jbsstrawberry

"I'm thrilled that you're so happy with my work. Of course, with the prices of everything going up the way they are, you understand that I'll have to charge you (insert dollar amount here) at least to cover my expenses. I'm sure you understand <big smile>" It'll either cure her of the freebie way of thinking or send her packing. Either way, you're not out any expense.

tlrnhi

I agree with what everyone says.

I make quilts for other people out of the goodness of my heart. Before I left Hawaii, there were 4 people I worked with on the dinner cruise ship and I made them each a quilt. They didn't ask for it, but they knew I made them and were amazed at my handiwork. I did make one for a going away gift for another girl on board and she absolutely LOVED it. She cried and cried and everytime I get an e-mail from her, she tells me how much it has been keeping her warm. (she moved back to WA).
The other 4 that I made, those people were amazed that I made them. They had no clue they were getting them....I just showed up a couple days before I left and handed them out. I do have to make 1 more for another girl there, since I did feel bad she didn't get one. We weren't that close, but she did confide in me alot when she needed "mom" time. I was more or less the "MOM" to alot of the younger kids that worked onboard.

But anyway...
Just come right out and tell her what is on your mind. If you don't, then hurt feelings will/can happen. Explain to her WHY you made the quilt for her and WHY you have to charge for the ones for other people.

nanabirdmo

thanks so much for your help everyone. i will break it to her gently that she will be buying the fabric.
i really don't mind making them,(i do feel like it is good practice for me), and they are for other relatives of ours, but i just need all my "folks" to know that i'm not the "quilt fairy"

Moonpi

I would tell her yardages + 25% cutting waste, then ask if she will be picking up the fabric herself, or going with you. I used to lose out a lot by using stash fabrics to fill in on commissioned pieces. You'll be happier in the long run if the costs (thread, needles, electricity are included) are covered.

Whether you charge labor depends on your closeness to her. Would she reciprocate if you needed help moving, or cleaning out your garage? Do you owe her favor? If not, that needs to be factored in.

vicki reno

This seems to be the nicest way to say it and it should make her realize just how expensive thnings really are now a days. Also makes her appreciate what she has.

Knot Sew

Just say no. Don't try to be polite, your going to get the same result. Your busy and tell her to find someone else. Rip off the bandage fast.

Connie1948

Here is how approach people when they aks me to make them a quilt.
I have them go trough my patterns and pick one out. I then write down the yardages and of the various fabrics needed. I then give them a list of my favorite fabric haunts on the internet and in the local area. I tell them when they have all the fabric needed to bring it to me. I do let then know that I will be charging between 50 and 200 to make top, quilt, and bind.
Price depends on size and pattern. Quilting is edge to edge with my Little Gracie and the boards I have. If quilt is not paid for within 30 days of finishing.....it is mine to do with as I please. The shock of the price of quality fabric usually sends them packing. I love giving my quilts to people and do it all the time. But after a while you get tired of being taken advantage of.
Connie

GMarie

What is a good way to figure out what to charge? I have just begun to think about making quilts for sale other than gifts and home.

Patty44

I made a quilt for a lady at work,she liked but when I told her how mcuh she just couldn't believe it. I did try to tell her before I made how mcuh it would be. Her reply was,you can get a kit at wall mart for 14 dollars. I said yes you can,but then you would have to hire someone to make it,plus it looks like a pot holder compared to the one I made. Then she agreed and wanted 2 more,but I made some excuse that I was just snowed under and didn't have time right now. I never did make her another one. I was afraid I wouldn't get my money. It took her a while to bring in money for the first one.

reva

I had someone ask me to make a quilt once. I told her it'd be $160. She said, "Man, you charge alot." She promptly went and asked someone else to do it. This kindhearted lady made it at her own cost - out of batiks that we all know cost more. She used some scraps from her own stuff, but did put out money and tons of time - really though it out and all... not a dime was given. It's a shame. This same lady asked me to make something else for her... I said, "So we are on the same page it will cost xxx amount of dollars." She said no thank you but I will take a _____ and mentioned another article and I gave her the amount of that - she says she'll pay it. I'm holding off making it just because I'm afraid I won't get the money... be firm about a price and stick to it!!