I think it is so sad that traditionally female activities are so undervalued. A woodworker would think nothing of charging $1000 for a custom piece that took the amount of time and cost of materials this quilt will consume, and they'd get that fee. But quilters are consistently undervalued and told it's not "worth" that - and I think at least in part we do it to ourselves. Everyone who makes a quilt and charges low because "no one would pay that" just perpetuates the problem.
I wish we could all get together and just agree that *this* is what our time is worth. And if you want to make a quilt and charge less, be upfront about the discount you are giving so that the value of the quilt is clear.
OP, please don't take offense at this - it's not intended personally and we all have to make the decision that is right for us. It's just frustrating to see women's work so undervalued.