a question from friends or rather acquaintance who are asking for a quilt?

I've been making for my friends and family since I started quilting but at the rate I'm going, I don't hink I'll be able to make one for everyone I know.

I'm just feeling obligated to make one just b/c I'm asked. What would you do?

I've run into the same problem when I was making stained glass projects. Ironically, the people asking wouldn't suggest that they'd have to pay for it!!! I'd say you really don't have time to make one with all the obligations you already have but that when and if you have time, you'll contact them. And you might have the name of a friend that IS interested in quilting for people for $$ and suggest they contact that person.

Amen.

But what's wrong with "I don't think you can afford me!"

I always have people ask me to make quilts. They always seem to want what I am currently working on and in the same colors. I usually tell them this is a one of a kind quilt for whoever but if they want a quilt in this pattern then I would be more than happy to give them the fabric requirements so they can select their colors and it will be X amount of dollars for the quilting (amount is based on the size of quilt) and that it would probally be 12 - 18 months before I could get to it. They all seem to want to take me up on the offer but since I started telling my friends this only one person has taken me up on my offer.

Put on your most inspiring face (and tone of voice), and suggest that they could make it themselves. Don't forget to mention that quilt shop prices are up over $9.00/yard, not like prices were when we were in high school, sewing garments for home economics class.

I don't feel obligated at all. In fact, I find it kind of annoying when people see the bags or quilt tops I have made and ask if/when I could make one for then, expecting that it will be free, and when I mention that materials and my time cost, some have actually said they wouldn't expect me to charge them. Now I am always speechless, even though it has happened several times. So, when I recover I just repeat that this is an expensive and time consuming hobby of mine and I can't support them as well, but I could let them know my prices and they can decide for themselves. IMHO, they don't seem to understand the work involved, as well as the money, and they probably wouldn't even appreciate it so don't let it bother you. :D

I just say no I don't have time and I don't sell them. because its a very expensive hobby. Unless they are dense they get it :D

This happened to me just last night. A lady whom I hardly know, ask me to make her a quilt. I politely told her I no longer quilt for other people, but I would be glad to help her and show her how to make her own. She then proceeded to tell me that she didn't have the time! :shock: :shock:
those who don't quilt, don't understand the cost and time that it takes, and don't mind using others.

I just ask them, if they have $500. If they say no, which they always do, I say there's your answer. If they ever say yes, I'll take the $500 and make them a quilt.

WOW! People never cease to amaze me! :lol:

I love it! Can't wait to try that one on somebody!

[quote=saravincent]Perfect answer! Say it with a smile and nobody will be offended. :wink:

Now I won't be speechless, Thanks :lol:

I hand them my business card, (which I got free from vistaprint.com) and aks them to see my web site. I tell them that if they find something they like they can buy it from me or if they don't they can always order something from me. That tells them that I don't give away quilts. I have given some away, but always to people who never asked for one.

Maria

Wow! Some great answers to this problem. I have had people ask that too, and before I began to quilt, I had no idea how quickly the cost of supplies added up, or how very time intensive even the simplest looking quilt can be. Now that I understand that, I feel free to tell people I am too busy, and they probably wouldn't want to pay the cost. I also offer to teach them to quilt.

Let me make sure I get the question...you are feeling like you should make a quilt for someone just because they asked??If that is correct, I would tell that person exactly this...'sure! I'd be glad to make a quilt for you! I make them for commission all the time, call me when you want me to give you the price break downs'!:)That should cure it! If not....learn the big 'no'....and, guilt is only self inflicted:)LOL Skeat

I just tell them to bite. nuff said.

I had a friend of my sister visiting a week ago. We were looking at some of my projects that are ready to be quilted. She asked for a child's quilt top that I had on the pile. I tried to hand it to her unfinished and she said, Oh no, please finish it first! I was fllabbergasted. This woman is a quilter! She said I will pay you for it.

OK ... I have never sold a quilt in my life. What do you charge for such a quilt?? I have hours in it already. It is an appliqued animal baby blanket. What do you do, charge by the hour and materials used?

I've sold a few quilts.. the latest one being to a friend at work.. she saw the top and said that's mine..name your price. (it's a lap quilt) I said $250. and she said.. I thought it would be more. and I told her it was because she is a friend she's getting a break. Otherwise I have no problem just saying NO..
Had someone want me to put a new zipper in her wedding dress the other day.. long story, but her MIL to be broke the zipper. I said.. yes I sew clothes but only for myself, and NO I won't replace the zipper.. that's a pain in the a** and I no longer subject myself to that torture. Blunt yes.. but also honest. I suggested she find a professional seamstress and send MIL to be the bill.

I always ask them....how much money do you have?
When they say NONE, I tell them that is how much time I have to make them a quilt. :)

tell them to try to do it theirself that if they learn to quilt they will enjoy making so many quilts as u do but it takes time to quilt and you only can do so much at a time then if they say they can't then they will have to wait and pay you what you put in and your time

This is exactly what I tell people. I have yet to have anyone come back and ask for a meterials list or write me a check.

