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[QUOTE=bkay;7966537]
Originally Posted by K-Roll
(Post 7543249)
Question: when making quilts for charity, does anyone writing off the donation(s) on their taxes? Just curious!
I know that monetary donations and other gifts to charity are deductible. ] end quote I hadn't thought of that. I know if you donate a painting to an art museum, you can deduct the current market value of that item. My dad spent his last years in a nursing home owned by a religious organization. They had about 25 Salvadore Dali prints in the hall. When I saw them, my first thought was, "Yeah, and I bet those are real". Also, they say that's why many municipal art museums end up with both fake and worthless paintings. I wonder if you can donate the current value of your quilt? Hypothetically, all you would need is the recipient organization to appraise it and give you a receipt. bkay |
Oh dear, I have come to the end. No more stories? Darn. I have enjoyed this. No stories to contribute as I am still a newby.
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Originally Posted by RedGarnet222
(Post 7550053)
I have lots of stories about sewing, mending and quilting requests. I could practically write a book on the craziness people have in their heads about the lowly skill of this type of work. But, I have a turning point story about when I finally learned to stand up for my work, time and money.
My sister brought a friend of hers over to visit who was soon to be a step-grandmother. She wanted to see some of my ufo's and I happily brought her up to my sewing room to show her my work. She fell in love with one baby quilt and offed to pay me for it when it was finished. But could I get it done soon. I said ok, and placed my current project aside to finish it up for her. Four days later it was done and ready for her to pick up. I modestly asked for $65.00. It was crib sized and lots of hand appliqued animals with a circus bear on a ball in the center. Really cute done in light purples, aqua and a golden tan. The custom quilting turned out wonderful and she was thrilled until I told her how much I wanted for it. She asked, Why so much? I honestly don't know where it came from, but, I said, "Well, let me see, how about you work a week and provide all of your needed supplies and utilities plus your salary. Just how much would that be? She pulled out her wallet and paid up without another word. I felt so liberated! People can relate when it comes to their own spent personal time and work pay. I have that discussion on those last two points with DH at least twice a year, when I go to buy backing fabric. "You've got yards and yards of fabric! Why can't you just use some if that?" Because it's all in fat quarters or smaller, dear, and I'm not going to piece the back too. |
When you donate items to a non-profit...the person who DONATES the item(s) gets a receipt from the organization and the giver determines the value of their donation. Not the non-profit.
sandy |
Originally Posted by EmiliasNana
(Post 7543102)
I gift most of my quilts, sew for the hospital and make charity quilts for the church..................BUT I don't take orders. I would rather decide who, what and where and donate my time and money, than sew for others with their time schedule & choice of pattern & try and please them. I do it for fun!
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[QUOTE=HouseDragon;7542793]A friend of my DD saw a photo of the quilt I was working on at the time, a Log Cabin with Flower Fairy panels here and there and with over 140 different light and dark pinks.
She asked if I'd make her daughter one just like it. Without batting an eye, I said I couldn't make another for less that $2400.00. *LOL* That ended that! :D [/QU I bet it was gorgeous, please post a picture. |
My neighbor wanted a T-shirt quilt for her daughter who had played college volleyball. I had already told them twice I had never made a t- shirt quilt and really didn't wan to. I had even referred them to someone who makes them to order. They asked again! and the daughter said "it can't be hard you just cut them up and sew them back together". We've been neighbors a long time so I'm sure they had no intention of paying. They finally called the gal I referred to them. I'll bet they got a bit of a shock at the price she charges.
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This thread has been so funny. I agree with all of you. People who don't buy fabric just have no idea of the value of quilt, much less the work and time spent making one.
