Metamorphosis Custom Quilting
The beauty is already in your quilt. Let it emerge.
Custom-designed, hand-guided free motion and ruler work quilting, created through a collaborative process.
About
A collaborative process, from first conversation to final stitch
I am Janice McCallum, and I offer custom designed, hand-guided free motion and ruler work quilting to create one-of-a-kind quilts. No computers here.
Mine is a collaborative process which includes meeting with the client, brainstorming ideas, and finding a design that fits the client's vision and budget.
Step 1
Meet
We sit down together with your finished top and talk about what you have made and what you hope for it.
Step 2
Brainstorm
We trade ideas about motifs, density, and feeling, so the quilting answers your piecing instead of covering it.
Step 3
Choose the Direction
Together we settle on a design that fits your vision and your budget, then I take it to the longarm.
Services
Hand-guided custom free motion and ruler work quilting
Free Motion
Hand-guided free motion quilting, chosen block by block so every line belongs to your quilt alone.
Ruler Work
Ruler-guided lines and structured motifs for the precision that show quilts and heirlooms deserve.
Collaborative Design
Meeting, brainstorming, and choosing a design together, so the finished quilting reflects your vision and budget.
Portfolio
Quilts, motifs, and close-up details
Look closely at the stitching. Use the controls to move through the quilts, or open an image full screen for a closer view.
Full quilt view
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Quilt Preparation
Preparing your quilt top for custom quilting
Quilt Top
Please stitch a victory lap of stay-stitching about 1/8 inch all the way around the perimeter of your quilt. This helps prevent distortion and stretching while the quilt is secured on the longarm.
Backing
For most custom quilts, your backing needs to be a minimum of 6 inches larger than the quilt top on all sides; 8 inches is even better. For all-over designs, please provide backing that is a minimum of 4 inches larger than the quilt top all the way around. You may purchase a wide back (usually 108 or 120 inches wide) or piece your backing. If you piece a backing, please use at least 1/2 inch seams, as there is significant tension on these seams.
Batting
I like an 80/20 blend for most utility quilts. For showy quilts and wallhangings, you might consider double batting: a base layer of 80/20 and a layer of wool. This helps custom quilting to "pop." If you are using Minky for a backing, consider a thinner batting.
I have yet to meet a batting my machine doesn't like!
Before We Meet
Please be thinking about these questions:
What is the quilt's ultimate purpose?
A utilitarian baby quilt, an heirloom quilt, a conversation piece, a show quilt? All of these factors figure into the designs we select together.
What is the "feel" you want your quilt to convey?
Peacefulness, playfulness, nature, love, family, warmth, art? Structured or free form? Modern or traditional? The possibilities are endless.
What is most important to you about the quilt design we select?
For example, a recent customer wanted the small animal panels on her quilt to be the stars of the show.
FAQ
Questions, answered
A few things clients often ask before handing over a quilt top.
How far in advance should I book?
Reach out as soon as your top is nearing completion. Custom work is scheduled by the quilt, so a little notice means we can take our time designing together.
How much does custom quilting cost?
Pricing depends on the size of your quilt and the density of the design. We discuss budget openly during our conversation and choose a design that fits it.
Do you use a computerized longarm?
No computers here. Every stitch is hand-guided free motion and ruler work, which is what makes each quilt one of a kind.
Do I need to provide batting and backing?
Yes. See the Quilt Preparation section for sizing and my batting notes, and reach out if you would like help choosing.
Can you quilt a top I did not piece myself?
Yes. Vintage tops, inherited tops, and rescued projects are all welcome.
Where are you located?
I am in Bedford, Virginia. Please get in touch and we can arrange how to get your quilt to me.
Contact
Let's talk about your quilt.
Share what you are creating, what the quilt will mean to you, and the feeling you would like the quilting to convey.
- Quilter
- Janice McCallum