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Lady Diana 05-05-2015 10:07 AM

Not sure I am understanding your problem. She asked for "A" quilt.....that is one. How could she have asked for two at the $150 price....that was for one quilt..Sounds like she changed her mind and wanted two alike AFTER SHE SAW YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORK. She asked for one and she got a special price.....ask for more, its now a different story. If you continue to charge a lower rate, and only meet your cost....she could ask you for ten quilts tomorrow and then she could sell them at a profit.
Then you are cheap labor. I would charge her your commercial rate for anything after the first one. She needs to pay for three quilts! SHE NEVER ASKED FOR TWO.

bearisgray 05-05-2015 10:12 AM

Have you had more contact with this person?

Lots of good suggestions.

Maybe you could tell her the first one was a "fellow church member/friend/favor" - one only - rate.

The next ones will be at the "regular" rate - now that you have paid more attention to what it really cost in terms of labor and materials.

Eva Knight 05-05-2015 11:12 AM

Set your price so high she won't ask you again. There will be another reason for her to refuse the quilts. I know, been there, done that.

SueSew 05-05-2015 12:22 PM


Originally Posted by lynnie (Post 7185290)
so sorry you went thru this. Let her know upfront that you gave her a low quote b/c you had the lesser priced fabrics. New fabrics are 12-15 a yard, and your labor costs went up too, along with batting and thread. yes thread is very expensive now. without it, the quilt will fall apart. let them know all this up front.
I was questioned once about charging for thread. it told her yes, unless you just want small pieces of fabric back. I got a stunned look on that one.

Lynnie you are so Long Island! You make me homesick for my dear sister-in-law! Thanks for the smile!

And to the original poster, who could have known that ONE TWIN SIZE QUILT was implying a second twin size to match. That would be two quilts, as I count it. Of course, perhaps there are people out there that assume "twin" means there are two beds....LOL

Carol Wilson 05-05-2015 12:24 PM

I made a fairy quilt by Michael Miller as a gift for a friend's new granddaughter, the next time we met she said its not fair that only one grandchild has a quilt and that she had 5 other grandchildren so could I make quilts for them too, she said quote "I will give you their ages so the quilts will be appropriate", I politely declined, she was not happy.

I never charge people for the many quilts I make for people as I like to give them as gifts.

Some people have no idea the amount of time put in to make a quilt, I thought she was so ungratefull for my gift too, I will be keeping my distance from her in future as she looks at me like I am the bad person for not making 5 more quilts for her grandchildren.

KnitnutBZ 05-05-2015 01:09 PM

I guess I've been living in a sandbox. LOL I can't believe the Gaul of some people and what they ask and what they expect. Talk about taking advantage. Stick to your guns and I'm sure a lot of people will learn lessons from others misfortunes.

Peckish 05-05-2015 01:18 PM


Originally Posted by Carol Wilson (Post 7187046)
I thought she was so ungratefull for my gift too, I will be keeping my distance from her in future as she looks at me like I am the bad person for not making 5 more quilts for her grandchildren.

With "friends" like that, who needs enemies? Good for you for standing your ground and backing away.

mom-6 05-05-2015 03:14 PM

I'm another who only does quilts when and how I want to. Occasionally someone will ask if I will do one for such and such occasion. I say "sure, as long as you don't expect me to finish it anytime soon. Might be able to find time to do it in a couple of years". Usually ends the conversation right then and there. Lol!

labtechkty 05-05-2015 04:05 PM


Originally Posted by Retiree (Post 7185473)
I recently read the best comment about this last one that I've ever heard...."Prices define the quilting clients I get. If I set my prices too low, I will have to work with some low quality clients.”

Jan in VA

Great comment, Jan!

Wow, I think that I take offense to that comment because I know a lot of "high quality" people who cannot afford a hand made quilt, but would dearly love and appreciate one.. just saying..

Aria 05-06-2015 11:32 AM

I just have to say my little bit... I have an old friend from high school that has hired me to make several quilts. He even got a friend to have me make one for him. From the beginning he told me he wanted me to keep track of every minute I spent on the quilt, which included just thinking about it; travel to the fabric store, wear and tear on the machine, etc. He understood all the time involved and was willing to pay for it. So, there ARE some people out there who value what we do. I also have often quoted a price of $250 - $700, depending on time and fabric, and most people just smile. We both knew they couldn't afford me. Most quilts I make for others are tee-shirt quilts, for graduation. I enjoy making them, and don't expect any payment, and I know my recipients don't realize everything involved, let alone the cost of the material, even for just the backing and batting. Many of us know our clients and know who can really afford to pay the higher price. Sometimes we make allowances.... You just have to know who you're dealing with.


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