When people are bold enough to ask me to make one for them, I just say, I'll put you on the list after I get all my family's done....it will probably be 5 to 10 years. They stare in disbelief and just say, Oh, Okay. I never hear from them again. I have offered to teach them how to piece and they can use my Nolting Longarm to finish it. No one ever has taken me up on that either. They know it's work and they know it takes a long time. It's okay for me to enjoy sewing and take my time for them, but they want it with no effort. Not going to happen. Oh well. Merry Christmas to everyone!!! |
This is one of the very best threads I have seen on this board.
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Had extended family yesterday for Christmas and the niece was impressed by my quilting and suggested I could probably make lots of money on Etsy. I had to laugh and tell her that at $10/yd (or more) just for the top fabric there are hardly any quiltmakers making enough $$ on Etsy or similar sites to really make money. And that I make my $$ from long arming and even that doesn't really pay well. She is not a sewer so had no idea.
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OMG?.. These stories are priceless. I don't make quilts to order for anyone who asks. I just say no and refer them to quilters who do. But, on my last visit, my future neighbor in Idaho, asked me the best way to repair a tear in her couch that was made by one of her gazillion dogs that climb all over it. I recommended she take cushion to an upholsterer. Blows me away that, just because you can sew a quilt or home decor, they assume you can fix anything. Maybe some can, but I'm not one of them.
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Yes, these stories are comical and interesting. I don't really have people asking me to make them quilts. I did however have an acquaintance who had been very rude to me a few days before try to "hint" that she would love it if I made her a cross stitch lobster to frame (she had seen some flip-flops that I had done for others in our small summer community). Not only 'No' ... 'He!! No!'
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Just lol, DJ. Amen
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My dearly departed sister made a beautiful quilt for her new step daughter. One day she went to visit her and saw her quilt in the outside dog house. She was livid. Said she’d never make anything for her again and she didn’t.
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I enjoy picking my fabric and design. The thought of have to make a quilt when somebody else chose the fabric etc takes the enjoyment out of it. My daughter picked a pattern and fabrics for me to make my grandbaby a quilt. Of course I would and did. It was more like a chore. I had another picked out but went with her choice. After I started quilting, I have a whole new respect for quilters. It's not done in a day.
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Originally Posted by jbj137
(Post 7542535)
***
*** My story: *** Can you make me a quilt for my camper *** so I want ruin my good comforters? ****** I guess quilts are only for dirty, trashy places. *** :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: whoa! that would give me a start! :shock: |
Originally Posted by Quilty-Louise
(Post 7542540)
A long time friend just assumed that I would just make him, and
his wife a quilt at MY expense. When I handed him an estimate for what the cost of materials, and time it would be he asked me if I was crazy. When I explained to him that I am not a money tree, and that my time is worth more than he wanted to pay. He than informed me that he could go to WalMart and buy a quilt much cheaper. i informed him that YES he could, but he needed to keep a couple things in mind when he did. 1) it will NOT be custom made just for him & his wife, in colors of THEIR choice. 2) more than likely it will have been made in China or another country, where a handmade quilt will be made locally. Haven't talked to him or his wife since. wouldn't appreciate the hard work and the talent of an artist's work. When you get right down to it, that's what we are...we are artists, expressing with fabric. We may not be Da Vinci, but in whose eyes? I made a Christmas quilt for my youngest dgd and she knew I was kind of stressing myself a bit over getting it done in time and whether she would like it. She told me that no matter what, she would love it bc it was made with love. She is nine years old! :o She is smarter than that grown man!:thumbup: |
Originally Posted by tessagin
(Post 7542543)
I need a couple quilts for my dogs. Here's the pattern I like but different colors. They're outside dogs. No, I don't do custom and am not doing a DWR for a dog or 2.
scratching my head! To lay on outside? I love dogs, but uh-uh...I ain't doin' it! :shock: |
Originally Posted by glassnquilts
(Post 7542549)
I made a lap quilt for my son in law. Extra long. He keeps it at work because it gets cold and he wraps it around his shoulders. He said one of his coworkers asked if I could make them one for $50. He just laughed and told them they couldn't afford one.
