I am not surprised that the general public has no idea what goes into personally making a quilt. My brother-in-law has made some gorgeous wood furniture including a dining room table. I would absolutley love having him make one for me, but would never ever ask. I have no idea what materials cost, nor how much time is involved or his time is worth. But that is because I view his work as being produced by a craftsman, not someone who had wookshop in high
school. What surprises me is that quilters continue to be surprised that outsiders have no idea what goes into their craft. And they never will, unless they try themselves.