Originally Posted by
margecam52
The pattern calls for 5-1/2 yards of fabric, including backing. I buy fabrics on sale, about 5-6.00 a yard...I would figure $40 for fabric, $15 for batting, $10 for thread ($65.00 in materials).
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You may wish to take a look at that pattern link again. The TOP ONLY calls for 5 1/2 yards of fabric, that 2 1/2 yards is for backGROUND fabric not backing.
From the site:
Fabric Supplies:
1 yard of a dark fabric
1 yard of a medium fabric
1 yard of border fabric
2 1/2 yards of background fabric.
Don't forget to add another yarrd for Binding.
Yes, sometimes you can find batiks on sale on line for $5.95 per yard, that is assuming you will find batiks in the exact colors the contractor wanted. Not likely, always best to quote full price fabric costs. If you come in cheaper then pass those savings on to your client. You need to figure in shipping costs and applicable taxes as well. Additionally you are only allowing $10.50 per hour for labor of sewing time only and inclusive of any taxes. What about the hours you will spend on line hunting down the fabrics in just the right shade of gold. What about the time you will spend hunting after that online order comes in and it isn't the right shade of gold?
Assuming you spend no time hunting for fabrics, your labor quote, after taxes... you would be lucky to be making $5 per hour. Even if you don't claim as income it is always wise to take the equivelent of taxes, FICA and SSI and set it aside just in case you are ever caught. (and if you are not that is SSI you will need when you retire)
Stop short changing yourself.
It is always better to over estimate your costs then to underestimate when figuring a commissioned quilt.
Last edited by feline fanatic; 08-02-2013 at 07:29 AM.