quiltmonkey Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 customer wants me to piece and quilt a king size DWR yikes!! Any advice? Should I turn and run screaminng? A good template? Paper piece easier? Help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyJo Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 I don't know what I would do as I've never made a DWR myself and I don't know how hard/easy it would be. But I'll be watching for advise from the quilt piecing diva's out there. If you do this, be sure and charge for all of your time (shopping for fabric, prewashing, cutting, piecing, quilting, binding, labeling - the whole thing. Then charge a good amount per hr give her the total (figure a couple or three hrs more than you think it will take you) and give her a figure...at that point, you may not have to do the quilt at all. Then again, she may not even hesitate about price. :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 The math-- 100" x 110" King = 8.5 square yards. Cost to piece an intricate top= $150 per sq. yd. Total= $1275 That's just the top--quilting is extra! Whattaya think? Will she go for that? Maybe there is a piecer locally who will take on the piecing. There are many techniques for a DWR including where you sew the arcs to fusible and turn them and fuse them on plain blocks. None of the techniques are particularly quick or easy. Gorgeous end product though. If she has no particular color scheme in mind, maybe try ebay or etsy? I guess what I'm trying to say is--not for me but you go baby!--if you want to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraG Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 I like Marti Michell templates for DWR. Sandra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraC Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 I've made one using the John Flynn method...worked out great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merryjo2003 Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 Shana, there's a free paper pieced DWR quilt pattern on www.mccallsquilting.com under the Grandma's legacy heading. I printed it out for a client of mine who is piecing a king size for her husband. Looked like one of the easiest patterns I've seen. The pricing above looks about right for piecing. Besides that, I would make them pay for the fabric and the quilting. There is a method of using a strip set for a DWR, then cutting out the arcs with a template. I don't particularly like how they look because you always get a funny shaped piece in the corners. Some people don't notice it at all, but I'm used to the old ones my Grandma made with all the small templates. The paper pieced method looks like the old ones, just easier to piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyLynn Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 Shana, I have done a DW ring, using the template method. As much as I hate templates--I cut all the wedges, sewed them. The lady I was doing this for wanted to give it to her sister and husband for a 10th anniversary gift. She also wanted it made with the left over satin, lace, taffeta from all the dresses--OH DEAR, now what. So I bought cotton fabric in many different prints in the purple and pink (colors of the lace and taffeta), and where the centers of the arcs met up, I paper pieced 17? centers using the white satin, purple and pink lace and taffeta. It was a very pretty quilt and I am always up for a challenge so this was certainly a challenge. I also quilted it on my DSM, and did all straight line quilting on it. I think I charged her over $500--that is alot of money where I am from and this was a few years ago. Now I would charge a whole lot more! That is the 2nd DWring I have done. Sure don't want to do one every year, but now and then it is fun. I was very pleased with how it turned out. I like to let my voices speak to me when I am doing a custom quilt for someone, and things always work out the way they are suppose to. Just so the voices don't start to argue with each other, good luck, Judy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeoldeforest Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 AccuCut has a die cutter for the DWR. Any of the local quilt shops carry AccuCut System? The die runs around $200.00...but the machine is a bit pricier. Sure would help with the cutting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arliss109 Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 I made a DWR using Shar Jorgenson's templates and book. Easy fast every piece fits and it is the real traditional pattern. It was a first quilt for me and I had no problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Shana, I made a king DWR but that was many moons ago. I hand pieced the whole thing and then quilted it by hand! LOL it was a year of my life! I just love the quilt. They now have many wonderful templates available and lots of ways to make it much more quickly. Be sure you charge enough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skrat Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Shana, I used Eleanor Burns method with the fusible interfacing and it worked great. You sew strips together then put your traced fusible on that, stitch around it and turn it right side out. Works very smooth. This is the one that I posted for my son and DIL quilt for their wedding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnysnowden Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 I have pieced 3 DWR quilts using Shar Johanson (can't spell) any how, they turned out beautifully. I pieced one using the John Flynn method, some places did not lay flat. So had to do a lot of frogging and inovative piecing. None of the methods are quick and easy. This is my favorite pattern and you can do beautiful things with the quilting. I agree with the above pricing though. This pattern is not for the weak of heart. Ginny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 As a matter of fact, I have a customer (my former boss) who has a DWR ready for me to quilt. I told her about your situation and she said that Linda Rech's estimate would not be far off. Said that she worked every evening and each weekend on this quilt trying to get it done by July 1st. I know she has been working on it for a while, and she works full-time. She just completed it yesterday. And now it is a rush job for me!