And have you had anything repaired at a local tailor or dry cleaners lately? HOO-EE! The prices they charge are steep. If you wanted to get extra cash, I suppose it would be okay, but just to fix something for somebody...not me. Unless it's my son or hubby.

Good for you! ! ! I really get a good feeling doing this type of thing for someone else. It's like a puzzle. Figure out the best way to repair it and then do the best job you know how. I don't need to be paid, but fruit sure is nice. I love making old things usable. And that's why I love the vintage sewing machine threads on this board.

I have on occasion repaired something, but told them not to expect it to look like new as that rarely happens. They either bring it over or not, don't get asked as much now, yea.

My friends know I don't like repairing or heming anything but once in a very great while in desperation a couple of coworker friends asked if they can pay me to hem or fix something minor emphasizing that they wanted to pay me. I did about half a dozen of these little jobs without charge. I told them each time that I did not want it to get out that I sewed for $$ and had people expecting me to take on their jobs. So to just pass it on. Both were coworkers and kept it on the QT. One was a notary and, Boy, did that little job pay for itself over and over when I needed something notarized!

I too have learned the hard way to stop and think about whatever they're asking for, and more and more, I say no. If I feel the need for an excuse, I just say I already have bitten off more than I can chew. I only do what I want to, I'm not looking for something else to do!

This is exactly how I handle it....or I tell them I have a sewing machine that they can use, and will teach them how to do it. That stops it in their tracks. They don't want to know how, they just want me to DO and I don't! Unless, it's a grandbaby...then all bets are off.

I have learned that the asker sometimes does not have ANY idea of what may actually be involved.

I have helped a few people out hemming jeans and sheer curtains.They have all offered to pay me for my time. I also told them that I'm not interested in doing other projects, because then it becomes a job, no fun involved, and I'm retired, and don't want a job!

Someone asked if I could do clothing alterations. I said, sorry I only make quilts. I hate doing alterations.:mad:

I'm not crazy about hemming, but have to shorten all my husbands pants, which I do, mostly cheerfully, because he does so many nice things for me. I have shortened my son's shirt sleeves, but only after I had him price-out having someone else do it; I wanted him to see the value in what I can do!! I did shorten a formal gown for a friend of mine, but I made her promise not to tell others! I didn't want it get around that I would do it. lol! I have asked friends to do a few things for me, for which they would take no payment, but I have paid it forward to others for things that I wanted to do and was within my skill. All evens out in the end.