Dancing Elephant : Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

I've decided to have Dancing Elephant finish my quilt top.
WHAT DO I DO NOW?

CONTACT ME. We can chat about your quilt and your ideas for finishing it. I have hundreds of designs not shown on the website and additional resources we can search to get exactly what you are picturing for your quilt.

If you need your quilt back home by a specific date, it would be a good idea to save a place on the quilting calendar. (Holiday Special) You don't need to have your top ready to reserve quilting time. It might be just the "nudge" you need. For example, if you need your quilt home not later than, say, September 23rd, I would need it by August 23rd, you would need to ship before August 16th.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY TOP FOR QUILTING?

PRESS all of the seams and make sure your top lays flat. One thing the Gammill does not understand is "let's just ease this right in here". Ruffles and waves turn into tucks and pleats.

DOUBLE CHECK that all threads on the back have been snipped. They tend to show through.

If your border is pieced, check the seam ends all the way around for loose stitches. Loading on the quilting frame will make this problem worse. Now, my little Elna isn't REAL jealous of the Gammill, but she absolutely refuses to hop up on the frame and play nice. Repairs are difficult at that point.

SQUARE your quilt top. Measure the quilt from top to bottom along the right side, middle and left side; these measurements should be within one inch of each other. Repeat for the horizontal measurements.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY BACKING?

The backing needs to be 100% cotton and have all of the selvages removed. If you need to piece the backing, it is very important to have the grain lines running the same direction. Lengthwise is best. When there is fabric stretching in different directions with different amounts of give it can get pretty messy when it's quilted.

The backing also needs to be PRESSED AND SQUARED.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY TOP FOR SHIPPING?

FOLD both top and back neatly, to minimize creasing.
INCLUDE printed order form. Check or money order for deposit if not using Pay-Pal.
FABRIC FOR BINDING; one yard, leftovers returned.
BATTING, if you prefer using your own.
Place all of this goes in a large plastic bag. I like the XL and XXL Zip-Lok bags.

HOW DO I ADDRESS THE BOX?

Address the box to:

Dancing Elephant
327 S.E. 1st #107
Pendleton, OR 97801

PLEASE do not put "quilt" any where on your box. Thieves are discovering the value of hand made quilts; no sense advertising.

LET ME KNOW you have shipped your quilt; I'll be on the lookout. I will get in touch with you the minute I receive it. At this time we will review all of the details to ensure you get exactly what you want.

RELAX. You can rest assured that your quilt top is in the care of someone who has been right where you are now. Finally decided on a pattern and color theme. Shopped for just the right fabric. Made templates and cut the fabric. Sewn and played the frog game. WOW! (I'm still surprised when it all works). Then the next thought: Let's do it again!

Understanding all the love and time you have taken, I will treat your quilt with the same care and respect as I treat my own.