ckcowl

just remember- you may be busy through the holidays (so busy you can not get anything done for yourself) but then the holidays are done- and you may have 2-3 months of no business. around here I used to be busy from October till about February- March- then pretty much nothing {depending on the weather} for a few months- when it's nice out people tend to spend their time doing outside things- they are not in their sewing rooms- so they do not have quilts that need to be quilted. the 'down time' is time to spend on your own projects- but you have to really plan, budget and organize. selling quilts, or patterns can help fill in gaps in quilting jobs- when your name gets *out there* you may start getting business long-distance that also fills in the gaps- but there are always *slow times* like for most businesses.

Plumtree

Thank You CK good things for me to write down. I am learning a lot, which is a good thing :-) I have a file on my Ipad where I keep reminders like this for me to read and refresh my thoughts about what I am trying to do. Now to just get my name out and get over my shyness :-)

redmadder

I piece some gaudy quilt tops, mostly small stuff. Every couple of years they go on ebay just cause there are so many. It doesn't pay the cost of fabric but I do it for fun. Can't imagine trying for a living.

justflyingin

I thought about that it makes me sad. I'd get sewing withdrawal just from being on the road so much...

stillclock

every time i read these threads i am so struck by the difference in the price of fabric. i am canadian, and the cost of cottons is so much higher here. regular off the bolt quilting weight cottons start at about $9 a meter, and heads on up to $17 to $19 for known designers.

there's absolutely no way to make a go of custom quilting when the material cost for a quilt runs to $300-$400. the la quilters i have come across tend to do it as an adjunct to their other jobs or businesses. and forget handquilting...pennies an hour at the most. that's how i get out of requests to make quilts for others actually; i say sure. it will take at least a year and you buy the fabric. that usually kills it dead

plus all the other stuff. joy, time, stress...

good luck with your decision!

aileen

energizer

How much do you ask for making your quilts? I have been asked by several people to make a t shirt quilt. Just curious.

cindi

DH always wanted me to go into the business. I decided to try it out by taking 2 commission quilts a year. Even with two, I wasn't wild about it. The perfection I expected from myself and deadlines really made me think hard about whether to take this on. Plus, you've got to be VERY dedicated to make it work. I still take 2 commission quilts a year to earn some extra fabric $$, but now they get a 6-month delivery estimate. And they've all been okay with that and I'm not stressed.

As for how much to charge, I suggest you read these two posts. They really sum it all up:

http://huntersdesignstudio.com/2012/...hats-it-worth/
http://huntersdesignstudio.com/2013/...igger-picture/

Start out charging low and you may never catch up to what you should be charging!

ckcowl

I recently saw a 'quilt selling price guidelines' article that recommends you charge $20-$30 a square foot (dependent on how much work it takes- if easy pieced $20- if complicated $30 or what ever in between) for 'commission quilts' if you do the math---for a 72"x72" quilt (36 square foot) that's ($720 @ $20) or ($1080 @ $30) for an idea what people are charging (and getting) for their quilts visit 'QUILTSFORSALE.CA' the site has become larger, busier and people are selling their beautiful quilts on this site- all though some may think these prices are not realistic---when I 'list' quilts I do use these guidelines---when I make quilts for friends/family I adjust my prices greatly- often just barely covering the cost of materials-

qwkslver

I wouldn't (myself I mean). I did a free embroidery job for someone recently, it took much, much longer than I thought it would, didn't turn out as well as I wanted. I think she was disappointed, so no I wouldn't want that headache on a daily basis. I'll just work my regular job and sew when and what I want to. I don't think anyone would want to pay what it is worth either. Everybody wants something cheap, a bargain. Quilting is no bargain. Every aspect of it is costly so no, I wouldn't attempt it as a job. I'm glad some people do though. It may be for you but proceed cautiously.

craftycancer

I would love too, but I agree with the other posts; people do not want to pay you what your work is worth. I make quilt purses as well; and they look at you cross-eyed when you name your price; and my prices are not as nearly as expensive as Vera Bradley; but I also agree that it depends on how serious you are. Write the vision! You can do anything that you put your mind to! I learned how to quilt, monogram, sew, you name it all online with utube and tutorials; (never attended a sewing class) surely you can be successful starting your business.