FAQ's re quilting---What are some you hear and your replies?
 

I keep having people ask me how much fabric they need to make a quilt. I tell them it all depends on the size of the quilt and the pattern they choose to use to make it. There is no set amount of fabric needed to make a quilt......is there? Even when you know if you are making a queen size or a twin size. What do you tell folks that ask you?

Also what are some of the other FAQ you hear from people?

Phyllis
QuiltingGrannie

One of the great questions is: How long does it take you to make a quilt? Then, I respond well it depends on the size, finding the right fabric, is it hand quilted by me, long armed quilted, or in the ditch on my wonderful 301's or the featherweight. Then, it depends on the pattern and how complicated it is. So my usual answer is somewhere between 3 months to 2 years (again taking all of the above information into consideration.)

I too get asked "how long does it take you to make a quilt". The other one that stumps me is the question "do you really enjoy it?" ....DUH... would I spent this much time , money etc.. if I did not.

My FAQ is " Why make a quilt, when you can buy one at Walmart" If someone is so stupid to ask this question, then I'm wasting my breath trying to explain. Only WE know that, they have not only missed the boat,but they've missed the cruise ship!!!!

I hear that too. One of my co-workers asked how much a quilt was that I was attaching the binding to for someone. I told her what it may cost and she asked "why? You can get it for $10.00 at WM! Another co-worker/quilter chimed in and explained that it would not be hand made....etc. Then the person said,"Oh." Hesitated, and then asked if she could just touch it. LOL I thought about charging her for touching it. LOL

The most FAQ I get is how much would it cost to make a quilt for my bed? I reply to them, "For my bed, nothing, for yours, if you have to ask.....".
The general population don't understand anything about quiltmaking.

These same people wouldn't hesitate over the price of a handmade piece of furniture or painting.....weird!
peace

My nightmare FAQ is when I give a person a second quilt (after giving them a quilt 15 years ago) and them saying 'I already have a quilt you made me. I don't need another quilt. What would I do with this quilt? Take it back.' I learned the hard way that many people only can handle one quilt in their lives. Other people want as many as you will give them. You have to figure out which people only want one by asking them if they'd like a second quilt. I've learned the hard way. I even had a cousin tell me she made a quilt years ago without any lessons so she doesn't need a quilt from me and I saw her 'quilt' and it's definitely not a quilt. I had a beautiful quilt to give her, but oh well, to each their own. Would I say 'no thank you' to someone who asked me if I wanted a second painting they painted? Of course not.

LOL Working in a quilt shop I get "how much fabric will I need to make a quilt?" a lot.

I explain about it depending on size, pattern, etc., then there is a pause. Then "It'll have some triangles/diamonds/rectangles/etc in it about yay big (gesturing with hands) but I'm not sure what else. So... how much will I need?"...

Also for *every* quilt I make - or even talk about making - (and I am not particularly prolific - I tend to handsew/quilt so it takes a long time) my M-I-L demands to know who I'm making it for. Because I must give all of them away. Sorry but I am allowed to keep some quilts for myself. Or all if I choose (tho I don't). And for those thinking that she is hinting she wants one - trust me, she isn't. She is a "but I don't need one of those and if I did want one I would get it from Walmart" type. I've experienced this with other things. Not that we have Walmart, but you get the idea!!

Some people have no clue :p

I hear often "Why do you buy fabric, cut it up and then sew it back together?"

i also get some of the (common) questions- how much fabric does it take-my response...somewhere between 5 & 11 yards- for the top, 3-9 yards for the back & remember you need a batt too....then i'm asked how long does it take to make a quilt- i generally say---somewhere between a weekend & 10 years :)
i also often hear...
"wow- how do you do that?- it must take alot of patience- i don't have the patience to do that"
to which i usually respond...quilters are pretty (impatient people) we want instant satisfaction and are always looking for an easier/faster way to do everything we do- patience has nothing to do with it & If you are truely interested & wanted to...you could easily do this too!
:thumbup:
oh & to the .... how much would it cost to have a queen sized quilt made? my basic answer is---a queen quilt starts at $350 and goes up from there- what did you have in mind? the person either 'chokes' & drops it---or starts talking about what they had in mind.