Originally Posted by Lneal
The problem is me :D She picked out the pattern, told me both husband and herself decided they wanted me to make the quilt. The cost is not an issue, so I am assuming it is the choice for handmade. But why do I feel so guilty about charging this much?
I use top quality material and they are willing to pay the price. Maybe I will feel better once I have given them the estimate and find out their reaction. Which I am sure it will be to make the quilt :D :D
Please do not feel guilty about charging $800. Your expertise, fabric shopping, cutting, sewing, and quilting more than justify your price. I made a twin quilt once (machine appliqued by me) that I had professionally quilted. Between the cost of the many different fabrics needed, the applique designs, all the stabilizer, and the quilting (plus large tip), I had almost $450 invested in that quilt.
I understand your apprehension in quoting the price of $800. That is a lot of money, and so many people have little idea of the true cost of a handmade quilt, but quilters should never diminish their talent or time "just to be nice".
Explain to her the cost of material, and give her a realistic (don't underestimate) amount of time needed to make her quilt. You might also mention the quality of fabrics, and your methods, ie. hand sewing the binding to the back, one of a kind quilt label, and type of quilting (meandering or labor intensive feathering etc.) you plan to do.
She might surprise you by not only saying "go for it", but also she might appreciate the one of kind quilt you will be making for her all the more. ;)