Before shipping your quilt top
Please contact me for a free design consultation and estimate.
We will look over your top together (via photos or video call) to help you pick the best quilting to meet your budget + style needs. This communciation is key to ensuring you are 100% satfisfied and have a great final product. We complete the Quilt Intake Form together, and you will recieve an email copy for your records.
Prep Checklist
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Intake form:
Check your email for your confirmation and Intake Form.
Print a copy and include it with your quilt top.
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Backing:
Make sure that backing is at least 8 inches wider and longer than your quilt top.
If you have to piece your backing, it is best to use a half inch seam.
The backing should be squared up to make sure that it will go on my machine square.
Please press the backing fabric seam to one side (open seams are more likely to come loose under the tension of loading.
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Batting:
If you are sending batting, make sure that it is at least 4 inches wider and longer than your quilt top.
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Quilt Top:
If your top or backing has a preferred top or is directional - pin a note to the top.
Make sure your quilt top is well pressed and seams are flattened.
Trim all hanging threads.
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Do not baste the quilt top
I take care of that for you when I load it to my longarm quilting machine. Plus, your knees and back will thank you!
Ready to ship? Let’s DO this!
Shipping your quilt
Our studio is located in Pennsylvania, USA, and would be happy to receive your top and backing by mail or by local drop-off in the State College area.
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Packing up your quilt
I recommend sending your materials enclosed in some kind of plastic bag to protect against possible moisture in transit and then placed in a hard-sided cardboard box. Make sure the box is securely taped and labeled clearly.
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Address your box to:
PAQ
Attn: Annaliese Blankenship
132 N Allegheny Street, #193
Bellefonte, PA 16823
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Do NOT mark the word "Quilt" anywhere on your shipping box.
Unfortnately, it could bring attention to the contents, and we don't want anyone to be tempted to steal it!
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Do NOT use a box where the sides are already split.
Any pressure from other items that may be placed on top could be just too much for the box and tape to withstand.
Return Shipping
I will send your quilt back to you in the manner described above via USPS Priority mail (using flat rate when possible/economical).
Priority mail comes with $50 of insurance and a tracking number. Please indicate on your form if you would like to buy any additional insurance. It’s a great idea to insure your quilts against loss or damage while with the United States Postal Service, but it is not required.
A quick note about the infamous "Quilt Police"
In short, the PAQ studio is a judgement-free zone.
I love working with quilters at every step in their journey. Whether this is your 1st or your 100th quilt, it’s an honor to play a small part in bringing your quilty vision to life.
Over the years I’ve bookmarked several great tutorials and resources. Some of these have helped me tackle problem spots in my own projects. Feel free to take a look! Or, if you have a favorite tip that you think can help other quilters, let us know and we’ll be sure to add it.
I will not turn down a top that has fullness in the center, wavy borders, or other imperfections. I do have a few tricks up my sleeves that can help minimize the appearance of these issues, but I can’t guarantee that I can work out all problem areas.
That said, where there are piecing issues, be aware that it may result in pleats or puckers.
If I come across a major issue (popped seams, stains, etc) that we didn’t already discuss during your Quilt Intake, I will contact you to discuss options and determine how you’d like to proceed.
Before a quilt top comes to me, so much time and energy has already been invested in its design and construction. Every quilt and its maker is deserving of love and respect!