susan s.

I meant the tendency to make impassioned speeches.;}

zyxquilts

If any of you read my post in "Dropping the F-word", you know I do have trouble actually completing a project, but I did take on a commissioned quilt a few years ago. One of the guys I worked with wanted me to make one for his wife who was a big Nascar fan. It was for a "Dale Earnhardt Jr" quilt to fit a hospital bed, so it was close to a twin size. I charged $250 for it... I didn't really figure the cost of my time or materials as such - I just figured that THAT was enough money to keep me on track to get it done in a timely manner! I think finding the right red/orange color to go with the DE Jr fabric was the hardest part. The quilt was a single Irish Chain with simple machine quilting, I liked the way it came out & he & his wife loved it.
I read something once that showed how much a quilt would cost if we charged our time at minimum wage - Tim isn't far off! lol

sue

patricej

being in the habit if passionate speechifiyin' too often myself, i'd say you have nothing to be emnbarrassed or apologize for. now ... if you get worse than me ... we'll make you an appointment somewhere.

:wink:

Virginia H. Cunningham

I'm have no idea how to price quilts, When i had a needlework shop, I bought wholesale and charged suggested retail price.
But with quilts, we're talking about ART. tHAT'S a diferent category altogether. We're talking about inspiration, beauty, long education, feelings being conveyed and TIME
When you go to an art gallery, they don't give you an itemized bill for paints, frame, backing. It's here is the price==take it or leave it.
Once a quilter enters the business of selling quilts, she knows a thing or two. She knows quality of materials and quality of work. And her gut knows how much it's worth. If a quilter needs to make a living, maybe she's better off finding another job and reserving quilting for her own pleasure and her family's. if a "customer" asks about a commission quilt don't be afraid to be truthful. It;s almost like selling your child. here is the price==take it or leave it.

susan s.

Patrice. I wasn't apologizing!:) Or embarrassed!, Though I was stating the obvious LMAO! :twisted:

cdub

Coming in late to the thread, it's interesting to hear the different views, and they all make sense. I was only a little curious about the topic, and now y'all have got me thinking really hard on the "best way" to price something with so much creative time put in it...

For my paid work (not quilting!), I have an hourly rate based on the market and recover cost of materials, which is right in line with what you've all been saying. But Virginia's "take it or leave it" is key to getting what I ask for. I used to hem and haw about prices, and it was like my doubts made the customer doubt! I've learned not to waffle, or over-explain, or apologize for the price...now folks pay and don't even blink.

So maybe part of pricing quilts is setting a price that we're comfortable with and confident about. But IMHO, if what we're asking for is far less than what they're getting in quilt shops, we may just need to learn to be comfortable and confident with the price we set!!

Just my 2c
Crystal

vicki reno

My daughter in law use to make ceramics. It got to be a pain because once she got through with a piece for a customer, they would invariably want a different color glaze,etc and not want the piece ordered. I am afraid that the same thing would happen with my quilts. If I ever sell one, it'll be one that I decide what pattern, colors, etc and like Virginia said, take or leave it. Its a very hard thing to say and if money was real tight (not like its loose now) well I don't know if I could hold firm, but I
would certainly try that way first. I guess what I am saying is that we don't need to apologize for pricing our quilts at what we feel they are worth. Sometimes, you get surprised and could actually get your asking price :!:

Virginia H. Cunningham

I think I came on too strong or angry. I'm not angry. But after 15 years in my needlework shop and hearing countless tales from my customers about how their work was not appreciated (because it was "homemade" or made in " spare" time). I think we need to as (I think it was) Susan said value our own work and creativity. it's just a shame that so many artists can't make a living at what they love to do. i would love ot be able to sell quilts too. This is what I have decided to try do:

1.Try to make a name for myself locally (so that I'm known as a quilter) by making charity quilts of excellent quality for local non-profits to auction, raffle etc. I think once a person has a reputation for beautiful work it's easier to command the prices the quilts deserve.

2.Another I might try is join an artist or craft co-op that sells at reasonable prices. or sell on consignment at an up-scale shop. Maybe i can get a reputation that way.

Whew!! What a speech. If anyone has other ideas I'd love to hear them. OK speech over . thanks for listening.
Virginia

SandraJennings

Virginia! Great ideas all. Passion well placed always pays off. 8)

cdub

Virginia, you didn't sound angry to me, just assured and decisive!

Your plan sounds great, too. I suspect it will be much easier (in the long run) to have willing buyers seek you out based on reputation than to hunt down willing buyers :D

~Crystal