Quilting is somehow perceived by the great masses as one of those things that some of us learn at Grandma's knee and is as natural as breathing. I've found that the best thing to do it elevate into an art form. Don't speak of it as just a little hobby. If you think about it, a lot of design decisions, critical thought and talent goes into making every quilt, even a first quilt. A quilt doesn't have to be and ART quilt to be art.

I'm with the poster that said she tells people they can't afford her. That's what I do. I don't even bother wasting by breath trying to educate the users on the difference between garment making and quilting. I've found it's a waste of breath. I'll give away my art but unless it's glass work, I won't work on commission.

I enjoying ‘giving’ quilts to people that want them. My cousin asked me to shorten a pair of jeans for her. When I said no I don’t shorten pants she said “You can make a quilt but not shorten a pair of jeans?” I told her if I ‘wanted’ to shorten pants I would but don’t even shorten my own. She hemmed and hawed telling me how easy it is to do and that it doesn’t take any time so I suggested she do it herself.

Some really great replies here! I am kinda a jack of all trades who does mending and altering for my OWN family. While I wouldn't call myself a seamstress, I do sew some projects from time to time. If I am not quilting, I am sewing, or embrodiering or cooking or baking or out fishing with my dh or something. I like to try and learn many things, I guess therefore I may toot my own horn by doing these things, then people think your so smart, that you can do magic with nothing!

I try to have a couple baby quilts on hand to sell. That way they can choose the one they like and the price is already on it.

I think non quilters/sewers just have no idea of the cost of materials & the time and work involved. I recently took a 76 x79 pineapple block quilt pieced with Moda in for consignment. The shop owner wanted to me to take less than

Whoops! new computer, sorry.

Anyway, shop owner wanted me to take way less than I wanted, so she could sell it for twice that for commission and still keep it at about $100 or so. My quilt came back home with me.

:) that should do it!

I have had three offers this week, someone promised someone a project made out of her wedding dress and since this lady doesn't even own a machine, she thought of me-
On Thursday someone wanted embrodiery bath towels for her DH for father's day-hadn't bought the towels yet even.
An offer last nite to make them pillow cases.
and here is the one that I am in a pickle with, someone gives me 3 yards of what she considered beautiful fabric for my birthday -has the heart of gold- and can't wait to see what I make with it! I can't either, it is some type of poly knit or something! Gee, a skirt perhaps, but 3 yards!! I suggested a tablecloth (oh how easy) but I think it would just slide off the table :) :) ROFL

I guess we should take these offers as compliments in the nicest way!

It happens all the time. I ask by when do they want it finished and no matter what the date they give me, I say I can't get it done in that time frame, so sorry.

I am asked too repair all kinds of stuff from new elastic in shower caps to re stuffing animals. I tell them I am a quilter and just don't know how to do that kind of work.

I also agree with HEN3ETTA. quilting is an art not a hobby even if we call it one or think it is our "hobby".
peace :D