Working with a "Customer"
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Montana
Posts: 564
I used to sew for people and one of my policies was if I did it wrong it was free. But I found unless I had them write it down or sign what they wanted some would take advantage. Make notes and write up all needed in the contract and both of you sign it. I liked others ideas since it stirred up my creative juices and you should have fun with it! It sounds like everyone else has given you some great advice!!
Lynda
Lynda
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
Thank you PaperPrincess for sharing this site.[QUOTE=PaperPrincess;7671121]I agree with the other posters. It's not fun, but make sure you get it in writing. This board is littered with posts about quilters getting the short end of the stick.
As your actual question, in addition to showing her photos and your completed work, you can ask some specific questions: what type of item is she looking for? Bed, throw, wall hanging, runner?
Size
fabric types: cotton, flannel...
A non quilting design site, such as Design Seeds ( [URL]https://www.design
As your actual question, in addition to showing her photos and your completed work, you can ask some specific questions: what type of item is she looking for? Bed, throw, wall hanging, runner?
Size
fabric types: cotton, flannel...
A non quilting design site, such as Design Seeds ( [URL]https://www.design
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
Great advice to take heed. I was asked to make a quilt few years ago and I flat out told them I didn't do commissioned work because I just liked doing at my own verrrrryyyy ssslllllloooooooowwwwww pace. They were very upset because they needed one within a week. LOLL!! I directed them to a guild.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,585
I think everything that has been posted is very good. I don't do commissioned work (unless you count my sisters). I have a Log Cabin Quilt that my youngest sister has commissioned (she pays for the fabric and supplies, and I do the work for her -- my price -- she's a teriffic sister, and I'd gladly make the quilt and give it to her including all the fabric, etc., if I could afford it. I can't afford it and she knows it, so she'd never ask me to make it -- I offered to make it for her if she pays for the fabric (which she has done). I've only made a few quilts and I don't make them to sell, so I really don't have much to add. Except this: my husband was a cabinet maker -- he did custom kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and yes, even some furniture. If you're building something, or sewing something, (i.e., a quilt), you've got to have the full cost of your materials up front. Otherwise, someone's going to find something to grouch about and refuse to pay. I've seen it happen too many times! And, so many times, people have asked him to build something and they wanted to pay less than his material cost -- it's not a good business plan! I have finished a quilt top I made for myself and I know what I spent, just for the fabric for the quilt top (this is a huge quilt 130" X 114". I spent $300 in fabric, plus I've purchased thread, batting, backing, and who knows what the final cost on this one will be. Since it's for myself, I don't care. Even chain piecing, a Log Cabin Quilt takes a LOT of work! They do make beautiful quilts though!
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