Well, the perfect answer to any of these questions is, "Yes, but." The rest of that sentence should contain one of the phrases:
1. or 2. "I charge $8 to $15 an hour to mend and/or make something."
3. "There is a sewing class at the local community college."
Regarding Quilting:
1. "Yes, I can make you one, but I charge $300 to make the top and another $400 to quilt it, plus the material which will probably cost about $200."
2. "Only if it's free and I don't have to make you a quilt out of it."

Don't forget "And I will pick the pattern."

I tell people that they can't afford my prices. Then I smile and tell them that I really don't have the time to MEND their clothes, and I am not a seamtress, I am a quilter. Now the princess dress... I would stop whatever I was doing to repair it.

I tell them I don't sew, only quilt. Giving my granddaughter a sewing machine for her birthday so she can learn.

The next time someone asks if I can hem some pants, my response is "yes, $10 per pair". They don't realize that you spent money for a sewing machine, how much time it takes to cut and measure, your thread, etc.

I have a "friend" that keeps asking me to hem things for her. Not simple things, but bridesmaid's dresses, etc. Never offering to pay at all. She doesn't want to pay to have it altered cuz' that'll cost too much money, but can spend $200 to get her hair highlighted. I did it once, then told her I didnt' have time to do the next one... she said, oh, that's ok, I'll just come over and use your sewing machine and do it myself. Really? You will? I don't think so...

I think this Quote is for you!
"Asking a quilter to mend
is like asking Van Gogh to paint your garage"
I found this on a t-shirt and thought it was cute.

I feel the same way you do thanks for expressing the sentiment so clearly. And often when asked and I start quoting ball park figures the conversations end. Which is why like you I just like to quilt when I feel like it and make what I want to make on my own schedule. I love giving away my quilts as gifts it is much more satisfying than doing quilting jobs for pay.

Oh is this a sore spot for us!! I honestly don't know ANYONE who likes mending. I avoid it at all costs and won't do it for anyone but my sis. When you start doing things that aren't fun you're cheating yourself and I won't cheat myself of what I love to do.

I LOVE THIS QUOTE!! Certainly plan to use it in the future. Thanks for sharing.