Originally Posted by DebFowler
I have a problem with people now expecting me to make quilts as gifts for babies, weddings, etc. These people are mostly people I work with. I started this myself and now I don't know how to get out of it. I spend so much time quilting for other people, I don't have time to quilt just for enjoyment or heaven forbid, make something for myself!
people you work with
expect you to make free quilts for them? they feel automatically
entitled?
if found a cure for that. when somebody asks me if i'll make a quilt for them i tell them that the
minimum charge is $200 for a simple crib size - minimum quilting or tied. they flip and then leave me alone. if you add up the value of your time and skills, factor in the fact that time spent on a commission quilt is time you can't spend doing what you'd rather be doing, consider that you might get stuck making somehing you don't even like, and
then add the cost of supplies, $200 is dirt cheap.
frankly, i don't worry about hurting a moocher's feelings. neither should you. they are selfish boneheads who have relegated you to servant status. but, if you insist on piling unwarranted guilt onto your own shoulders, then start by saying you can no longer afford to
give quilts away to everybody who asks for one. then follow up with the minimum charge.
if i've misunderstood and people are
not asking you, but you have simply created a self-inflicted obligation, the solution is even easier.
don't make any more quilts for people at work. ba-dum-boom, problem solved. ;-)
(almost forgot my other solution. i offer to teach them how to make one themselves if they buy the supplies. the offer includes helping them shop for the fabs and pick a good beginners' pattern.)