helping your finish your quilt with confidence
Welcome to Starshine Quilting Studio!
You’re already done the hard part - you've made the quilt. Now let's work together to pick finishing touches that complement your work and reflect the look you have in mind.
Whether this is your first quilt or one of many, you don't have to have everything figured out before we begin. We'll look at your quilt together, talk through the options, and decide what will work best for your project.
Services at a Glance
More Options with Starshine
Beautiful Quilting That Complements Your Quilt
Computerized edge-to-edge quilting uses a repeating design that's stitched across the entire quilt—from one edge to the other.
The computer stitches the quilting design with precision, but your quilt is never left to “just the machine.” I'm involved every step of the way—from carefully loading your quilt and preparing it for quilting to making sure everything looks just right before it comes off the frame.
Technology helps create beautiful, consistent stitching, but every quilt still receives personal attention from beginning to end.
One of the things I truly enjoy most is helping you choose a design that complements your quilt rather than competing with it. There’s such a variety of designs to select from that I’m sure we can find one that will be just right. And if you don’t, I’m always on the look-out for new designs.
Why Many Quilters Choose Edge-to-Edge Quilting
Consistent quilting across the entire quilt
Hundreds of design possibilities
Works well with traditional, modern, seasonal, and novelty quilts
Can be adjusted in density specifically for your quilt, if needed
design Preview: see your quiltING BEFORE we start
Choosing a quilting design can be enjoyable—but with so many options, it can also feel like one of the hardest decisions.
That’s where Pantograph Preview can help.
Photo of Quilt Top
With Pantograph Preview Troubled Seas Design Overlaid
Using a photograph of your quilt top, I can digitally overlay quilting designs so you can compare different options and get a better feel for how they may look on your quilt.
While it’s a planning tool and not an exact picture of the finished quilting, many customers find that seeing a design on their quilt—instead of as a small thumbnail—can make the decision much easier.
Starshine Tip
You don't have to narrow your choices to one design before we begin. If you have a few favorites, we'll compare them together.
Good to Know
Thread, batting, lighting, and fabric all affect the finished appearance. Pantograph Preview is intended to help compare design ideas rather than predict every finished stitch.
The Same Design Can Create Very Different Looks
Many quilting designs can be stitched more openly or more densely.
More open quilting lets the piecing remain the main focus. Denser quilting creates more texture and definition.
There is no single right answer. The best choice depends on the quilt, the look you prefer, and how the finished quilt will be used.
Light Quilting
Light, airy quilting with more open space.
Moderate Quilting
A balanced level of quilting that works well for many quilts.
Dense Quilting
Denser quilting with more texture and definition.
Very Dense Quilting
Denser quilting with more texture and definition.
If you're unsure which density is right, I'll help you decide.
Choosing the Right Batting
Batting is the soft layer inside your quilt. It affects the warmth and drape, as well as how the quilting looks.
You don't need to become a batting expert before choosing one.
One of the first things we’ll discuss is how you plan to use the quilt. Maybe it’s a cozy quilt for lounging on the couch, a kids quilt that will get heavy use, a wall hanging, or a special gift. Each may benefit from a different batting selection.
I keep several high-quality batting options in stock. Or, if you prefer, you can provide your own batting. Or, if you want to save a trip to the store, I can special order another Quilters Dream batting when appropriate.
