Originally Posted by
mckwilter
I have several rules when someone requests that I make a quilt for her: (1) I have final approval on the pattern. This is non-negotiable. We can go through my patterns together so that you can find one you like. I will probably never get around to that double wedding ring for me, so why would I make one for you? (2) I will take you to the LQS and you will pick out and pay for ALL of the fabric, thread, batting, etc. for the quilt up front. How much does it cost, you ask? Figure on $150-$250, depending on the size you want. (3) You will have to wait at least 6 months to get your quilt. I have a full-time job and my own projects to work on, so despite what you think, this is not my #1 priority. (4) I charge $15 an hour for my time and will require a $150 non-refundable deposit before I cut any fabric. When I finish the quilt, I will let you know how much more you owe me for my labor, but it will probably be at least another $150. You may think $15 an hour is high, but I make over twice that in my real world job. I could always charge you that rate. (5) Any fabric left over goes into my stash. You don't sew, so what would you do with it anyway? Depending on the size, I may have a long-armer do the quilting. I will get an estimate from her, and you will pay me before she begins quilting. And finally, (7) Once the quilt is finished, you have 6 weeks to pick it up. If you do not pick it up and pay in full within that 6-week time period, I get to keep it. You have had 6 months to save the money. I realize stuff happens, but you committed to this.
I don't say it as cut and dried as it sounds, but I lay it all out so we are clear on the terms. Needless to say, no one has said "So when do we meet at the LQS." If anyone ever does, I will have a written contract outlining all these points in hand for their signature.
I liked this and amended it slightly (fabric prices are higher here), and I think I will use it!
So you want a quilt?
1) I have final approval on the pattern. We can go through my patterns together or choose a new one so that you can find one you like, but it will have to be a pattern that I am comfortable working with.
2) I will take you to the LQS and you will pick out and pay for ALL of the fabric, thread, batting, etc. for the quilt up front. Depending on the fabric you choose, it will cost approximately $200-$350, depending on the size quilt you want.
3) You will have to wait at least 4-6 months to get your quilt. I have other projects to work on, so this quilt may not be my first priority.
4) I charge $15 an hour for my time and will require a $150 non-refundable deposit before begin to cut fabric. When I finish the quilt, I will let you know how much more you owe me for my labor, but it will probably be at least another $250. You may think $15 an hour is high, but I cannot do it for less.
5) Any bits and pieces of leftover fabric go into my stash.
6) Depending on the size of your quilt, I may need to have a long-armer do the quilting. I will get an estimate from her, and you will pay me before she begins quilting. For a queen sized quilt, the cost will be in the $150-250 range
And finally,
7) Once the quilt is finished, you will have 6 weeks to pick it up. If you do not pick it up and pay in full within that 6-week time period, I will keep the quilt or sell it to recuperate my losses.
Yes, as, volunteering to make quilts becomes a problem as everyone wants one and expects it for free.