:) good for him! :thumbup: |
Originally Posted by cjsews
(Post 7542588)
How about those that think you know where all fabrics are to be found. A coworker asked where she could get a panel like the one she used for one DD so she could make another quilt the same. I never saw the first quilt so how did I know where to find such panel.
I'm not so sure this wasn't my husband in disguise!!!! (except he'd never ask about fabric. He calls it rags to needle me.) |
Originally Posted by Freaky_Quilts_Dragon
(Post 7542785)
I don't have a story like this yet (I suspect it's because there aren't yet enough people who know I quilt) but I do want to say I like this thread. While reveling in other's lack of understanding isn't quite my cup of tea, it's great to see artisans truely valuing their work!
Good supplies cost good money, skilled labor is not cheap, and quality equipment does not grow on trees. Even if most of our works are gifted we deserve recognition for how much we are giving. "While reveling in other's lack of understanding isn't quite my cup of tea, it's great to see artisans truely valuing their work!" That is exactly how I feel. PPL don't mean to be so offensive. Most of the time they have delved into a subject that they are just totally ignorant about and when you give them, (shocking to them), information, they sometimes don't know how to react, so they act defensively. Getting their defensive attitude raises our own hackles and a new misunderstanding and uncomfortable feelings are born. Sometimes the bell cannot be unrung either. I've only had one person outside of my family to ask for a quilt and I honestly said that sewing for other ppl makes me nervous and I won't do it. What she doesn't know, and won't, is that if I find the time, I will be making her a lap sized quilt. I don't let anyone know when I'm working on something, bc I just can't quilt under pressure. I know she doesn't have a clue what the cost is or the time involved, but I know that when the time comes, she will love this quilt. I suggest we all have some kind of response ready ahead of time, or something written in your pocket or purse that explains your view of quilt making costs, time etc. A few words written out, can really clear things up on both sides. Having said all of this, trying to put myself in other ppl's shoes and give them the benefit of the doubt, there will always be rude/greedy ppl in this world. We need to stand up for what we believe in and assert our artisanship! :thumbup: |
Originally Posted by kuntryquilter
(Post 7542997)
Before I became a quilter, I was a seamstress, meaning I did custom sewing & alterations for the public. I made a beautiful New Years Eve dress for a friend of mine, she told me she got lots of compliments on it. She said to me 'I hope you don't mind but I told everyone I made it.' That was the last thing I ever made for her.
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Originally Posted by zennia
(Post 7543001)
I have two magic wand stories
My husband came home from work on a Fri. night and announced he needed a baby quilt for a co worker mon. morning Sure, just whip it up in a week-end I made a quilt for each of my new step children fro Christmas and to make them feel a part of the family. When they opened them their mom asked "what are we suppose to do with these"? Very disappointing to me. I thought I did a good thing. |
Originally Posted by bearisgray
(Post 7543182)
My sister-in-law bought a pink fluffy dress for a Halloween party - it was maybe a size 6 and she is maybe a size 16 - she thought I could just "make it a little bigger"
I'll stand still and could you just shrink ME about six sizes? :D |
Originally Posted by Carol Wilson
(Post 7543320)
I made a quilt for a friend's new grandaughter, (she is not a close friend), next time we met she informed me "It's not fair that Kate is the only one with a quilt I have five other grand children who would like quilts".
Needless to say I now keep her at a distance. Some people have no idea how long a quilt takes to make plus the expence. |
Originally Posted by bearisgray
(Post 7543482)
I would dump on DH for that one - - - if someone had said that to me - I would have also assumed that it was a "no charge" deal.
I was thinking the same thing, bear. If my husband volunteered me...well, let's just say that after 40 plus years, he knows better! This whole thread is just one of the reasons I count my anxiety as a blessing at times. I have a disorder and CAN'T make quilts for other ppl. I have no problem almost swallowing my tongue when asked to do things,...leaves no doubt that I will not be doing repairs or making quilts. You guys, just say, "I'm booked until let's see...2023, or is that 24?"...they'll get the message.:D |
Originally Posted by bearisgray
(Post 7543482)
I would dump on DH for that one - - - if someone had said that to me - I would have also assumed that it was a "no charge" deal.
