Quilt Prep
Please take a look at our quilt prep page before sending your quilt to us.
FAQ
Q. When can I expect my quilt to be done?
A. General time is 2-3 weeks.
Q. What machine will be used on my quilt?
A. We have an APQS Millennium with a 26” throat, a 12’ table and the Quilt path computerized quilting system.
Q. What kind of batting should I use?
A. We recommend Hobbs 80/20 batting. We have the Hobbs 80/20 available for purchase – please go HERE for pricing and size options.
Q. What kind of thread does 9 Lives Quilting use?
A. We have found that solid and variegated Omni poly wrapped poly core work very well with our machine. You are welcome to provide a high quality thread for us to use on your quilt or we will use one of our in house options and match it to a chosen fabric on your quilt. Visibility of thread is a factor to consider. Quilts with a variety of colors and patterns won’t boldly show the quilting – it’s there but the patchwork quilting will be the star. Alternatively, subdued fabrics can have a contrasting thread really pop to show off the pattern chosen.
Q. Does the quilt backing have to be one piece or can I piece it?
A. Both options are fine. If pieced, we cannot guarantee that it will be centered exactly, but we will get as close as possible. Please also have large borders to make sure all the work you did on piecing the back will be caught by the machine quilting. And like the front, please press entire back and make sure edge seams are back stitched to keep it from pulling apart during quilting.
Links
For your convenience we have a variety of links to our favorite area shops and quilt guilds.
American Professional Quilting Systems (APQS)
We went with an APQS Millennium for a variety of reasons. The great
warranty, customer support and that it’s manufactured in the USA really
cinched it for us.
Fox Valley Technical College
Located in Appleton WI, this tech college has had a variety of sewing
related classes that we have attended. Check out their website and see
if something leaps out!
Quilt Barn Studio
Janesville
WI is the place to go for classes, demos and some amazingingly detailed
quilting services! They are a talented group of quilters and longarm
machine trouble shooters as well. If you are looking to rent or even buy
an APQS longarm machine please stop in and see their showroom and
studio!
Quilt Guilds
Lodi Valley Quilters Guild This quilt guild is based in Lodi Wisconsin and has lots of variety! We have a Quilt Academy every spring with a host of classes, the Lodi Ag Fair quilt show as well as retreats, speakers and charity events.
Prairie Lakes Quilters Guild
1st Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm. The Colonial Club in Sun Prairie. There are a variety of fun speakers at the meetings as well as ongoing quilt projects (mystery quilts, row by row or even some monthly samplers). Every year the guild provides a finished quilt to the Colonial Club for a Strawberry Fest raffle!
Mad City Quilt Guild Another large and thriving quilt guild in Madison Wisconsin. Great speakers, retreats and charity events galore!
Great Lakes Professional Machine Quilters Association
Looking for a community of longarm machine enthusiasts? Look no further! There is a wide cross section of longarm owners and users in this group…from renters to owners and with a wide variety of award winning quilt makers and teachers.
Quilt Shops
JJ Stitches
Since I love flannel, this is a frequent stop! Located in Sun Prairie WI, it’s a short trip for southern WI quilters.
Mill House Quilts
Come to Waunakee WI and check out a great quilting shop. A large variety of classes, clubs, fabric and patterns.
Village Creek
Lodi WI has a fun little quilt shop as well! A wide variety of fabric and patterns.
Blue Bar Quilts
Middleton WI offers a bright oasis of fabric and patterns with a large classroom space and a lovely quilt gallery.
The Electric Needle
Westside Madison WI has a shop that is packed with fabric and notions as well as a display area with the latest Pfaff and Viking machines.
Going To Pieces Quilt Co
Located in Appleton WI. Terrific fabric selection, many kits with a variety of quilts on display. Definitely worth the trip!
Keep Me In Stitches
A fun little shop in Appleton with a quirky fabric selection.
Julie’s Sewing Center
A large sewing machine showroom in Appleton with a vast selection of thread and fabric.
Fox Cities Quilt Co.
Don’t miss this Appleton shop! A great quilt shop with a fun fabric selection and a large classroom.
