I can't imagine being able to charge enough for my time to produce a quilt. I certainly wouldn't do it for any trade out. She may not realize what is involved in making a quilt start to finish, but never the less, she would be getting the best of that bargain. I would respectfully decline.

i did a queen size quilt for a gentleman i worked with to give his wife for their aniversary i had $185 in the the quilt as i purchased all the fabric to his color specifacation and used the pattern he requested ( he looked thru some of my quiltbooks and picked out the pattern ) however i didnt charge him any labor except what the quilting cost as i dont
quilt it myself i quilt by check as my dmil says ))). he was thrilled and so was she and sooo surprised too we managed to keep it a secret for 5 months. he was very patient as i work full time and my dmil was going thru chemo/radiation at the time and it took way longer than expected. i was really glad to see it go though lol i was kinda tired of it lol.
carla m

after i saw the fabric and if it was something i liked and felt it was worth it i would make the quilt top only... since i dont quilt i would have to pay and it is 2 cents an inch here now... so then she would be on her own for that part of the quilt..

I would do it for the fabric...I just enjoy making them...I have been offered many times to be paid. I think it takes the fun out of it....and this is my hobby...I don't want the stress. Only take it on if you feel you would enjoy it...and be sure to have her pay for the thread,batting and backing

follow your heart...BUT ask yourself ...is $12 an hour really CHEAP? NO, many people are doing much harder labor for $7.25 an hour BEFORE taxes...(and yes they are considered SKILLED at what they do)

Do you LOVE to make quilts? Would your friend really be able to pay an outrage price like $600 for a quilt? DO you honestly feel she is taking advantage of your friendship....

only YOU know what your true relationship is, and how it stands. Only YOU know what your time is really worth.

Personally I have found that not one person has ever been willing to pay me to make a quilt even at $10 per hour and they supplied all the materials....IF I choose to make them a quilt it is usually for a $150 and they supply everything...which is why I don't do it...I don't have time to do my own stuff..hehehe

lots of varied advise/opinions on this and like I said, only YOU can determine what will be done.

It doesn't sound worth it to me. It's going to have to be a really big box of fabric!

Is this person someone you care enough about to make them a quilt? Part of the process for me is thinking about the person while I'm making the quilt or dress, or curtain, or costume, or whatever it is. If it is someone I love, it's enjoyable. If not, I kind of feel resentful at times. Go with your heart. If you want to consider it a gift, go for it! Just take the fabric she gives you and if you don't want it, quietly give it away. Just my 2 cents worth.

A queen size quilt is a lot of work and some beds take an oversize queen because of the mattress height. A box of fabric is not enough.

When I construct a quilt from the ground up...I start at $500 for a twin, $750 for a full and $1000. for queen/king. I think a box of fabric is a poor trade for all your labor, expertise, time, etc. I have said it a thousand times....folks who have never made a quilt have no clue what is involved....and how would they? Best of luck to you in your decision, I hope you find happy ground for both of you.

I'd decline the fabric. Keep the transaction separate from the box of fabric. Itemize everything in a written proposal for her to sign and collect 50% of the money upfront prior to starting the quilt. Seriously.
Sandy

I was going to recommend you watch this video as well, posted on Quilty. I even posted it on my Facebook page, to give my friends an idea of how much time actually goes into making a quilt, more if you quilt it yourself. I'm sure none of my friends watched it, but it made me feel good to post it anyway. Know that your time is valuable, and you can't put a price on creativity. My step-father was an artist, and when people would balk at the price of his paintings, he's say "Paint brush on one end, genious on the other". So true. Good luck, free fabric is always fun, but if it were me, I would still charge for the labor and any supplies you need to buy to finish the quilt.

The last time I made a quilt for someone who provided me with all the material, was very happy with the product. She had the use of her eyes when she cut all of the squares, and had all in a box. The material wasn't rotten, so I washed it before starting the design she wanted. She loved it! BUT....she was in her 80's. Funny thing was, after washing all pieces, I took them to her and laid them out on her bed to show her the size, mentioning there will be shrinkage once it was hand quilted. She said she understood. She took me to court a couple of years later stating that I STOLE her quilt pieces and gave her a small product!!....ARRGGHHH Needless to say, she won in court because I had no proof, she had babysat this judge many many years ago and he remembered her...needless to say I will NEVER quilt for another person who asks! Dementia can happen to anyone at anytime....I'm not willing to take that chance again. I do, however, quilt and give away but not because I'm asked.

Michelle is right on the prices. And with more thought, I would not agree to make this quilt for her for a box/bag of fabric. However, you could tell her you will instruct her on how to make it herself and recommend a longarm quilter for her to pay to quilt it! Just remember, an instructor does not "do" for the student, just tells and maybe shows once, how to do something. If you "show" how too much, you are making the quilt for her!!! She can use that box/bag of material to make her quilt!!!

Just because you posted and asked I think part of you is already thinking it might not be a good idea. Alsoyou have not seen the fabric so it is kind of like getting a cat in a bag. Most likely if she tried to sell the fabric she would have a hard time selling it at all. I agree, let her sell the fabric and pay you a fair price for making a quilt. this way you can buy fabric you like for sure in the quantities you need.

Wouldn't it be great if I could spell genius? Lol!

Yep....practically a shipping container full. I could not do a commissioned quilt for all the tea in China...(and I loooooove tea). Personally I'd give it a miss.

Really, really BIG BOX!!! And, quality fabric, of course!

I think we are all on the same page ! Either you can give this woman your time and a quilt as an outright gift if you want to, but a box of old fabric in trade as a serious deal leaves you with the really short end of the stick!!