I was thinking the same thing, bear. If my husband volunteered me...well, let's just say that after 40 plus years, he knows better! This whole thread is just one of the reasons I count my anxiety as a blessing at times. I have a disorder and CAN'T make quilts for other ppl. I have no problem almost swallowing my tongue when asked to do things,...leaves no doubt that I will not be doing repairs or making quilts. You guys, just say, "I'm booked until let's see...2023, or is that 24?"...they'll get the message.:D |
Originally Posted by wildyard
(Post 7544902)
QuiltnLady1, you didn't need a magic wand for that "friend", you needed a broomstick to bop her over the head with, then to give her to fly away on!!! For the garage floor!! Just imagine!!!
oh my goodness at the various emotions I've gone through on this thread, but this right here made me laugh out loud, wildyard! :D :D :D |
know the magic fairy myself..... friend hinted for king size...... duh... 'not''....... say pay she runs so I didn't comment.loo
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I made a lovely memory quilt for my husband years ago.....going to the trouble of doing the photo onto fabric and personalizing it all...and he loved it. Fast forward to a few years later when he promised a woman he worked with (whom I didn't know) that I would make her the same kind of quilt.....not being paid... just out of the goodness of my heart....for her first grandchild. She would give him the photos she wanted on the quilt. I never even gave it a thought when I told him no and he was fluxomed.....wondering why I wouldn't do it. I told him that when he gave me $300 for my quilt making services, I would make the quilt....obviously the $300 never materialized...nor did the quilt. He's never promised my services again.....what nerve!
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Originally Posted by AnnieF
(Post 7970729)
I made a lovely memory quilt for my husband years ago.....going to the trouble of doing the photo onto fabric and personalizing it all...and he loved it. Fast forward to a few years later when he promised a woman he worked with (whom I didn't know) that I would make her the same kind of quilt.....not being paid... just out of the goodness of my heart....for her first grandchild. She would give him the photos she wanted on the quilt. I never even gave it a thought when I told him no and he was fluxomed.....wondering why I wouldn't do it. I told him that when he gave me $300 for my quilt making services, I would make the quilt....obviously the $300 never materialized...nor did the quilt. He's never promised my services again.....what nerve!
LOve this. sandy |
I just tell people politely that I dont quilt on commission. One lady thought I had quilts just stacked up premade to sell. Um..no... I have found that I don't do well on quilts I HAVE to make. It becomes an obligation and I quit working on it.
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Keep these posts coming! I can't stop laughing :D
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Last fall a lady who had come to our quilting group to learn a little about quilting contacted us again.
Would we please make ten rag quilts of a significant size, incorporating an individually embroidered square, for her volunteers? She offered to pay for the fabric and would give us a very nice thank you (words). And we had a whole month. One of the more polite members advised her about the amount of work and suggested she buy fleece blankets for them. |
Many, many years ago (when fabric was about $5/yard), DH came fabric shopping with me. He then watched me make the quilt -- it took several months. When someone asks him about my hobby of making quilts, he talks about my quilting he always mentions that it is a very expensive hobby and takes a lot of time -- saying no one can appreciate how long it takes to do the work. Needless to say, he does not commit me to making quilts for anyone.
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Originally Posted by QuiltnLady1
(Post 7972804)
Many, many years ago (when fabric was about $5/yard), DH came fabric shopping with me. He then watched me make the quilt -- it took several months. When someone asks him about my hobby of making quilts, he talks about my quilting he always mentions that it is a very expensive hobby and takes a lot of time -- saying no one can appreciate how long it takes to do the work. Needless to say, he does not commit me to making quilts for anyone.
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