A Walk Around the Stitches N Ditches Studio

The Star of the Studio: The Long-Arm Quilting Machine

The long arm is the heart of the operation. Our machine is a Handi Quilter HQ Amara, and it is large enough to have its own dedicated room. With its 12-foot frame, we can easily accommodate quilts up to California King size. The long arm allows us to stitch the quilt top, batting, and backing together into the finished quilt.

Our long-arm machine allows us to quilt large projects with precision and consistency. Most of our quilting is done free-motion, which allows designs to flow naturally with the quilt. We can also use printed quilting guides (rulers) to apply specific patterns or combine techniques to create intricate stitching that highlights key elements of your quilt.

Our Sewing and Piecing Machines

These machines are where quilt tops begin to take shape. Each team member has a dedicated sewing station where pieces are carefully assembled before moving to the long-arm quilting process. Multiple sewing stations allow our team to work on different projects simultaneously, helping keep orders moving smoothly through the studio.

Our studio uses a collection of high-quality machines from manufacturers such as Janome and Husqvarna, chosen for their reliability and precision.

We also keep a smaller set of portable machines available for quilting retreats, training sessions, and other off-site 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

Our embroidery machine allows us to add beautiful, intricate details to your quilt, including names, dates, monograms, and decorative elements. Embroidery adds a personalized touch that transforms a 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, embroidered details add meaning and help tell the story behind the quilt.

We also offer custom embroidered quilt labels that document the story of your quilt — including the maker, date, occasion, or a special message. These labels ensure that the history behind your quilt is never forgotten.

Our Custom Cutting, Layout, and Ironing stations

Our studio includes a large custom-built cutting table that provides both a spacious work surface and storage for project supplies and materials in progress. The table features a full 4×8 cutting surface covered with a self-healing cutting mat, giving us plenty of room to work on large quilt projects.

Each sewing station also includes its own workspace with integrated ironing and storage. These dedicated stations allow quilt pieces to be assembled, pressed, and organized as projects move through the piecing process.

One of the most important tools in the studio is our design wall system, where quilt blocks can be arranged and adjusted before final assembly. The design walls allow us to step back, evaluate layout and color balance, and make changes before stitching begins.

In addition to the ironing surfaces at each workstation, we also maintain a larger dedicated ironing station used to press seams and prepare pieces as quilts come together.

Our studio is where the magic happens. What began as an enclosed Florida room has been transformed into a carefully designed workspace that supports every stage of the quilting process—from design and cutting to layout, piecing, and finishing.

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!

Custom cutting table with built-in storage

Sublimation printer and heat press used to transfer images onto fabric

Embroidery machine used to create personalized quilt details

Our overflow 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 Printing

With sublimation printing, we can transfer high-quality images, text, or designs directly onto fabric. This makes it possible to include photographs, logos, or artwork in quilt projects and other fabric-based keepsakes.

The process produces vibrant, long-lasting prints that won’t fade or peel over time, making it especially well suited for memory quilts featuring photos or themed designs.

Together with our embroidery and appliqué capabilities, sublimation printing gives us even more ways to personalize quilts and create truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

Let’s make something awesome together!

Cricut Cutting Machine

The Cricut is a versatile cutting machine that allows us to create precise fabric appliqués and custom shapes. This makes it easy to add lettering, themed elements, or decorative designs to a quilt.

From personalized lettering on memory quilts to unique appliqué designs, the Cricut helps us add creative details that make each project truly one of a kind.