A walk around the Quilting studio

The Star of the show- The Long Arm

The Long Arm is the heart of the operation. It is a Handi Quilter HQ Avante 18. This machine is so big, it gets its own room - we can easily accommodate up to a California King sized Quilt on the Long Arm.

Our Long Arm is mounted on a 10' Frame that allows us to easily accommodate quilts up to a California King. The computer controller allows us to set a stitch density that it will maintain no matter how fast we drive the machine across the piece we are quilting. We can also use printed designs to apply a specific pattern to your project, or by combining rulers (guides) we can create intricate stitching to highlight aspects of your project.

Our "domestic" machines -

These are the regular sewing machines used to put the quilt tops together. We have a collection of larger advanced sewing machines made by Janome and Husqvarna. Each person has a dedicated sewing station with their personal machine.

We also have a collection of smaller domestic machines (Juki, Brother, etc) that we use when we travel to retreats, training and other remote events.

Specialized Machines in the Stitches N Ditches Studio

In addition to my sewing and long-arm quilting machines, the Stitches N Ditches studio is equipped with specialized tools that allow me to offer even more customization and creativity to your quilting projects.

Embroidery Machine

With our embroidery machine, we can add beautiful, intricate designs to your quilts, including names, dates, monograms, and decorative patterns. Embroidery adds a personalized touch that turns any quilt into a cherished keepsake. Whether it’s a memory quilt with a loved one’s initials or a baby quilt with a birth date, machine embroidery enhances every piece with detail and meaning.

We also offer customized quilt labels that can tell the story behind your quilt, share a special message, or include important details like the quilt’s maker, date, and occasion. These labels ensure that your quilt’s story is never forgotten.

Our custom Cutting, Layout and Ironing stations

We have a custom made cutting table that also provides storage for lots of supplies and project boxes for projects in process. The table has a 4x8' cutting surface covered by a self healing cutting matt.

Each of our primary sewing machines have a dedicated custom work station that has a integrated ironing surface, project storage and a large (3'x5') floating worksurface that is level with the sewing machine's foot allowing us to easily manage much larger projects like a King size bedspread.

The other critical custom work area we have is our 2 Design Walls. There is a fixed 8' x 8' vertical area covered with 2 2" 4'x8'foam insulation sheets. The other area is 2 double sided 4'x8' foam sheets that are hung from a barn door frame and can be slide out of the way when not in use. With a generous supply of push pins, they allow us to dry fit projects together. We have room to layout 3 8x8' projects simultaneously.

In addition to built-in ironing stations at each sewing workstation, we also have a large dedicated Ironing Station that is used to flatten seams as different pieces are sewn together.

Our studio is where the magic happens. We've transformed an enclosed "Florida Room" at the rear of our house into a carefully designed and highly customized area that supports the design, cutting, layout, and assembly processes. On "work days", we have up to seven people contributing to the overall process.

Our Design Space - On the left are the barn doors and the right is the fixed wall. We found a section of construction staging that makes reaching the top much easier and safer than step stools.

Our Ironing surface (more bolt storage underneath) with the Embroidery machine photobombing in the background.

Side view of the cutting table - no wasted space underneath!

The cutting table - bolt storage on each end

The Sublimation printer and Automatic Heat Press

The Embroidery machine - it's waiting for your project!

Our overflow Domestic Sewing Machines

One of 2 custom built sewing stations - Ironing surface on a pullout shelf, project storage underneath

One of our most interesting pieces - Celtic Knots on the Long Arm

The store room

Our sewing studio looking from either end

Sublimation Machine

With sublimation printing, we can transfer high-quality images, text, or designs directly onto fabric. This is perfect for adding photos, logos, or artwork to quilts and other fabric-based projects. Sublimation creates long-lasting, vibrant prints that won’t fade or peel, making it ideal for memory quilts featuring photos or themed designs.

These specialized machines allow us to offer custom embroidery, precise appliqué, and personalized printing, giving your quilt a unique and professional finish. Whether you’re looking for a quilt with embroidered details, custom-cut fabric pieces, or printed designs, the possibilities are endless at Stitches N Ditches.

Let’s make something awesome together!

Cricut Cutting Machine

The Cricut is a versatile cutting machine that helps me create precise fabric appliqués and custom shapes. This machine ensures accuracy in every cut, making it easy to add custom shapes, lettering, or themed elements to your quilt. From personalized lettering on memory quilts to unique appliqué designs, the Cricut allows for endless possibilities in your custom projects.