Getting Started & Ordering
How do I place an order?
Purchase a deposit on the website for the type of finishing you want (Cookie, Gusseted Stand-up, or Pillow). After purchase, you'll automatically receive an order form by email. Fill it out as completely as you can and include a photo of your canvas. Then we'll coordinate a time for you to get your canvas to me.
What happens after I pay the deposit?
You'll get an order form link by email right away. Fill out one form per item — if you ordered two cookies, fill out the cookie form twice. Be sure to upload a photo of your canvas with the form. I like to look at canvases before they come to me, just in case you need to add extra rows.
How long do I have to get my canvas to you after I pay the deposit?
Ten days. You'll need to complete your order form and connect with me to deliver your canvas within 10 days of purchasing your deposit. If I don't receive your form and/or canvas, your deposit is automatically refunded and your place in the queue is released.
Do I need to know all the details about how I want my piece Finished before I order?
You only need to know the category of Finish (cookie, pillow, gusseted stand-up, zipper pouch, etc.). Fill out the order form as best you can. We can talk through any missing details or creative questions over the phone or when you drop off your canvas to me.
I'm new to this. What do the different Finishing types mean?
Check out our Glossary.
Preparing Your Canvas
Do I need to stitch extra rows?
Usually yes. Send me a photo of your canvas before you hand it off and I'll tell you whether you need them.
For a cookie or stand up, you’ll need 2 to 3 extra rows of stitching. The needlepoint is wrapped around a board with batting, so some rows are visually lost into the thickness of the piece.
For a pillow, you'll lose about one row of stitching when I construct the piece, so I recommend stitching one extra row to keep the thickness of your border intact.
What color should I use to stitch my extra rows?
Use the background color or the color that will be most prominent in your cording. Sometimes a stitch or two of the extra rows will show next to the cording (especially around curves) and it’s best for it to blend in.
Do not stitch them in white unless that is your background color.
Getting Your Canvas to Me
Where do I drop off my canvas?
I prefer to meet in person at Angel City Stitchery. I'm typically there Friday mornings for open stitch, and at other open stitch events. After you’ve purchased your deposit, I’ll send you my scheduling link to book a time to meet.
Can I mail you my canvas?
I strongly prefer in-person hand-off. If that’s not possible, just reach out and I’ll let you know if I can accomodate.
How do I get my finished piece back?
I strongly prefer in-person hand-off. If that’s not possible, just reach out and I’ll let you know if I can accomodate.
Cookie Finishing
Do I need to provide thread for the cording?
No. Regular cording is included in the price of the Finish.
Can you use my own thread for the cording?
Yes. If you want a sparkle thread that matches your stitching, you can provide it for me. I can make cording from Fyre Werks, Silk Lame Braid, or Radiance sz. 13. I’ll return any leftover thread to you.
Can I provide the backing fabric?
Yes. You’re welcome to provide a specific fabric for your Finish. Quilting cotton, silk dupioni or any thin non-stretch fabric will work well.
Do I need to provide backing fabric?
No. Cotton backing fabric is included in the price of the Finish. Silk Dupioni and Velvet are available as an add-on charge.
How much fabric do I need to send?
For a cookie, you’ll want something that is at least two inches bigger than the canvas. If you’re ordering fabric, buy a “fat quarter”. I’ll return any leftover fabric to you.
Pillow Finishing
Do I need to provide fabric?
You don’t have to. My pillow prices are for the labor only. Fabric is offered as an add-on charge. I have beautiful cotton velvets that Finish into gorgeous pillows! Check my price list for current pricing.
Can I provide the backing fabric?
Yes. You’re welcome to provide a specific fabric for your Finish. Medium weight upholstery fabrics are best for pillows. If you’re not sure if the fabric you want will work well, just ask!
How much fabric do I need to send?
For a simple knife edge, self welt pillow, I need half a yard. The welt takes up the most fabric even though it is the smallest part of the Finished pillow. For a knife edge pillow with a contrast welt, I need a “fat quarter” for the welt and a piece that is at least 2” larger than the canvas all the way around for the back of the pillow.
For a gusseted pillow, ruffles, an inset, or anything with special print placement, send at least one full yard. If your pillow has two of the preceding design aspects, please send 1 ½ yards.
Gusseted Stand-Up Finishing
What’s the difference between a regular stand-up and a gusseted stand up?
A regular stand up is a cookie that has a removable acrylic stand inside of it. Once the acrylic stand is removed, it can lay flat for storage.
A gusseted stand up is about 1” to 2” thick and typically weighted. The fabric is applied to the gusset and the back.
Do I need to provide fabric or thread for cording?
You don’t have to. My gusseted stand-up prices include silk dupioni and standard cording.
Can you use my own thread for the cording?
Yes. If you want a sparkle thread that matches your stitching, you can provide it for me. I can make cording from Fyre Werks, Silk Lame Braid, or Radiance sz. 13. I’ll return any leftover thread to you.
Can I provide the backing fabric?
Yes. You’re welcome to provide a specific fabric for your Finish. Quilting cotton, silk dupioni or any thin non-stretch fabric will work well.
How much fabric do I need to send?
Please send at least half a yard for a gusseted stand-up. Matching the print makes a huge difference in the look of the Finished piece and takes up a lot of fabric.
Pricing & Payment
What do you charge?
Please check my Price List page.
When do I pay for my Finishing?
You pay a deposit up front to hold your place in my queue. I send the final invoice when your piece is Finished. If you'd like to know your total before then, I'm happy to send an estimate once I have all the details.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept all major credit and debit cards.
What happens to my deposit if I change my mind or can't make the window?
If you don't complete your order form and get me your canvas within 10 days, your deposit is refunded automatically and your queue spot is released.
Timing & Availability
How long will my piece take?
When you purchase your deposit, you are reserving delivery of your Finished piece during a specific month. As long as you get your canvas and Finishing details to me within 10 days of purchasing a deposit, your piece will be Finished during the month you purchased the deposit for.
Can you finish my piece in time for Christmas 2026?
Get on my waitlist for Christmas 2026. I’ll be contacting everyone on the list the first week of November to let you know if I can take on your project in 2026.
Can I get in your 2027 queue?
Yes. Use the 2026 Christmas waitlist and add a note that you’d like your piece Finished in 2027.
Types of Finishes I Offer
What can you make?
I love doing “soft finishes”. Think pillows, zippered pouches, stockings; anything that takes a sewing machine! I also do cookies and gusseted stand-ups.
Can you Finish something that isn't on your price list?
Just ask! I love taking on new Finishes and getting creative.
Can you monogram the back of my piece?
Yes. I have an embroidery machine that can do everything from standard initials to fully custom designs.