I think you were very nice to her. My neighbor asks me to do repairs occasionally and then wants to overpay me so I only take money from her when I spend over and hour etc.

For years I made nearly all of the clothes for my family and occasionally for others. I no longer sew garments but I do quilt. After moving here (Sr. housing) I was bombarded with requests for shorten slacks, men's pants, sewing up seams, etc. At 1st it was the men mostly. Then the women. They should have known how themselves. I finally just told them I just didn't have the time, that my family came first. Why do people think that because you sew and have a machine, you will do most anything. SURPRISE. No more. The nerve of some people. Grrrrrrrr

I would have done the same! I don't mind fixing something once in a while for one of my children, but neighbors know I don't sew anymore, just quilt!

I've had a few people want to start using me for repairs once they know I sew. I mostly quilt though, and my best sewing consists of straight lines. :-) I've made Halloween costumes and dresses for my daughter, but I hate using patterns. It's too expensive to just use my thread and fabric for repairs too anymore. You did the right thing giving her a coupon and pointing her the right way.

I do not sew for other people...period. I used to be a patsy and would do favors for anyone who asked. (I was yonger then too) but find once you start it's a never ending situation. I quilt and will make quilts for people I either love or really like; but it's always 'cause I want to, not because I'm asked or expected to.

Hem pants? Why? Put on shoes with higher heels. My dh knows that asking me to sew something must be followed with a nice "reward", since I am barely on speaking terms with garment repair or remolding. I use the iron on method to hem my own slacks, if I have to. I make a real effort to make sure I always buy the right length.

I think you were very diplomatic.

Give them all the name and address of a cleaners with this service...maybe the cleaners gives out cards, and would be grateful for the reccomend?

I would do the same thing as you did. Once you do one thing more will come

I just smile and offer to hem them for $40 per pair. They never seem to ask again. My favorite question was about a lace dress, that she wanted me to let out 4 inches overall at the waist, "oh, and by the way can you put a different color lining under it?" Right! I don't think so! :shock: :lol:

Ditto. froggyintexas