Quiltingboard Forums - How do you feel about lending your tools to someone?

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I do not lend my tools to anyone...I would let someone come to my sewing room and use what ever they want...

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearisgray (Post 7194521)

Sewing machine?

Rotary cutters, mats, and rulers?

Unless I am reasonably sure the person can use them properly - or will allow me to instruct them - and I can see for myself that they have a clue - I prefer not to lend things to people that they can wreck.

It's one thing if I mess up my stuff -I really do mind if someone else does.

It's also a matter of - I might be more willing to let you use my machines at MY house - not so sure about letting you take them to YOUR house.

How about you?

My sentiments exactly. I'll allow them to use it if they come to my house under my supervision.

I have a friend who quilts at my house, because I've got all the good stuff:) She got a sewing machine just like the one she uses here, but has never even taken it home. I'm fine with that.
Some of the posts I've read here remind me of something I've often said to my husband - don't lend anything you aren't willing to give away.

Depends on the thing, and depends on the person. :)

I have a couple "spare" machines; vintage steel beasties I've picked up for a song at thrift shops; those I will (and have) lend out, no problem. If it's a $15-$20 investment and someone I reasonably trust...I can live with the loss if it happens. I also have a few spare/duplicate tools I'm OK with lending out, to the right person. Basically I don't lend out anything that I would be really upset to lose.

My niece and nephew have been allowed to run amok in my sewing room a few times; they're reasonably careful and I'm pretty confident they won't actually break anything; at least not deliberately. I usually have to adjust tension after they leave and replace a bent needle or two but so far all the machines have survived their attention and nobody has sewn their flesh or lopped off a finger.

To me, the risk of them damaging something is more than offset by the thought that I'm letting them learn the joy of sewing. My niece in particular LOVES my 6600; whenever she uses the scissor cut button she gives a happy sigh. She told me once that sound is "the best sound in the whole world". :) I agree! I can afford to repair or even replace the machine if she somehow really mangled it, so I enjoy the luxury of being able to just turn her loose to experiment and play, like I did with my gran's machine when I was her age. It reminds me that *I* should play more often! And so far she hasn't hurt any thing besides needles. They're good kids. :)

I've borrowed things during classes a couple times, but just to try them out. I'm very careful to use things briefly and return them promptly and with thanks. I don't like borrowing things in general but sometimes I like to try something out before I buy it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearisgray (Post 7194521)

Not gonna happen, too expensive !

I will allow friends to use my machine, etc in my sewing room with me there. I don't loan out anything I would not be willing to give the person as a gift.

I lent a FMQ template to a friend 2 yrs ago, I've mentioned it, still hasn't returned it. I bought another one, but still want mine back. So wouldn't lend unless it was to my daughter or best friend.

When I lived in England I lent my almost new Necchi Lydia 3 sewing machine to someone who worked for us. When I finally got it back several months later it was broken (badly!). She did not mention the "problem" and didn't even thank me for the loan of the machine.

Never again!!!!!