I am in a pickle. This young wife whose husband works with mine found out that I sew and in the last several months has brought me sofa pillows that popped a seam, a stuffed animal that popped a seam and the other day my hubby brought home a blanket that she needed the binding sewn back on. When I returned it to her this morning, she mentioned another project she needs fixed. Its a simple project, sewing a bow back onto a costume but her excuse was she didn't have needle and thread. I am just beyond irritated that she seems to think that because I have a sewing machine and I know how to fix these things, she can bring me all sorts of projects. I was still fuming this afternoon and bought a cheap sewing kit to give to her the next time I see her and I plan on SHOWING her how to sew that bow on. It really isn't that difficult. I guess I have just been feeling used and I don't know how to tactfully deter her from using me as her personal seamstress or sewing fix-it-all. Thanks for letting me vent!

I know how you feel! Before I even finished reading your post, I was going to suggest buying or making her a simple sewing kit and deliver it with the offer of teaching her how to sew. My friends were never interested in my quilting or sewing unless it benefited them. Guess what, they no longer get anything from me and they no longer ask me to "fix" something for them.

Good for you - you've already decided on a good way to handle this issue. Giving her a sewing kit (and maybe having to show her how to use it) is a gift on two levels. She may learn a new skill, and think of the satisfaction she'll feel on doing her own repairs! Okay, maybe not. But at least you'll feel better for having tried.

It's easy for 'giving people' to become doormats - you are becoming a mentor instead!

say to her what you titled your post, i'm a quilter not a repair person, i don't have time

Showing her how to sew may be a wonderful opportunity to establish a friendship.

You also could gently suggest that you can't do her projects - that cuts into your valuable 'quilt therapy' time :)

I too know how you feel. I no longer talk about my quilting to just anyone. They all seem to think just like this girl, you have machine, so you can fix anyhting. I really don't like to repair my own stuff, much less for anyone else. I doubt she will get the message even when you give her the sewing kit. Good Luck.

She can learn if she really wanted to. It's just easier to get someone else to do it for her. Sounds like a sewing kit is the perfect idea. She will have no excuse the next time.

I like the way you handled it. :thumbup:
Isn't it funny how non-sewers think that quilters like to do repairs??? Yuck, not me!! :D
You're a nice woman to get her that kit and you're doing yourself a big favor :)

OMG it must be in the air...my mom brings items over all the time..."it just needs to be hemmed...it's only a little tear", etc. The thing is, she has 4 different machines to my 2, and could fix them herself with no problem. I know exactly how you feel.

You could just start charging her to fix her items... or recommend a shop that does these types of repairs. Maybe she'll get the hint. I have the same issue and so does DH. he works on cars and the next thing you know, everyone wants him to fix their car for free or RIGHT NOW!