Cape Haze Quilting

Prepare your quilt

Snip those tails!
Please take the time to snip loose threads from the back of your quilt top. These may show through the lighter colors of your quilt.

Press your top and back.
Make sure quilt top has been ironed with all the seams pressed properly. Iron back as well. NOTE: On those tops with photo transfers DO NOT iron directly on the transfer as they will become shiny. Iron them with a pressing sheet or towel in between.

Is your border pieced?
If you have a pieced border, for best results, stay stitch 1/4" around the edge of your quilt top.  This helps keep the borders from stretching while being quilted.

Do not baste your quilt.
Do not baste your quilt. Fold top and backing separately.

This side up!
If you have a special direction you want the top and the backing to go on then please indicate that with a small piece of paper labeled "TOP", pinned onto the top as well as one on the backing.

Backing- size matters!
Please make sure that the backing is approximately 6 inches larger than the top.  It is also very important that the backing be trimmed square.  If you are providing the batting please make sure that it is about 4-6 inches larger than the top.

Quilts with embellishments cannot be machine quilted.
Plan on adding your embellishments after the quilting is complete.

Print your order form.
Even if you send the order from by email, complete the order form, sign it and include with your quilt top.

Ready, set, Quilt!
A quilt top recieved "ready to go" will have a faster turn around

Shipping Your Quilts Safely

• Securely attach return shipping instructions to your quilt.
• Put your name and address on your quilt's label. If you have one, attach a business card to the quilt with a safety pin.
• Put your quilt in a CLEAR plastic bag.
  This will protect your quilt in case the box gets wet. NEVER USE A GARBAGE BAG that is opaque! Someone could easily throw your quilt away without looking inside. One dear lady put her precious crazy quilt (http://www.lostquilt.com/PrizedCQ.html) in a garbage bag during a move and a well-meaning friend took out the "trash". Another woman brought three quilts (http://www.lostquilt.com/QuiltShowTragedy.html) to a quilt show in brown plastic bags and they were never seen again. (Please note, do not keep a quilt in a plastic bag for long-term storage.)
• Use a permanent, water-proof marker to label the clear plastic bag. Don't leave anything to chance. Mark the clear plastic bag with shipping instructions and return addresses. Many people also write their return address on the inside of the box itself. Put your address on everything.
• Include a pre-addressed, return label.
  In addition to your order form, include a pre-addressed label so there is no question as to where your quilt is to be returned. Make sure you use a shipping label that has a tracking number and be sure to write it down before you send it off. With many shippers, you can use that number to track the shipment on the internet. Make sure your label is taped securely to the package.
• Use a strong, new box.
  These boxes are put through a lot of stress during shipment. Purchase a box that will not be crushed or broken open. You can buy extra strong boxes which are made for shipping china and crystal glasses. Or, you can use two boxes, one inside the other. If you do use a previously used box, pick one that is very strong like those used to ship glass bottles. Be sure there are NO stray addresses, barcodes, or tracking numbers from prior shipments on the outside of the box. If there are any old markings on a previously used box, your package can easily be misdirected and lost.
• Use an unusually colored box.
  To maximize your chances of finding a lost package, use a distinctively colored box. One quilter marks her boxes with bright yellow and black striped tape. Another always covers her boxes with pastel colored contact paper. An employee is more likely to remember handling a box that is marked in an unique way.
• Before you close the box, put a piece of cardboard on top of your quilt.
  This will help protect your quilt if a knife is used to open the box.
• Tape every flap and seam.
  Secure any edge that could get caught in machinery or conveyor belts. Boxes can easily come open during shipment and contents can be separated from the box.
• Do not use string, rope or masking tape.