80% Cotton/20% Polyester
100% Cotton/20% Polyester
Polyester
| Batting Characteristic |
80% Cotton / 20% Polyester |
100% Cotton | 100% Polyester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loft | Low-medium — slightly higher loft than pure cotton due to the poly blend | Low — flattens out, giving that traditional "antique" flat look | Medium-high — springy and lofty, holds its puff |
| Drape | Good — soft drape, close to cotton's softness with a bit more resilience | Excellent — very soft, supple drape; molds to the quilt | Stiffer — less drape; can feel a bit "stiff" or plasticky by comparison |
| Warmth/ Breathability |
Good — breathes well, moderate warmth; a solid year-round choice | Excellent breathability — cool and breathable, ideal for warm climates or summer use | Warmer for its weight but traps heat and moisture; less breathable in humid conditions |
| Shrinkage | Low — minimal shrinkage (2–3%); slight crinkle possible if not pre-washed | Moderate — shrinks 3–5% when washed, creating the soft, crinkled "antique" look many quilters prefer | Virtually none — stable dimensions with little to no shrinkage; stays flat and smooth |
| Best For | Everyday quilts, bed quilts and throws — a versatile all-purpose choice | Traditional quilts, heirloom pieces, hand-quilting projects and projects needing soft drape | Wall hangings, art quilts, puffy quilts and projects emphasizing dimensional stitch texture |
Starshine Tip
Tell me how you want the quilt to feel and how it will be used. That usually makes the batting decision much easier.
Thread that adds a personal touch
For most quilts, I use high-quality solid-color thread selected to complement your quilt beautifully. Sometimes, though, a quilt calls for something a little different. Specialty threads can add color changes, shimmer, or an unexpected detail.
Not every quilt needs specialty thread. Sometimes the best choice is one that quietly blends and lets the piecing take center stage.
Variegated thread is one where the spool transitions colors; e.g., mauve, coral, and peach. As it stitches out, it adds gentle movement and visual interest.
Metallic thread catches the light and can add a subtle shimmer to holiday, celebration, or elegant quilts.
Glow-in-the-dark thread is a fun choice for Halloween, outer-space, children’s, and novelty quilts.
Good to Know
Specialty threads require additional setup and may involve additional charges. Options and pricing will be reviewed before quilting begins.
Quilt Preparation
If trimming threads that might show through or pressing are not what you want to spend time on, I can do that for you. Also - if you would like me to square up your backing, I’m also happy to do that for you as well. These are just some of the quilt prep services you can avail your self of.
Backing Preparation & Piecing
Your backing needs to be larger than the quilt top so it can be properly loaded onto the quilting frame.
If your backing fabric isn't large enough, I can piece it together to create a backing that's the right size for quilting.
If the fabric has a print you'd like to line up across the seam, I can often pattern match it. Pattern matching may require additional fabric, so we'll review that before work begins.
If matching isn't important, a standard seam is usually the simplest and most economical option.
Starshine Tip
Not sure whether the backing is large enough? Bring or send the fabric measurements with your quilt information, and we'll look at the options together.
Protecting the Quilt Top Details That Matter
Some quilts include appliqué, embroidery, dimensional embellishments, signature blocks, or other details you may prefer not to quilt through.
When the quilt and design allow it, I can create no-quilt areas so those features remain untouched while the surrounding quilt is quilted.
We'll look at the quilt together and decide whether masking is a good option for the project.
Starshine Tip
Point out any area you’d like to protect when we meet, or include a note and mark the quilt if you’re mailing it to the studio.
Custom & Personalized Quilt Labels
Finish your quilt with a label that tells its story.
Starshine can create a personalized fabric label with the details that matter to you — who made the quilt, who it was made for, the occasion, date, a special message, or other information you'd like to preserve with the quilt.
Choose a Personalized or Custom-Designed Label
Personalized Labels
Choose from a selection of Starshine label designs, and I'll personalize the design with your wording and details. Depending on the design, labels may include decorative borders or graphics along with your text.
Custom-Designed Labels
Want something created specifically for your quilt? I can design a label using your preferred wording, colors, fonts, and coordinating decorative elements or graphics. Custom labels are a good choice for commemorative quilts, wedding and baby quilts, gifts, memory quilts, and other quilts with a special story to tell.
Choose the Size and Shape That Fits Your Quilt
Labels are available in several useful sizes:
Small: approximately 2" × 3"
Medium: approximately 3" × 4"
Large: approximately 4" × 6"
Extra Large: approximately 5" × 7"
Corner Triangle: approximately 6.5" on each short side with a 9" long edge
Small and medium labels work well for basic maker information and short messages. Larger labels provide room for longer dedications, quilt stories, or more detailed designs.
