Just because I own a sewing Machine . . . .
#145
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
Here are a couple of responses I use:
"Would you ask Picasso to paint your garage door just because he was 'a painter'?"
Would you ask Chanel to hem your pants/sew on buttons just because she 'made clothing'?"
I guess I've heard this so often that I no longer have a problem saying, "you couldn't afford me!" and laughing. I definitely agree that, since I hardly do my own mending, I'm certainly not likely to do someone else's!
"Would you ask Picasso to paint your garage door just because he was 'a painter'?"
Would you ask Chanel to hem your pants/sew on buttons just because she 'made clothing'?"
I guess I've heard this so often that I no longer have a problem saying, "you couldn't afford me!" and laughing. I definitely agree that, since I hardly do my own mending, I'm certainly not likely to do someone else's!
#146
I lead a quilting group monthly at our church who makes simple baby and comfort quilts to be given out. One person came in with antique crazy quilt squares. Someone had found them in mother's attic after her death. So K wanted me to do something wonderful with them so that we could sell them in some shape or form and give the money to an outreach program or something else worthwhile. I had 21 10" squares and 17 9" squares. Anyway, I was able to create (on paper) an "almost" twin size with some sashing and borders. I suggested table runners or wall hangings with 4 to 6 in each, so that we could spread the number of items made. Two meetings later, she still wouldn't accept my explanation that I couldn't make a queen size out of the limited number and odd sizes. It finally dawned on me that SHE wanted the quilt and SHE wanted it queen-sized for something at her fabulous home.
I finally gave her all the blocks back and said that I couldn't help her. It actually would have made me dizzy even trying to sew them. She's got a machine, and she's the one with the great ideas.... But she still probably doesn't know what size a queen size bed is.
I finally gave her all the blocks back and said that I couldn't help her. It actually would have made me dizzy even trying to sew them. She's got a machine, and she's the one with the great ideas.... But she still probably doesn't know what size a queen size bed is.
#147
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NYS Finger Lakes Region
Posts: 1,178
Jraff----
How wonderful that her true intentions dawned on you before you spent all that time fulfilling a very selfish desire.
What a warm feeling to reach out to those in need with our talents, but for those who take advantage of us---ice cycles!
How wonderful that her true intentions dawned on you before you spent all that time fulfilling a very selfish desire.
What a warm feeling to reach out to those in need with our talents, but for those who take advantage of us---ice cycles!
#148
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SW Minnesota
Posts: 1,590
It's been fun - and informative - reading this thread.
When my girls were in high school, I made lots of prom dresses for them, and for some of their close friends. I can't recall how much I was paid, but it was more fun to see their faces light up when they donned their dresses. (I got to keep the leftover fabric. (Can you say 'Crazy Quilt?)
I do some mending for family only, and like many of the grammas here, I can't say 'no' to a request from a grandchild. Oh, I also do favors for favorite nieces, but they return small favors at some time.
My favorite non-quilting sewing is that of creating christening gowns...my grandniece looked beautiful in hers in April. I did it as a gift...her mom looked for one for her, but they were quite expensive, so I offered to make one.
When my girls were in high school, I made lots of prom dresses for them, and for some of their close friends. I can't recall how much I was paid, but it was more fun to see their faces light up when they donned their dresses. (I got to keep the leftover fabric. (Can you say 'Crazy Quilt?)
I do some mending for family only, and like many of the grammas here, I can't say 'no' to a request from a grandchild. Oh, I also do favors for favorite nieces, but they return small favors at some time.
My favorite non-quilting sewing is that of creating christening gowns...my grandniece looked beautiful in hers in April. I did it as a gift...her mom looked for one for her, but they were quite expensive, so I offered to make one.
#149
Originally Posted by jojo47
It's been fun - and informative - reading this thread.
When my girls were in high school, I made lots of prom dresses for them, and for some of their close friends. I can't recall how much I was paid, but it was more fun to see their faces light up when they donned their dresses. (I got to keep the leftover fabric. (Can you say 'Crazy Quilt?)
I do some mending for family only, and like many of the grammas here, I can't say 'no' to a request from a grandchild. Oh, I also do favors for favorite nieces, but they return small favors at some time.
My favorite non-quilting sewing is that of creating christening gowns...my grandniece looked beautiful in hers in April. I did it as a gift...her mom looked for one for her, but they were quite expensive, so I offered to make one.
When my girls were in high school, I made lots of prom dresses for them, and for some of their close friends. I can't recall how much I was paid, but it was more fun to see their faces light up when they donned their dresses. (I got to keep the leftover fabric. (Can you say 'Crazy Quilt?)
I do some mending for family only, and like many of the grammas here, I can't say 'no' to a request from a grandchild. Oh, I also do favors for favorite nieces, but they return small favors at some time.
My favorite non-quilting sewing is that of creating christening gowns...my grandniece looked beautiful in hers in April. I did it as a gift...her mom looked for one for her, but they were quite expensive, so I offered to make one.
I don't have grandchildren (and according to my 6 year old daughter, I'll never get them from her, lol--"Boys are wierd and they don't know anything!") but when my girls want something special, I can't turn them down. But, now they both have their own Janome Quilter's Companion machines so I don't think they'll be needing me much longer. :cry: My oldest has already made herself a few shirts and one skirt and my youngest is getting the hang of sewing straight lines.
#150
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: IL Quad-cities
Posts: 252
One year we had a warm spell in mid. Feb. here in Il. My youngest daughter had the bright idea that she and 4 of her friends needed "Valentine" shorts to wear to school. (Jr. High) I made the 5 pairs of shorts over the weekend in exchange for having meals prepared and kitchen cleaned - I thought that was a pretty fair exchange.
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