What did I just do?
02-03-2013, 06:13 AM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: South Texas
Posts: 584
One more note - make sure you set a limit on the Tshirts. My boss asked me to do one for her daughter, so I said "Sure". She gave me a garbage bag of shirts from her daughter's four years of high school activities, plus some general ones that she liked. As if that were not bad enough, she wanted me to use each one! She ended up with a double-sided king size quilt, and I ended up with a stress headache every day that I worked on it. The daughter absolutely loved it, though, lol
02-03-2013, 07:00 AM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,148
Pause, take a deep breath and say "Sorry but I do not have time to make a quilt for you at this time". Then refer her to "keepsake Quilting" who make t-shirt quilts. the cost is $300-600 depending on the size. I have seen quilts from there and they are nice. Better than mine? Maybe . I would not pay that much for one but my friend did and really liked them.
02-03-2013, 07:25 AM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quilting, crocheting, sewing and crafting in my Sewing Room...Peaceful and wonderful !!
Posts: 5,317
Yes please do as all have suggested let her know prior to making the quilt- I would even give her a day to make up her mind. Time is a precious commodity, and items are expensive when you are making for others, then for them NOT to like it-be sure she is involved all the way- maybe even have her cut some of it with you, so she is aware of what is involved.
02-03-2013, 07:33 AM
#44
Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Posts: 48
Sharing a clever solution I saw at a Show & Tell: Same situation & little enthusiasm. She went to JC PENNY and bought a plain black quilted throw. She prepped the T shirts and framed them in different color sashing. She fused them then topstitched the sashings on the throw. WAH-LAH It was really bright and cute and less labor intensive....served the purpose. She later told us the recipient was THRILLED with it.
02-03-2013, 08:28 AM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 934
Since you are doing this for a friend I would follow the suggestions from the board. However, I want to stress the advice that was given about involving her at every stage, showing her what quilt ideas you are comfortable with, and have her pay for all expenses (nothing should come from you except your talent). Have fun!!
02-03-2013, 11:04 AM
#46
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Madison, Ohio
Posts: 226
Originally Posted by Jan in FL
One of my coworkers just asked me to make a T Shirt quilt for her daugther who gradutes from high school in June. I have not made a quilt for anyone but family until now. I made a T Shirt quilt for my own daughter and really didn't care for it but she loved it.
I initially declined when she asked me in August. I explained that I did not feel that I was experienced enough. She approached me today and asked again. She said she is not looking for perfection but rather a sentimental gift for her daughter. And, I have until June so there is no pressure there.
I guess she caught me in a weak moment because I agreed. Now what? She said she would make it well worth my while - which isn't necessary. The well worth my while comes from the pleasure I get from making quilts. It is also awkward to have to figure out what to charge.
Anyway, I told her that I would bring in a book of T Shirt quilt patterns on Monday so she could let me know what she is looking for and we would go from there. So, I guess I am making a quilt for a coworker......ugh.
I initially declined when she asked me in August. I explained that I did not feel that I was experienced enough. She approached me today and asked again. She said she is not looking for perfection but rather a sentimental gift for her daughter. And, I have until June so there is no pressure there.
I guess she caught me in a weak moment because I agreed. Now what? She said she would make it well worth my while - which isn't necessary. The well worth my while comes from the pleasure I get from making quilts. It is also awkward to have to figure out what to charge.
Anyway, I told her that I would bring in a book of T Shirt quilt patterns on Monday so she could let me know what she is looking for and we would go from there. So, I guess I am making a quilt for a coworker......ugh.
02-03-2013, 11:30 AM
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
Posts: 2,795
I wish I could sew for other people. I can't even make a quilt with someone in mind. After the quilt is all made, then I decide who I give it to. I get too nervous sewing if I'm already planning on who's getting my quilt. I have a pile of quilts all done with no one in mind. If a birthday pops up, I can go through them and find one I think they will like. That works so much better for me. My daughter's boss wants me to make him a T-shirt quilt and I told her 'no'. I don't even know him. I have too many UFOs and have never done a T-shirt quilt. If he painted, I wouldn't ask him to make me a painting. Would you? Then why do they think they can just ask us to make them a quilt? It's as close to the same thing except quilting costs more.
02-03-2013, 11:35 AM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Melbourne Australia
Posts: 670
I really don't like it when people pressure you into making them a quilt, if you make an excuse the first time that should be enough. I make lots of quilts which I give away, I wouldn't dream of asking any monetary gain, I like to give them as a gift either for their Birthday or for a new grandchild or no reason at all just because they are nice people and are friends. I have a dear friend who is always offering my services to other people, this friend who I love dearly has no idea the hours and effort that goes into a quilt.
Jan try and enjoy making this T shirt quilt, don't let it cause you any stress, maybe your friend could learn to quilt herself, just explain to her in a nice way that you do not like to be pressured.
I quilt because I want to not because I have too.
Jan try and enjoy making this T shirt quilt, don't let it cause you any stress, maybe your friend could learn to quilt herself, just explain to her in a nice way that you do not like to be pressured.
I quilt because I want to not because I have too.
Last edited by Carol Wilson; 02-03-2013 at 11:39 AM.
02-03-2013, 11:38 AM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
Posts: 2,795
I wish I could sew for other people. I can't even make a quilt with someone in mind. After the quilt is all made, then I decide who I give it to. I get too nervous sewing if I'm already planning on who's getting my quilt. I have a pile of quilts all done with no one in mind. If a birthday pops up, I can go through them and find one I think they will like. That works so much better for me. My daughter's boss wants me to make him a T-shirt quilt and I told her 'no'. I don't even know him. I have too many UFOs and have never done a T-shirt quilt. If he painted, I wouldn't ask him to make me a painting. Would you? Then why do they think they can just ask us to make them a quilt? It's as close to the same thing except quilting costs more.
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