Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long does it take to make a quilt?
It really depends upon the size. If you would like a lap size quilt - which is the most popular - then it would take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, a double or queen size 6 to 8 weeks, however if you would like a small wall hanging (say 30" x 30") it would only take a couple of weeks.
2) How much does it cost?
The quilts start at only $95, pillows from $55 - which is very reasonable, considering all the work involved. All the sizes include some photos with them to give added value. If you would like additional photos, they are also reasonably priced at $10 each. That being said, if the photo's we are using are fairly small (say, 3" x 3" or 4" x 4") then there is room for play with the price and I'm sure we can work out a bit of a discount on them.
3) Are there any "hidden" fees?
Each of the quilts include some photo's to give added value. However, if you would like more photos, they are reasonably priced at only $10 each. That being said, if the photo's we are using are fairly small (say, 3" x 3" or 4" x 4") then there is room for play with the price and I'm sure we can work out a bit of a discount on them.
The cost of purchasing the fabric is not included in the prices. You may purchase the fabric yourself (KCQ will happily give you yardage amounts), or we would be happy to do the purchasing for you if you are unsure about doing this yourself. You may want to have a look at our resources page for purchasing fabrics yourself.
Shipping costs are extra, unless you live locally. If you live locally, KCQ will personally deliver your quilt to you. If you require shipping, then you can let us know how you would like it shipped and we will add it to the final price, or we can send it COD.
4) How does payment work?
Once an Agreement is signed to complete the work, a non-refundable deposit of 50% is required. Once the work is completed, the remaining is due before the quilt gets shipped out. KCQ accepts cash, cheque, certified cheque and money orders.
5) What if I only want to get the photos printed on fabric from you (and make the quilt myself)?
That is no problem at all. We charge $10.00 per photo to print it onto fabric for you. The shipping costs are included in this price.
6) Is it washable? How do I care for it?
Yes! I would recommend only hand washing, however - and in cool water. If you are purchasing a larger quilt that would be hard to hand wash (a queen size, for example), then you could put it in the washing machine, but please let me stress on a gentle cycle only, with no harsh detergents. If you have a wall hanging, naturally over time dust will settle on it, so I would recommend vacuuming it once in awhile with just the nozzle (please don't lay it on the floor and go over it like your vacuuming the carpet!) and a soft brush attachment or even place an old nylon stocking over the end and rubber band it in place. Also, try to avoid having your photo memory quilt in a place of constant direct sunlight, as the photos and fabric will eventually fade if subjected to that.
Also, check out our Quilt Care page for websites for more information on this subject.
7) Is any of it done by hand?
KCQ does as much work as they can by machine…only seldomly will there be hand work done. If there is hand work done, it will be reflected in the price as it is more time consuming.
8) I have some pictures I'd like to use, now what?
Great! If they are film photos, then they would need to be snail-mailed to KCQ. If they are damaged in some way (scratched, folded, torn, discolored, etc), KCQ can send them out to be "repaired" by a local company, to perfect condition for an additional fee. You may want to have a look at our resources page and look under Castlegar Graphic Encounters. If the photos are digital, they can be emailed - but should be sent with the best quality (highest resolution) possible.
9) How do I get my photo's to you?
If they are film photo's, they would need to be snail-mailed. If they are digital, they can be emailed. KCQ does not, in any way, destroy your film photo's. They are simply scanned onto high quality equipment.
10) Do you "wreck" my photos - should I send you copies and not originals?
KCQ does not destroy or wreck your photo's. You will receive them back in the same condition they were sent to us. If you are still really concerned, for your own peace of mind, you may consider getting duplicates made and sending us those. If you are wanting photo restoration done, then you will get them back in EVEN BETTER condition! But never, ever in worse condition!!
11) How do I know what quilting design to use?
Typically, quilt designs are symmetrical (but don't always have to be). If you have an idea, that's a good place to start. If you don't have a clue, then have a look at some of the samples on the gallery page. We also have some templates that you are welcome to look at, or we can brain storm until we find the perfect design for you.
12) What about color scheme?
That is up to you. KCQ can help with suggestions, however. It's a good idea to look at the photos you'd like included in your quilt and possibly draw some colors from them.
13) Who purchases the fabric?
If you know what you want, or fall in love with some fabric you see at your local or on-line store (see our resources page), by all means, purchase it yourself and mail it to us! We will be happy to give you the yardage amount required. If you are unsure, KCQ will be happy to purchase the fabric for you, for an additional cost.
14) What about embroidery?
Embroidery can be done for a reasonable cost of $10 per 5" x 7" area hooping. There are designs that can be embroidered, as well as words/names. Have a look at some of the samples on the gallery page.
15) Do I get to see it during the construction phase?
Absolutely! Just let KCQ know you would like this free option. We will then take digital photos of your work and email them to you as we construct your masterpiece. Feel free to contact us and give us feed back any time!
16) How does shipping work?
Once the quilt is complete, KCQ will contact you. If you live locally, we will personally deliver the quilt to you - or you can come and pick it up. If you require shipping, then let us know how you would like it shipped and we will add that price to the final cost, or we can send it COD.