Gal

I feel for you, so often people who do not sew or quilt or paint in my case, do not know how much time effort and expense go into these things, they think you can just conjour them up!! I think I would start saying sorry but you have a list as long as your arm and can not take any more orders right now, they will soon get the message, if it all becomes too much and is no longer enjoyable, there is no point to it I feel, that is MHO.

Gal

brushandthimble

Ditto

Jim's Gem

I started giving quilts for wedding gifts to the young people (friends of my kids) at church who are getting married. I think everyone now knows and hopes that they will get one too.
It is probably an expectation, but maybe they are just hoping that I will make one for them.

RevPam

I'm getting tired of people putting in special orders such as, a sports quilt, a horse quilt, a princess quilt, etc.
There are so many quilts I WANT to make that I'm quickly getting to the point of take it or leave it...no more special orders (I'm supposed to be doing this for fun. relaxation, and spiritual time). Maybe I'm being too selfish?? Forgive me.

sueisallaboutquilts

Deb, you said that you have no time to make anything for you or learn new techniques. It doesn't make sense to start charging them. You STILL won't have time for you. You need to firmly learn to say no. When you aren't working you should be able to have time to enjoy this wonderful art for the happiness it brings you. Sounds like it's turned into a job and that isn't good.
When I don't want to do something I don't think of a million excuses anymore. I just nicely say " I'm sorry but I can't".
It's a very freeing feeling once you do it a couple of times.
Now go make something for you!! :D

watterstide

My SIL asked me to make another I-spy quilt for her friends new grandbaby,she pays me for the material,of course.
i asked for when?..she said Christmas. that is not so bad..

if i were you, i would just say no, i can't do it. as for me, i could not afford to keep pumping them out as gifts..

C.Cal Quilt Girl

Not enough hours in the day at times, If I give someone from work try to do it out of the sight of others, and I ask them not to make a big deal out of it. Don't want to hurt feelings, but sometimes toooo many babys. They get the hint when recieve somthing different. If ask have said before ya'll have too many bb's, but in a nice way.
I'd rather give to someone who I thinks a cool person than from obligation. :)

sewgull

When the project is not fun, then it becomes WORK. Remember WORK is a 4 letter word. Just say no. These people that keep asking or expecting quilts most likely don't appreciate the time, effort and money that goes into one.

Sadiemae

I would just not do it! If you need to, buy a gift. Nothing needs to be said unless they say something, then just tell them you didn't have the money or the time or whatever reason you choose.

Maride

I only make quilts I want to make. I have made quilts for babies (not many) and I am sure some people has hoped I made them one too, but if I don't feel like it, I will not do it. If it costs me a friendship, I didn't have one to begin with. Only one have I made a quilt for someone just because I made one before for one of her grand kids. This woman called me from SC while on vacation asking if I would do it if she got the fabric, gave me no deadline to finish, and paid me very well for making an extremely simple quilt (just a panel in the center and a border).

I have a bunch of finished quilts and if I have to give a gift that I feel is quilt worthy, I go through them and select one.