Really! I don't anymore, but I used to make some of my own clothes and I STILL didn't like to do repairs on my clothing. :) And it is dreadful how long something will sit in my closet because it needs a button or a hem.

The problem is I really have no desire to be her friend. We really have nothing in common besides the fact we are both married to Marines. I just don't want to hurt her feelings or cause stress for my husband at work.

Thank you for all the replies!

You are being used. The hardest thing I had learn was to say "No" to people who wanted little things done for them. Because I had a sewing machine, because I knew how to sew.

I'll show you how to do it but won't do it for you.

I even had a women tell me I was be unchristian when I said I would not re-upholster her couch cushions. "It's just a pillow case." I turned it around and asked her where in the Bible it said "thou shall re-upholster thy neighbors couch."

It's very freeing when you learn to say 'No' without guilt. the first few times are the hardest, but more you say it, the less guilty you feel. If you laugh it off as if they are joking it helps a little too.

I understand how you have to be friendly towards spouses of your dh co-workers. It's amazing how some people think because your spouses work together you should be best friends with them for no other reason. Gently push her away, be busy when she has a requet stuff like that.

Maybe you need to have a starter class on sewing???????
That way they will see what you go through...
Make up a little flyer and have DH past it out..
Oh!!! by the way on DH....Tell him the next time he says you sew, He needs to say you are a Quilter!!!!
If he comes home with something to be mended, hand him the needle and thread......LOL LOL LOL LOL
I was joking,,,,He is very proud of you or they wouldn't have found out that you sew........

LOL, I thought of a starter class! It was actually me that mentioned I make quilts and she was asking me if I know how to fix her pillows. I said sure thinking it was a one time deal. When he brought home the blanket, he was kinda thrust into a situation. She was at work and handed him the blanket along with an extra cell phone they gave us since I got mine wet. So he didn't feel right refusing the blanket at the same time they were giving us something.

I will get through it. I am just still kinda irritated! :lol:

Thanks!

Tell her you are too busy working on something you are being paid for! Give her a list of charges for items-so much to hem clothing by the inch, so much to repair jackets, slacks, household items etc. Night school for adults will be starting soon, tell her to enroll for sewing. No body minds helping out, but don't let someone take advantage. Good luck!

I am in the same boat as you. I just tell them that, 'gee, I'm sorry, I just don't have the time, maybe the alteration shop at such and such place could help you.' The only one I don't say no to is my grand-daughter.....

You could use a backdoor - just don't do it.
"Sorry, haven't had time to work on it yet."

Tabby, I would be willing to guess that your DH might be offering your services. I would mention to him that it's not acceptable to do so and have him tell his co-worker that your time is too limited to do anymore repairs. UNLESS they are willing to pay $15 an hour for your time. Maybe you are too accomodating...if they send a repair project for you to do are you dropping whatever else you are doing to get it done? Some people are just too nice..I suspect that is the case with you..
It's called "tough love" learn to say NO and mean it.
If she sends another project just say. "Oh I would love to help you out BUT I am in the middle of a project and it might be months before I could consider doing this for you" and politely return the item to her. I am sorry I sound so mean..I don't even have time to mend my DH's clothes that he wants fixed...happy stitchin' (on your own stuff) crafty_linda_b

I had someone try that... I looked at her and said I quilt I don't sew. Sorry there is a place on ____ street that does that. try there.