QuiltQtrs

Have been in same situation and still haven't learned to just say No....
Several quilts for family never garnered a "thank you", one needed to be
reminded to pay up the agreed upon amount, and another gave them
away as "their gift" to others. I agree with other comments: make a
stand now, no regret later.

LucyInTheSky

I would call her up and be like "okay, I priced the fabric and other materials and have an estimate of $50 to make each of the quilts. I wanted to make sure that was reasonable before I buy the fabric" like you're assuming she knows she needs to pay. Then she can say "yes, definitely" or "oh, that's more than I expected, no thanks" and it's all good

Annaquilts

Have an open honest talk and make a sheet with the cost break down. she is clueless and thinks you are bored and make these for fun to give away. Have them pay the agreed upon amount up front. You need to buy fabric right? I do consignment quilts and people have to pay 100% up front. I have never had a problem.

hsquiltingmom

I give a lot of quilts away. I am working on one right now for my bil and his new wife. I just made one for a friends grandbaby, and am making another one for her newest grandbaby. She paid me for most of the fabric, but I have done things like this for her before, and she and her children absolutely love them. They know the kind of work I put into my quilts, and even though they don't sew and quilt, they know it is a work of love. She always does things for my family throughout the year, so I am willing to do special things for her.

For my friends I may decide to do a quilt, or I may do a receiving blanket and crochet around the edge. I had one friend from work that I did a receiving blanket for, and she told me her grandmother thought it was absolutely gorgeous and also how much she (my friend) loved it. I did a quilt for a friend in my neighborhood and she loves it as well. I enjoy quilting and I don't charge extra for my time. If they are a gift from me, of course they don't pay anything, but if they ask me to make one, or offer to help with the fabric, then that helps a lot. I guess I just look at the situation and see what I can do.

Leota

you may have to flat out tell her that for you to make a quilt is a minimum of $125 (baby quilt size).... give her the cost with labor included... don't feel bad...

dgsmom

i would tell her how many yards each quilt would take and tell her she needs to supply the fabric. i have the same problem i give alot of quilts away and it gets expensive by time i pay longarmer i have $200-$250 in a quilt

Mariposa

I'd ask her if she had any pattern(s) in mind, then come up with one, give her yardages needed, and offer to go with her for fabric selections. If by then she is still interested, she should give you $$ for your time and expertise.
I have a friend of my daughter who is wanting me to make 2 quilts for her before Christmas. And she wants "big lap" size or bigger on both, and 2" finished triangles. Ha! I think she thinks I have nothing better to do! I still have projects of my own I am trying to finish before Christmas.
I did offer to help teach her how to sew, but it seems she is not interested. Live and learn! :)

Momof3Es

I am with the others about just telling her the truth. Check this idea out~you say to her how much it will costs and she say oh yes no problem, thank you for doing this your quilts are so beautiful and I just don't have your talent!
Now wouldn't that be a nice surprise.

GrannieAnnie

Only thing I can think of is asking her how much SHE WANTS TO SPEND on the fabric. You can add that there are so many variables in purchasing fabric adn price is one of those variables.

GrannieAnnie

Good advice. If this gal gets two more quilts she'll be looking for five next time. And there will be no end.. IGNORE MY PREVIOUS SUGGESTION.