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smorris Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Hi Shana I'm in the middle of a DWR - have been for about 2 years!. If I ever pull it out of the UFO pile, I'll buy a Curvemaster sewing machine foot. I just saw the lady who designed it, she is from Texas, and was demonstrating at the Melbourne show this week. It looked very easy to use and accurate. I just ordered a new Pfaff sewing machine at the show, I'm so excited, I bet I could finish that DWR on that. Good luck if you decide to make that lady's DWR. Sue in Australia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Wren Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 What Sue? Don't tell me you didn't buy the new Curvemaster? I bought one! That & a zillion other things I didn't need! Now I just need some templates & a bit more fabric! Jenny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindasewsit Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Shana, Personally, I would RRRRUUUUUNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :P:P linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boni Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 How is your time? What is her deadline? If it isn't rushed, try Shar Jorgensen's templates. This is mine. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51026226@N00/2709763337/" title="My DWR by Nuts and Bolts Quilting Company, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2709763337_7651e3f8c3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="My DWR" /></a> I worked on it once a month for four months, then handed it over to my cousin to finish piecing. It was like the snowball effect. Getting past the arcs was arduous, but then it went faster and faster. The quilting was a hoot! What an heirloom for your customer! I'd do it in a minute. Don't undercharge, and don't rush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzakel Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 I've quilted two double wedding ring quilts, both used Shar Jorgenson's templates, and both piecers were very happy with Shar's templates. They are a ton of work and I would definitely charge for your time and materials. Bonnie, I love your bright DWR!! I've not seen one like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetwoquilt Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Bonnie, I LOVE you DWR. Love the fabrics! Great job:P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherryjack Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Shana, I have made one dwr (a few years back) using Shar's templates. It turned out well-but I won't piece another. It was a scrap quilt and the cutting and piecing was a real time cruncher! Linda's estimate would be my minimum. It was the most boring quilt I have ever pieced! I quilted it on my dsm but have quilted a few customs on my LA since then, and either way--it takes a lot of time. Charge plenty--you'll earn it, or if time is a big factor-say no! Sherry Millie CQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darlene Epp Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 One of my customers just finished quilting a king size DWR for a client. It took her 5 DAYS to quilt it, and that was with using the CompuQuilter to do all the block inserts. She did all the ditching with a ruler template. She should have asked $1000 for the quilting, but got $550. If I was asked to piece and quilt a king size DWR, my estimate before even starting would be $2000. But that's probably because I've never made one and would want to make very sure it was going to be worthwhile. Even at $2000, figure how many quilts you'd have to quilt with an allover pantograph to make the same amount of money and how long it would take you. Then do a comparison. If you just want to do it for the "fun" of it then that's a different story. I'd say you're sadly lacking in the "fun" department! JMHO of course! :cool: Looking at Boni's GORGEOUS DWR I think that actually could be fun! I've never seen one I like better! Boni, do you have a full shot of that quilt? I'd love to see it. It looks like you used various B&Ws for the background shapes. I've had Shar Jorgenson's DWR templates for about 15 years, still in the package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted July 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Oh wonderful and wise women: I bow to you with great reverence. Thank you -thank you -thank you -thank you. Excellent advice from all. I have gathered all of your information and put together some options, including piecing an entirely different (not as difficult) quilt. Double Irish Chain, and also Tennessee Waltz. I have done both of these and feel comfortable with these patterns; no tricky templates or curved piecing to mess with. So, the ball's back in her court; whether she chooses any of these, or none of the above. PS: Most folks are ignorant to the costs and time required to purchase supplies, labor involved to cut, piece and quilt a quilt. I've seen people bat their eyes and take a gulp when I mention what it takes to make one of these beauties. Again, thanks. You all are terrific! Happy quilting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judi Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Shana - You are a very smart lady! Well done, I have not made one as of yet either, YES - it is on my "to do" list..., but having said that - IF - no WHEN I make one, I really do not think I will want to part with it!!:cool: Bonnie - LOVE your DWR! I am with Darlene - could you post a full-shot photo? I have never seen one in those colors - and I love those colors!!! (oh - and I have those templates in the package yet too - but I think I have only had mine for almost 2 yrs now...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
April W Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 I actually bought a precut DWR kit (1/2 price) ....it's still sitting on the shelf in its shrink wrapped paackage. I'm thinking one day I'll get it done and put it on the bed my folks gave me. It's the first bedroom set they bought when they got married almost 50 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boni Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 I'm glad you like it. It is a bit eclectic. Here is a link to flickr photos of this quilt. It finished 66x84. I used 48 buttons which means there are 48 rings--six across and eight down. The colors seem to get swallowed in the black dots and checks. The next one I do will have a more solid background. The back is a white dot on black flannel and the binding is a green shamrock batik. I sewed closed the pleats in the dips where it was necessary. That pivot was a challange which I met some of the time http://www.flickr.com/photos/51026226@N00/sets/72157606419291691/ I showed this quilt at Innovations last year and also at NW Quilt Expo in Portland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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