If you have a quilt laying around you don't want....
04-05-2013, 04:51 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Wi
Posts: 9,232
I would take her asking you for a quilt as a HUGE compliment. If I painted and someone asked if I had any paintings they could have, I would be so proud!
You could offer to take a beginner's class WITH her. I did that with a friend and I learned a couple of new tricks and we had so much fun together! It didn't cost much and I used my stash. She thanked me over and over again for doing that for her. She said she felt too out of her element to take it by herself. I'm so glad I took it with her. Now she's a quilting machine.
Try to stay positive. It's sad to look at our gift in a negative light. Keep it as a positive gift and remember we are gifted!
You could offer to take a beginner's class WITH her. I did that with a friend and I learned a couple of new tricks and we had so much fun together! It didn't cost much and I used my stash. She thanked me over and over again for doing that for her. She said she felt too out of her element to take it by herself. I'm so glad I took it with her. Now she's a quilting machine.
Try to stay positive. It's sad to look at our gift in a negative light. Keep it as a positive gift and remember we are gifted!
04-05-2013, 05:24 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 512
When you tell here he going price for fabric, thread, etc., I think she'll say 'Nevermind'. Also explain approx how many hours it takes to make one and that you don't have one 'laying' around. Every one that you make has a specific need in mind and the list is long and growing by leaps and bounds.
I find that once someone gets a little 'hint' of what a quilt costs both in materials needed and time, they have a different outlook on having you 'whip' one up for them or having one 'laying' around.
The idea about buying a charm pack and explaining to her how to make a rag quilt is also a good idea.
I find that once someone gets a little 'hint' of what a quilt costs both in materials needed and time, they have a different outlook on having you 'whip' one up for them or having one 'laying' around.
The idea about buying a charm pack and explaining to her how to make a rag quilt is also a good idea.
04-05-2013, 05:35 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 1,060
I'd tell her you'd be happy to teach her to quilt and that all your quilts hold sentimental value for you so it would be hard to part with one. You just know she'll feel the same after she makes her first quilt.
04-05-2013, 05:44 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: The Colony, TX
Posts: 3,364
I may be off here but I would not be offended. It is likely that she has seen some of your gorgeous quilts and is completely oblivious to the expense and labor intensity of quilting. I think a direct reply is much more effective and necessary before i was offended. You need to decide if you want to make her one or teach her how to make one or do nothing (all of which is acceptable).
If you make her one, require that she go with you to purchase all supplies (including thread, rotary blade, machine needles, templates/pattern/book, fabric, etc).
If you want to teach her, require her to buy the above mentioned items while shopping with you and schedule the times convenient to you.
if you don't want to do it, explain the cost, the time, and that you have other quilts you want to complete first.
ANOTHER BRILLIANT OPTION... Bring her a how to make a rag quilt pattern and a charm pack as a gift and tell her since she sews she could do it.
If you make her one, require that she go with you to purchase all supplies (including thread, rotary blade, machine needles, templates/pattern/book, fabric, etc).
If you want to teach her, require her to buy the above mentioned items while shopping with you and schedule the times convenient to you.
if you don't want to do it, explain the cost, the time, and that you have other quilts you want to complete first.
ANOTHER BRILLIANT OPTION... Bring her a how to make a rag quilt pattern and a charm pack as a gift and tell her since she sews she could do it.
04-05-2013, 06:10 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Washington state
Posts: 474
I think this is a terrific idea. Tell her you have too much on your plate right now. Giving her a gift of a pattern and some fabric would tell her that you aren't ignoring her request. You could offer to spend a day getting her started and teaching her some of the basics.
04-05-2013, 06:52 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Southern New Jersey USA
Posts: 1,473
If someone asks me about making them a quilt and I care about them and usually give them gifts for birthdays and Xmas I usually tell them I will consider it for one of their presents. If it is someone who has no claim on me I tell them straight out how rude they are being. But then I'm a teacher and most of my requests of that type have come from my students.
04-05-2013, 07:25 AM
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: home again, after 27 yrs!
Posts: 19,388
To teach her the basics is what I would have said, not to teach her to quilt. That could take forever. Just explain it's a very expensive "hobby" and she could make her own.my hubby always asks me who i'm giving a completed quilt to. No one at the moment. our finances are tight and I may need to sell some of them one day!
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