sewing obligations vs. what you really want to do
08-01-2012, 03:36 AM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 796
I actually gave thought to purchasing a quilting machine, but then I saw how it took away from the JOY of quilting. Instead of making a little money on the side, so to speak, I quilt because I WANT TO, not because I HAVE TO.
08-01-2012, 03:43 AM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 2,616
Maybe this is why I am in such a funk right now. I finished a "graduation" quilt for a guy I work with (for his son). It was a queen size. And while it was off at the LAQ's I used the leftovers to make a lap quilt which I also gave him. Then my son wanted me to replace a broken zipper in a pair of shorts, then my DDIL wanted me to make two baby quilts for two of her friends. I am currently in the middle of quilting the first baby quilt,and my short arm quilt machine is not working properly so I have to drive 90 miles one way to drop it off and then a week later to pick it up. DDIL also asked me if I would make her a quilt for her Walk for the Cure team (which I did last year and never even found out who won it or how much they made from the raffle). So I said no to that quilt. I may, if I have time and really want to, make a tote out of fabric with ladies with scarves on their heads. Plus I (and my son) remodeled my kitchen these past few months (new counter, backsplash, painted all the cabinets (me alone) and painted the walls (also me alone). So I guess I am just burned out right now.
They made a lot of money and I am just positive yours did too. Mine went for well over $2,000 each! See????? Edie
08-01-2012, 04:36 AM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Barnesville GA
Posts: 3,181
How about when the fact that you quilt means you should also be available for everyone that wants clothes made, or something mended or hemmed??? I CAN do it all but DONT WANT to!! I also make purses for a change, but if someone wants one, they can pick from the ones I have done at the time...If I took orders and had to produce on a schedule, I wouldn't want to do it at all!
If I see one more split pants seam or am asked to repair a cheaply made shirt or anything I will scream.. LOL Yes I make clothes for myself. No I DO NOT want to make clothes for anyone else now. No I do not want to make a wall hanging for that woman you like and I don't... LOL Sorry I actually had to do that and I hated every minute of it. I don't want to sew on buttons unless they are embellishments .
I actually want to start making art quilts but it seems I have a lists of Have To's a mile long. Like I do need to make myself some more dresses for the summer, and repair a friends quilt I have had for almost 2 years, and make purses I promised for a dog rescue auction,and,and and,... well you get the idea. Isn't it hard to change a life time habit of doing "work" before "play"?
08-01-2012, 04:38 AM
#44
Swap Hosts
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 8,814
I sew for a living, but I also sew for fun. Here's my solution. My "work" sewing is done during work hours. When the work day is done, so is the "work" sewing. After taking care of household chores ... and making time to take care of myself ... I'm free to sew for fun. It's not easy to discipline myself, but it's what I have to do.
08-01-2012, 05:05 AM
#46
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 217
My husband keeps asking me who is this one for? The last time I just told him for somebody special. I don't want to feel obligated or rushed anymore because I am losing interest and do not have fun doing it. Now I am having the best time ever working on a quilt because I just feel so relaxed no pressure of any kind, I do have somebody in mind, if it is ready when I leave for my holiday, it's coming and if I am not finished, I will send it for Christmas....may be ..or next summer.... :-D.
When I have a deadline, I always manage to have a bunch of stuff to do at the last minute. This year and for now on, I am having fun, and I will give away what is already done OR do not expect what you ordered anytime soon. You will get it when it's finish that's it that's all :P
When I have a deadline, I always manage to have a bunch of stuff to do at the last minute. This year and for now on, I am having fun, and I will give away what is already done OR do not expect what you ordered anytime soon. You will get it when it's finish that's it that's all :P
Last edited by chatonne40; 08-01-2012 at 05:08 AM.
08-01-2012, 05:12 AM
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
I feel like most of you in that being obligated to work on a project takes away the joy and the freedom in a hobby. And I for one have spent a life time working on someone elses schedule and now that I'm retired,I'm living on my schedule.
I do some sewing for charities, but its as I get it done--no set amount within a certain amount of time.
I do some sewing for charities, but its as I get it done--no set amount within a certain amount of time.
Marilyn
08-01-2012, 05:13 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Ashdown, AR
Posts: 9,238
I have this problem right now!! I have 3 quilts to handquilt for other people. I am not getting to work on my own stuff and it is just bugging me to death. So, I have decided that I will work for a while on the ones I have to do and allow a little time for my own stuff as sort of a reward for doing the others. Then I keep promising myself that I won't take in anymore hand work to do. (yea, I know).
08-01-2012, 05:53 AM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quilting, crocheting, sewing and crafting in my Sewing Room...Peaceful and wonderful !!
Posts: 5,317
I used to make Rabbits and they were so adorable with their expressive faces. Each rabbit was 24 inches long for Mom & Dad the babies varied in sizes, each rabbit had clothing and a hat to special order. I would charge 50.00 for a adult rabbit pair (24" size) and add 10.00 on for each child. A aunt in law took a famliy of 5 to sell to a friend of hers. When she brought me back the 25.00 as she told me that wasn't worth the money I was charging and that is what she took from the woman, I was floored. I have not made anything to sell since then, my daughter asked me to make some for the granddaughters; and she asked if she can start selling them-would I make families again? I will just make for the grands -and maybe a friend of theirs .. Too much time and material involved I think ..
08-01-2012, 06:01 AM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Any place I can sew
Posts: 434
LOL Rebecca that is so me! I blurt out I'll make you a quilt, a bag, a wallhanging and then I think you and your big mouth! My intentions are good but my motivation lags.
I made a Bow Tuck bag and took it to work and someone asked what I would charge to make them one so I figured up cost and added some for my time and told her. Well then she walked in the next week with fabric and batting and said, "Now it won't cost me anything right?" I told her there is still my time. She told me no hurry just do it when I had free time. UGH! I knocked some off the price and told her if that wasn't ok I would tell her where to get a pattern. To my dismay she agreed. The fabric was...um...not my taste or quality. It was all I could do to force myself to work on that bag. Honestly they don't take long to put together but...this seemed like forever! Made longer by constant text messages about it's progress! She loved it and paid what I asked but NEVER AGAIN! Several other people asked if I could make them one but I suddenly became too busy with other projects. LOL
So I feel your pain and it wasn't even a quilt!
I made a Bow Tuck bag and took it to work and someone asked what I would charge to make them one so I figured up cost and added some for my time and told her. Well then she walked in the next week with fabric and batting and said, "Now it won't cost me anything right?" I told her there is still my time. She told me no hurry just do it when I had free time. UGH! I knocked some off the price and told her if that wasn't ok I would tell her where to get a pattern. To my dismay she agreed. The fabric was...um...not my taste or quality. It was all I could do to force myself to work on that bag. Honestly they don't take long to put together but...this seemed like forever! Made longer by constant text messages about it's progress! She loved it and paid what I asked but NEVER AGAIN! Several other people asked if I could make them one but I suddenly became too busy with other projects. LOL
So I feel your pain and it wasn't even a quilt!
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