Originally Posted by catrancher
A friend recently sent me an email telling me she'd purchased a kit and asked me if I'd make it for her husband.
You say your friend "asked". Although that may be misguided and you feel it put you in a bad position, it really wasn't rude - she asked, not demanded.
You should have just said you were sorry, but you don't make "quilts for hire" (unless you do and then you could have discussed payment) or that you didn't have time. I's sorry to say that you put yourself in this situation by avoiding the obvious response "no, I'm sorry I can't" and offering instead to do it at a later date.
A good friend would understand and a friend who doesn't isn't worth having (getting off my Ann Landers/Dear Abby soapbox now).