I love this response 8) 8) 8)

Thank you for the replies! Wow... I'm keeping these comments in mind when face with such situation again.

Me too!!! :D :D


I have a dear friend who knows how much money, time, effort and energy I put into a quilt. She has asked me several times if I would make her one. I tell her to pick a pattern and go fabric shopping. So far, she hasn't done it because she doesn't have the money. So I feel guilty....BUT, I just finished making a quilt for her new granddaughter to be...so, maybe, some day, I'll make her a scrap quilt....:D

I think I would tell them I'm flattered that they like my work and then just make a generic statement like, "I'll put you on my loooooong list. I'm booked out for the next many years!"

Thanks, I like your respond.

what kind of info do u have written on ur card?

When anyone asks me about making them a quilt, I tell them that I will give them a pattern (no one's ever going to get me to make a Double Wedding Ring!) and they can go to the LQS and purchase their fabric. Then I tell them that depending on the size quilt they want, it will cost approximately $100 - $200 for the fabrics, about the same for the quilting, and about $150 - $250 for my time. Needless to say, no one has ever asked again.

One person (not a friend, thank goodness) actually said that I must really think my work was something special to ask for $150 for my time. I just looked at her and said "You must have thought so, because you asked me to make one for you." And frankly, I think making a quilt IS special, and our work is worth every penny.

At this point in my life, quilting is my pleasure. If I started getting paid for it, it would become work.

When one thinks about it, how many of the askers would even consider working for someone else for less than $0.50 per hour themselves?

I had a friend that said "Oh, I just thought you made them because you liked doing it."

Love the responses.

I use Facebook and started a group for my quilted items. When people ask about me making something for them I direct them to take a look there at the photos and pick out something "You like in your price range". The pictures all have prices under them!

I have had few orders but mostly people just smile and say "Your work is gorgeous."

How about, "I'd love to, if you would want to pay what I would want to do it." If they say yes, what would you charge? you can always quote the price you would do it for (if you want to do it), or a price so high, they are bound to say no thanks.

Ive never really had anyone interested in me making a quilt for them. Could be a few reasons for that one being that not alot of people know that i do this in my life. However i do plan to make one for my grandma soon as i can and obviously cost is not a factor in that one its for her afterall. The rest of the time i have so many idea's of my own for making art quilts and such that i wouldnt even consider the idea of making one for someone else at this time. Chris

I say: "You have to get in line, and I must warn you - the line is about two lifetimes long at the moment."

Interestingly enough, I gauge my relationships by "quiltability." If I remove someone off the quilt list, I know I'm DONE with them.

My friends and relatives would never point blank ask me to make something for them. I've received lots of hints over the years, which I choose to act on or ignore. The people who do not fall into either category ... friends or relatives ... would definitely be "whistling in the wind" and generally do not even bother hinting, much less asking. I have had a lot of people ask for specific sewing advice, which I DO share willingly.

Quilting is my hobby, period. I love to sew beautiful quilts for myself and the family and friends that I love. Everyone who knows me knows that this is my passion and is close enough to me to appreciate the expense and work that goes into one of my quilts. I don't think I could ever "sew one for out". My quilts have to have a comfy home with people who are close to me or have value in my life. I guess I am an emotional quilter. The "Unknown Soldier" quilt (my name) that I am working on now is a charity quilt and that is an exception. But I wonder about this boy as I work on it. Where he is from and how severe his injuries. If he has family and friends who care about him. I will attach a label expressing my appreciation of his sacrifice. It just seems so insufficient. I like to think of him valuing and appreciating his gift, but even if he doesn't understand the money, the time, the effort, the most important thing to me is that I did my very good work for this unknown boy.

The "Unknown Soldier" quilt (my name) that I am working on now is a charity quilt

CindyBee, I would like to know more about this. Is there a website? Are there specific parameters? I think this is something I would be interested in doing. My father was a WWII and Vietnam vet, and servicemen and their families have a special place in my heart.

I have also had this problem with a close friend who wanted me to make her a quilt. Not being a quilter herself, she was making all the classic mistakes, i.e., choosing intricate blocks of a huge size. She wanted twenty-four of these huge blocks, and on and on. Also wanted me to hand quilt it for her. I finally said that I did not have the time to do such a huge project and that I could recommend some quilters who charge to do such work. My friend commented that "she would never pay for this." That comment ended any more conversations about me doing work for free. The irony of all this is that I have given so many quilts and quilted wall hangings away that it was discouraging to think that there are some who have so little regard for the quilting art itself. It opened my eyes and I realized that there are those who put no value on your time and your creativity.

I would tell the person asking the truth, "I'd love to make you a quilt, but I just don't have the time."