things is sadly common in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Kate

And, if it's a gift for Mothers Day, you'd better get going. These things usually take time.

PirateGirl - if his cost for binding adds 1/3 to the price, then maybe he is doing the whole binding. Again, ask and get detailed answers.

Thanks folks, I have his estimate now & the binding is broken down into binding tape made, applied to front & then also stitched to the back.

I guess it's that I hadn't realized all the particulars & it's adding up to a scant $300. I don't begrudge him, just had assumed I'd do all the binding stuff myself.

See that's why I posted: the comments about the label, affixing 2 of its sides into the binding (smart ladies, thanks).

MRG's point that it might be cumbersome & heavy for me to apply such a large binding myself. I guess I should be brave & just let go (of needing to control everything about my artwork). Worth my peace of mind to pay for it to be well made & strong & by someone who's done lots of larger bed quilts especially since I have not.

As it stands now, I'm taking it to him Monday as I'd said I needed it by end April (assuming the first week of May for me to bind it).

Exciting & scary at the same time!

Well folks, I've got my quilt back & I love it! I'm just thrilled to bits about how it came out & am so very glad I decided to rely on this man's expertise. Bill really knows his LA stuff.

I had him match one lengthwise seam on the back; he also made & applied the bindings, as well as attached a label to both front & back sides.

Thank you to those of you who encouraged me to do this & reassured me in my nervousness.

Here's the first pix, hope to follow w/ some close ups later:

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Just call me Karen, who's bursting w/ pride!

Can't resist a close up or two:

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

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{{!gwi}}

Nice. Like your fabric and the quilting is great.
I have the aqua fabric with the vines. Love it. Jayne

Very nice and glad you're so pleased with it. But to tell you the truth you don't look like a pirate to me:) Have a great day.

Very pretty! I'm happy it turned out so well, and I'm sure you're mom will be pleased. That's a majorly perfect backing you chose, I just love it with the quilt.

You should be excited~this is beautiful, the fabric choices, both color and design elements are perfect and like p.patsy said "That's a majorly perfect backing you chose"~~I totally agree! This is going to be the best Mother's day for Mother & daughter. Enjoy!
Thanks for posting the picture of the completed quilt.
You give your Mom a big hug!

This turned out really nice! I can believe that you would be just tickled to death with the result!

I love your quilt. You should be proud of it as it is great.

Your quilt is just beautiful. I love the colors.

What a pretty quilt! I love the colors and the design. I remember being nervous the first time I sent one out to a complete stranger. Now I don't think twice about it. Your Mom is going to love it! I am working on one for my Mom for Christmas.

Rebecca

Beautiful!! I love the colors, too.

Well she's going to be OK & is recovering, but Mom ended up at the Hospital 2 days before Mother's Day, when I was planning to present her w/ this Quilt (compression fractures of the vertebrae, very painful).

So anyway, I'm keep keeping the quilt warm on MY bed (tho' it's king size & the quilt only twin), 'til Mom's back in her regular home when I'll give it to her.

I've had a lot of trouble trying to take pix where the quilting shows up well, tough to do. I've discovered accidentally that outside in the sun works much better (than indoors) & as I had nowhere to hold it up, I laid it flat on the grass; worked surprisingly well, a lesson for the future (for us all).

Pls. have a look at the detail:

Extreme Detail

The Long View

I've got slowish speed computer at home. Have just been working in my Photobucket albums on the Office's high speed computer; man what a pleasure, you can get sooo much more done!

Thank you for the new pic. They are great and do show the nice job of quilting. I still like the aqua fabric.LOL. Nice job. Jayne

Karen...great job on the quilt!