Commissioning a Custom Quilt

So, you're thinking about commissioning an original quilt by Sarah Atlee. (You know what? You're awesome!)

Here's what happens next:

Step 1: Read through the FAQs below.
Step 2: Ready to start the commission process? Click here for sizes, prices, and payment terms.
Step 3: Book your call with me and we'll finalize the details. After I receive your deposit, I'll create your custom, made-to-order quilt!

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't speak "Quilt." Help!
A quilt is generally two or more layers of fabric (usually 3) held together by stitches. The layers are what make it a quilt.

Anatomy of a quilt

• Top: The fun part that usually faces up or out. The part with all the little pieces.

• Batting: The middle layer. This could be cotton, wool, bamboo, polyester, or a blend of fibers. I use Hobbs 80/20 cotton/poly blend.

• Back: The part we usually don't look at. It may be one big piece of fabric or smaller pieces put together.

• Piecing: The stage where the maker sews the little pieces of fabric together to form the Top.

• Quilting: The stage where the maker adds stitches to hold all the layers together.

• Ties or Tying: An alternate method of quilting, where the layers are held together by knotted thread or yarn.

• Quilting usually covers the quilt from edge to edge. Ties might only be placed every few inches. I do quilting, not tying.

• Binding: The narrow strip of fabric that goes all the way around the quilt's edges so the fabrics don't fray.

• Label: The "signature" of the quilt. A label may include the maker's name, the quilt's title, materials used, and the year of construction. The label usually goes on the back of the quilt.

• Sleeve: A tube of fabric attached to the back of the quilt near the top edge. You can run a curtain rod through this sleeve if you want to hang your quilt on a wall.

• Drop or Drape: The part of the quilt that hangs off the edge of a mattress.

• Pillow tuck: For bed quilts, you may want a slightly longer quilt so it will cover pillows.

Sizes, Prices, and Payment Terms

What are your prices?
My price range for unique, made-to-order quilts starts at $475 for a table runner and extends to $3500 for California King size. Click here for a detailed look at available sizes.

Can you make a quilt to fit my bed?
Yes! Click here for a detailed look at available sizes.

How does payment work?
I will send you a link to pay through my website. All major credit and debit cards are accepted.
Clients pay a 50% deposit before work begins. The balance is due after the quilt is complete, before shipping.
Shipping is free in the United States. For international shipments, let’s talk.

How long does it take to make a quilt?
Currently, my turnaround time is 8 weeks or less. This is subject to change.

QUILTING STYLE

I'm not familiar with your style. Where can I see some examples?
Check out the Images page and have a look at my Instagram.

Will I get to choose the colors and style of my quilt?
Yes! We’ll have a conversation about those fun details. When you’re ready order your quilt, book your one-on-one call with me and we’ll get started!

Do you make your quilts by hand or use a sewing machine?
Both. I do the piecing and quilting stages by machine. I attach the binding, label, and sleeve using hand stitching. For the quilting stage, I will either use my domestic sewing machine (for small quilts) or a longarm quilting machine (for larger quilts). If I did the piecing and quilting by hand, our timeline would be measured in years, not weeks :)

Can I wash my quilt?
The two best ways to extend the life of your quilt are:

• Keep it out of direct sunlight.

• Wash it only when necessary.

I do make my quilts sturdy enough to go through the washer and dryer. However, hand washing is better, and spot cleaning is best. You can launder your quilt using a conventional washer and dryer. Treat it like a delicate. Wash in cold water with mild detergent, such as Retro Clean. Put it in the dryer for ~10 minutes and remove the quilt while it's still damp. Line dry or dry flat. The texture of your quilt will change when you wash it. I will include more detailed care instructions with your quilt. By request, I can pre-wash your quilt before shipping it to you.

What is Improv Quilting?
Improvisational patchwork, sometimes called improv or abstract piecing, is when the maker does not start with a fixed pattern. (A fixed pattern is the kind you see printed with exact measurements, where all the quilt blocks are meant to come out the same.) I might start a quilt with a group of colors, a general design idea, or some shapes I want to make. But the final outcome is always a surprise.

I saw another quilt / work of art that I really like. Can you copy it?
No. It is not ethical for me to copy another creator's work. I feel very uncomfortable working in the "style" of another creator, whether they are living or dead.
However, when commissioning a quilt, you are welcome to send me 2-3 images for inspiration. We'll talk about the parts that you love, and I can incorporate that into your new quilt.

I love the quilts of Gee's Bend! Can you make me a quilt like that?
No. If you really want a Gee's Bend quilt, by all means, buy one from the maker! Visit the Souls Grown Deep Foundation to learn more about the quilters of Gees Bend.

Can I commission a drawing / painting / design / new version of your previous work?
At this time, I am only accepting commissions for original quilts. If there's something I made in the past that you loved, check my Store page. It might be there!

Can you make me a t-shirt quilt?
Can you make a quilt out of clothes?
While I often incorporate deconstructed garments into my quilts, I'm not currently accepting clients' clothing to make into quilts. But you're in luck! Journey Quilt Company in Edmond, OK does this all day every day. Call them at 405 340 0444 to get started.

Can you make me a quilt with this fabric that I bought / ordered from Etsy, Spoonflower, etc?
Not at this time. I am focused on creating quilts with the fabric that's currently in my stash. Not to worry, because I have every color of the rainbow in a print, solid, stripe and polka dot!

Can you tell me how much this antique quilt is worth?
Can you repair/restore my vintage quilt?
This isn't my area of expertise. Your best bet is to contact your local quilt guild(s) and ask for appraisal and restoration experts.

I recently cleaned out my Grandmother's house and found a bunch of fabric. Do you want it?
Please see this blog post for some answers.

I’m ready to order my custom Sarah Atlee quilt. What's next?

Click here for sizes, prices, and payment terms. When you're ready, click here to book your one-on-one call with me, and we'll finalize the details. Your fabulous quilt will be underway!