What a sweet story. Yes, the adults should learn from him.
Thanks for sharing.

Lynn

I have heard it all plus more. :lol:

I would have to ask why a 10 year old has favorite lucky underwear.

His teams have won their games every time he wore them. Team colors are red and white, but these are purple. Go figure...

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!

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.

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!

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.

Exactly! I normally make clothes for my daughters since they're tall and lanky and most clothes from the rack don't fit right but it's worth every moment when their eyes sparkle. But, also, I think it's important to remember that you offered to make the christening gown. Some others can just be so pushy. I've turned down a few family members when their requests got to be too crazy (like a full tuxedo for a family member...sorry, don't know how to tailor).

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.

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.