In-depth Info

In-Depth Info
CONSTRUCTION & SCHEDULING:	The duvet-making process usually takes me quite a while...average time per side is usually 80 - 100 hours. This assumes I'm fabric shopping, pre-washing and ironing fabric, calculating yardages, creating the design, and calculating block-construction methods and requirements. Simpler designs would probably take much less time, but as yet I haven't made any really simple ones. More intricate designs require more time. I always try to encourage people to think ahead and allow adequate time for the duvet to be completed, so no one has to get all stressed out meeting deadlines. My availability to work on your duvet will depend upon how many duvet projects are on my schedule at a given time.
PIECING/SEWING SKILL LEVEL:	I am quite comfortable with my ability to piece most designs. I can handle traditional piecing as well as paper-foundation methods. I am not accomplished at appliqué work, though I can do it if required. To date, I have made 3 quilts, 1 single-sided duvet, and 4 double-sided duvets. Most have been queen-size except for one king-size duvet and one lap quilt. I have sewn for about 25 years, and have been quilting for the past 7 years or so.
USING YOUR EXISTING QUILT TOP:	I can also put any existing pieced quilt tops into a duvet for you. I did this for my Mother-in-law, who had a beautiful quilt top that she'd embroidered as a teenager, which had been stored in a hope chest for 30+ years. It had never been used because it was just a quilt top and lacked a back. I made it into side 1 of a double-sided duvet, and she is very happy with it now.
ACTUAL "QUILTING":	Quilting is defined as sandwiching a layer of batting between two layers of fabric, using sewn stitches to hold the 3 layers together. In a duvet, the comforter itself is the "batting", and there is no need to connect the layers of the duvet to the comforter through quilting stitches. I do not own a quilting machine (they cost $7,500.00 – $15,000.00). I am able to do limited topstitch-design work, but do not "quilt" large tops. That kind of work would need to be handled by a person with a quilting machine. One of the reasons for my love of duvets is that there is no need for the actual "quilting" process. I will gladly piece a regular quilt top for you, but as I said, I do not own a quilting machine and cannot accomplish that part of a regular quilt. Lap quilts and baby quilts are items that I would be able to quilt on my machine.
MY DESIGN METHODS:	To prevent the comforter from bunching and migrating within the duvet, I prefer to place unseen buttons along the edge of the comforter, with non-visible elastic loops hidden in the inside of the duvet, to connect to the comforter. This prevents the bunching and migrating of the comforter. If you do not yet have your comforter, I know of a possible source for you to get one. I will gladly attach the buttons to your comforter, but you must feel comfortable with sending me the comforter so I can do that. I use a recessed button-closure strip at the bottom edge of the duvet, to allow for inserting or removing the comforter within. Button closures are the most reliable method and they last longest without problems.
PILLOW SHAMS/OTHER ACCESSORIES:	I like to make matching pillow shams to go with the duvet, if it is desired. I prefer "sleepable" shams with a back overlap opening, but have experience with zipper-back shams as well. I can also make matching throw pillows to accessorize with the duvet.
FABRIC:	I prefer to use only cotton fabric, or at the very least, cotton blends. As stated on the main page, I can use fabric from whatever source you want...your fabric that you have, fabric that I have, or fabric that I find in a store. I have a digital camera and can 'show' you potential fabrics in this way if you desire.
COST:	The cost consists of parts and labor. -PARTS: Parts for a duvet includes the cost of all fabric used, which will vary depending on the fabric you desire and the size of your duvet. Typically, the average cost for fabric will run around $5 to $8 per yard, with some fabric being less expensive than that, and some being more. I will try my utmost to keep costs as low as possible for you, and all fabric purchased by me will be billed to you at my cost. If time allows, and you prefer it, I try to take advantage of waiting for sales when purchasing fabric. I generally try to use a less-expensive fabric for the background, to keep costs as low as possible. You will only be charged for actual yardage used in your duvet...so that if I buy a yard and only use a half-yard in your duvet, you would only be charged for the half-yard. Other parts cost in the duvet would be buttons for the closure and interior anchoring, thread, seam binding for the closure, and heavy interfacing to maintain flat edges at the button closure bottom of the duvet. Optional costs include fray-block application to all seams within the duvet. -LABOR: Prices start at $200.00 labor for each designed side of a duvet. I know this sounds like a lot of money, but usually this means that I make around $2.00 per hour for my time. The complexity of the design is the determining factor in the labor cost. Labor prices for lap quilts or baby quilts would be much less and would depend upon the design complexity. I provide a detailed accounting for all costs incurred in the creation of your duvet, so you can be assured that all charges are justified. I also can keep track of all hours spent in the creation of your duvet if you want.
CARE OF DUVETS:	I wash my duvets in the washing machine on delicate cycle, and dry them in the dryer, also on delicate. The comforter itself is usually a dry-clean only item, but as it is always protected by the duvet, should not require very frequent cleanings. I have always used down comforters, but actually any comforter would do, and if you have a favorite one that is machine washable, then that's just great.
TERMS FOR MY BEGINNING WORK FOR YOU:	I require the cost of materials up front. Once the duvet has been constructed, payment for the labor will be received by me prior to my shipping the duvet to you. Buyer is expected to cover shipping costs, which will be only the actual amount charged by U.S.P.S. plus the cost of the box and any insurance. Shipments made via my mortal enemies, UPS or FEDEX, will have a $5.00 surcharge added on to any actual costs. WA residents need to add 7.9% sales tax to the costs of all purchased items.
THINGS TO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ASKING ME TO DO:	1) Ruffles on the edges of duvets. 2) Repair work for ripped, torn, or missing fabric in a duvet or quilt.