The corner triangle is designed to fit neatly into a quilt corner and provides generous space for personalization without placing a rectangular label in the center of the backing.
Printed on Cotton Fabric
Labels are printed on 100% cotton fabric and finished with pinked edges. You can choose the label with or without interfacing. Adding interfacing provides extra body and stability, which can make the label easier to handle and attach.
You'll receive a digital proof before the label is printed so you can check names, dates, spelling, and the overall design. Pricing includes one proof and one round of minor revisions.
Have an idea for your label? Tell me about the quilt and what you'd like the label to say, and we'll choose the size and design approach that works best.
Good to Know
A digital proof is provided before your label is made. Up to two proofs are included so you can review the wording, spelling, and design before production.
Rush scheduling
Need your quilt sooner than Starshine’s standard turnaround time? Rush Quilting may be available when your schedule calls for a faster finish.
Rush Quilting provides priority scheduling, moving your quilt ahead in the production queue when studio capacity allows. Options may be available for turnaround ranging from approximately 1–10 days, depending on the quilt, quilting design, requested services, and how quickly you need it completed.
Because every quilt is different, rush availability is confirmed after your quilt has been received, measured, and reviewed. Quilt size, quilting density, preparation requirements, specialty threads, and other requested services may affect whether a particular turnaround can be accommodated.
Some services requiring special-order materials or additional preparation—such as custom-ordered batting, certain custom labels, repairs, or other complex add-ons—may not be available on a rush basis.
Rush scheduling is limited so that every quilt receives the care and attention it deserves.
Have a deadline in mind? Let me know when you book your quilt, and I’ll determine whether Rush Quilting is available for your project.
Getting Your Quilt to Starshine
Whether you’re nearby or sending your quilt from farther away, Starshine offers several convenient ways to get your quilt to the studio.
Studio Drop-Off
Prefer to bring your quilt directly to the studio? Drop-offs are available by appointment at the Starshine Quilting Studio in Pleasant Hills, in Pittsburgh’s South Hills.
Once we’ve discussed your quilt project and/or your intake form has been submitted, we’ll arrange a mutually convenient time for your visit. Your drop-off appointment is also a good opportunity to finalize details, look at quilting designs or batting options, and discuss any questions about your quilt.
South Hills Meet-Up spots
If coming to the studio isn’t convenient, Starshine offers complimentary meet-up drop-offs at three South Hills locations:
Panera Bread — McMurray
Barnes & Noble Café — South Hills Village
Starbucks — Bridgeville
Select your preferred location when completing your intake form. After your request has been reviewed, I’ll contact you to arrange a convenient meeting time.
Mail-In Quilting
Not local—or simply prefer the convenience of shipping? Mail-in quilting is available.
Submit your intake form before mailing your quilt so we know to expect it. Once your order is confirmed, you’ll receive the studio shipping address along with instructions for preparing and sending your quilt.
For safe transport, your quilt top, backing, and batting (if you are providing it) should be securely protected inside the shipping box. We recommend using a carrier that provides tracking and considering appropriate insurance for your shipment.
We’ll confirm receipt after your quilt arrives. Once quilting is complete, your finished quilt will be carefully packaged and shipped back to you.
Shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility both to and from the studio.
The Starshine Promise
Every quilt that comes through my studio represents someone’s time, creativity, and care. I never lose sight of that.
You can expect thoughtful guidance, clear communication, and careful attention from beginning to end.
Help choosing a quilting design, density, batting, and thread
A clear quilting plan before work begins
Personal attention while the quilt is on the frame
Communication if a question or concern arises
My goal is to help you feel confident about every decision along the way.
Ready When You Are
You've already done the hard part. You've created something special.
Now let's work together to give your quilt a finish you'll be proud of.
Whether you've already chosen a quilting design or you're just beginning to explore your options, I'm here to help.
I look forward to seeing what you’ve created.