I get the same thing, and while it is a compliment that your work is admired, I find that most people who ask have absolutely no idea of the cost and time involved.
I sew things for my family gladly because they understand the time, effort, and money involved.
Several years ago, a neighbor came over, saw a tablerunner I was finishing for my sister, and asked if I would make her an especially long (96") one for her formal dining room table. She offered to pay me.
Knowing how particular she was I feared I would have to make one runner after another to please her. I explained that I sew as a hobby, for myself, and my family, and that if someone were to pay me then it becomes WORK. With my time contrainsts I wanted to keep it a hobby pastime. This seemed to satisfy her.
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