quiltingshorttimer

A couple of years ago a friend bid on and won my donated offer to make a t-shirt quilt. this was donated to the local high school post-prom fundraiser and I was really glad she won--we knew that her son would not graduate for a couple of years and we planned on doing the quilt for his graduation. Later that winter, her son's wrestling team mate rolled a car and suffered a life threatening--and life altering--head injury. So she gave me all the shirts she was saving and we made that young man a quilt to keep while he was hospitalized for 4 months.

When her own son was due to graduate, she asked that I make him a quilt--using t-shirts she'd grabbed out of his dresser instead of the shirts she'd bought and put aside (but went into the injured teammate's quilt).
I agreed and asked that instead of her paying me (cause frankly, had she asked I probably would have done one for the injured boy anyway)that she give me a good housecleaning--which is what she does professionally. Well, today she came and cleaned (except sewing room and quilting rooms) for 4 hours--the moving furniture and cleaning hardwoods, dusting all the hard surfaces, even tops of doorways, etc. My house even smells clean. I told her I might have to move the DH and dogs out to keep it that way!

Anyway, with both DH & myself having replacement knees and stiff backs, I really appreciate this swap--worked very well for me. Has got me thinking about other quilt/services swaps I could do!

Jan in VA

I've been thinking along these lines myself lately.
But, frankly, 4 hours work in trade for the days to make a complete quilt...?? Not sure that is a fair deal at all.

Jan in VA

gramajo

It would be worth it to me at this point in my life. I have major back issues and find it very difficult and painful to bend over to clean anything. And getting on a ladder to clean up high (I'm only 4'9") is dangerous as I also have balance problems. Sitting is about the only thing I can do without pain. I'll sit and sew for hours to have a clean apartment.

BETTY62

I do not enjoy cleaning house. I do enjoy quilting. I'd say your swap was awesome.

QuiltnNan

i'd be tempted to do the same... i've never been a duster or vacuumer.

DebbieJJ

It sounds like you got a great deal (to me)! If she does this as her job, then she has a routine down that allows her to do things efficiently, and she gets more done than I would. I envy you!

redstilettos

Everyone places a different value on different 'services'. Some people value quilts, others do not. Some value housework, others do not. If YOU are happy (and I would be, too!), then it was, by far, a GREAT swap.

And kudos to both of you for doing such a sweet thing for the young man in need of some comfort. You've both earned more feathers on your wings!

sewnclog

Oh I'm with quiltnNan. House cleaning NEVER gets 'done'. You finish and have to start over; some of my quilting group at the store I go to say it takes away from quilting time. SO true. I'd do a swap to - if I could find someone who would do it. I'm a clutter bug; inherited from my parents. Wish I were more of a tosser.

Anniedeb

You got a great deal...a clean house!! My mother was a clean-a-holic! Me...I have two signs...one says "my house was clean yesterday, sorry you missed it", and the other says "you can write in the dust, just don't date it."

ctrysass2012

I think your swap is great. I also do cleaning as my job. I know I don't charge enough but since I have been with 1 lady for 12 yrs it's OK. I do know there are some cleaners that charge over $25 per hr. so your swap sounds fair on both sides.