How do you tell your relatives that you have no desire or interest in altering their clothes without creating family problems? Some think because I have a sewing machine I am always available for making alterations and I hate alterations. I also do not like being imposed upon. Tell me how to say no.

Rita

Hehehehe maybe do not tell them and "fix" some thing. That might cure them.

I always tell people that I do not alter clothes for 2 reasons:
1. I do not have the skill set
2. I do not have the equipment to do it right

I just laugh it off like it is funny and walk away. They never ask twice.

I had DH's suit pants taken in 8" one time by a tailor...only cost $12.00 --- believe me...it was worth it! Just say "I don't do fixing - I'm not good at it"....and give them an estimate of what the tailor would charge. They'll get over it.

Age old problem, I just say I'll do it but can't guarantee when I can get it back to them, if they need it soon they better get it done at the dry cleaner. Gradually, everyone stopped asking, except my daughter, who helps me in return with other things.

My newest problem is I made new window drapery treatments for my LR, DR, and family room. Now everyone wants to know if I'll do it for them. I decided to tell them I was starting a business and my hourly rate was $30.' and it took an average of 20 hours per treatment. No one has returned with a followup. Ha, Ha.

I feel your pain. The same thing has happend to me and I just had to finally tell him that I couldn't help him. I told him that I don't have the time or skill to do that kind of work and make it look good. Which is the truth. So I gave him the number of a lady who does alterations at a fair price.

Tell them NO!!
And then send them to the nearest dry cleaner store.

I always say I'm a quilter not seamstress. When my clothing does not fit I go buy new ones I don't fix them!! They never ask again. Here is a funny: a friend once asked me to fix a pair of jeans for her DD so I gave her a spool of thread and a needle. I don't know if she did it or not but she never asked again.

I've been roped into way too many alterations. I know someone who says every. single. time. he sees me that I should put out a shingle to do them. He just doesn't get my response that it sucks all the fun out of my hobby! Ugh!

1. you just don't have the time
2. your not comfortable doing it.
3. tell them you don't even to your own.

then,get the phone number ready of a tailor in your area, and give it to them..a business card from whoiever does do it,would be good.

i do not hem or make altertions..

i replace buttons on my brothers white work shirts cuz the dry cleaner crushes them all eventually. that is the only thing i do that is non quilting. and only for him!