i just finished a quilt for my daughter and took it to her where she works (closer then her home). as several of her co-workers were looking at the quilt i was asked "how long does it take to make a quilt?" i'm asked that alot. this quilt didn't take to long as i made it from a layer cake + yardage and kept it to a throw size. but, without going into size, level of difficulty, etc., etc., how do YOU answer this question?

"Longer than you think!"

I always tell them it depends on my mood!!!! I've made them in a weekend and I've taken 2 years.!

I tell them that each quilt is unique, and that I never know how long it will take until it is finished. :D:D:D

I've overheard a version of this from the big name national winners when they're asked the same question (and they're probably asked it a gazillion times):

"The actual quilt took me 8 months to design/sew/quilt, but the knowledge and skills needed to make it took me 20 years to acquire."

Or something to that effect. You get the idea. :wink: :wink:

How can one answer that? There's to many factors...
I could say from 1 day (shortest) to 7 years (longest.)

My reply: you don't want to know how long!

I guess it takes as long as it takes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess it takes as long as it takes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And then the next question is "How long would it take for you to make ME a quilt like that? After all, I'm your daughter's best friend and I'm sure she would want me to have one like hers".

Want to bet that is in their minds, even if they don't have the gall to actually SAY it?

I'm usually working on two or three quilts at one time. So while I'm piecing on one, I'm quilting on another and maybe have a third that I'm about to sandwich, so this question always stumps me too. I don't keep a tally or watch the clock (or calendar! lol) for each quilt, so I never really know how to answer. I think I like the suggestion of "longer than you think" though! I might just borrow that one from now on. :-D :-D :-D

Way too long and way too much money. However I have made one lap size in a weekend, the top that is. And then it took me 7 years to do one totally by hand. So there is no right or wrong answer

[quote=mic-pa]Way too long and way too much money.

I really like that answer and need to remember to use it.

Great answer, this is pretty much what I say.:)

I like this answer, as I agree, it depends on the pattern, mode and time allotted.

i can't see any logical reason to be bothered by the question, so i would just tell them how long it took me to make it.

I typically say "a lot longer than I originally planned."

ditto :)

Yes, this is what I say as well.

My thoughts exactly! Although I know this is not a helpful answer...it's sort of like how my Mom would make bread, when I asked her she would say, add enough, or , until it looks and feels like this! I did learn how but a little more clarity would have been nice. If they are really interested and actually thinking about quilting, I would try come up with a ball park number for them. And then tell them..that's on a good day! ;)

I say..."it takes a good long while but for enough money I can get faster"

I answer honestly and tell them exactly how long it took.

That drives me crazy!! People ask me,"how much does a quilt cost?" Thats like asking a car dealer "how much does a car cost?"

best answer! lol

Good answers! I usually say "It varies"...and it does. It depends on what else is happening in my life, if I run out of enthsiasm for the project, if I run into a snag, if my machine gets cranky... One is taking (and has taken) forever because it's a quilt for my dtr and she can't find the fabric she wants for the backing and isn't gonna settle for less.

I put my hand on my brow, sigh, look sad, and say something like "Oh, not long really". Nobody ever believes me.

I SAY DEPENDS ON PATTERN AND SIZE AND JUST HOW MANY OTHER THINGS GET IN MY WAY

It's like fishing, but no one ever asks how long did it take you to catch that fish.

I like this answer!

Sometimes I say politely, "Oh, don't ask," or "Well, you really don't want to know." Other times I dodge the question by saying, "I really don't know, because when I'm working with the colors, and textures, time just sort of stops; I go into my timeless zone, and that's all I'm focused on."

HAHA me too! If it took me two hours it took me two hours if it took me 100 hours well then thats what they are going to hear! lol
Why beat around the bush just tell 'em!

A whole lot longer than you might think!!

Ditto

The same as a Thanksgiving turkey = til its done

Me too, one daughters took 4! I got sick in-between and had her wedding also. It was a relatively simple pattern call Butterflies at the Crossroads. I did actually get it finished in time for her to move into the first home they bought.

I get asked that question all the time. I will have to answer too much time and money because I always get asked if I can make one and how much will it cost. They are in shock when I tell them approx. cost. Only quilters know how much time and money goes into a quilt.

I actually kept track of the hours I spent making an applique standard size quilt. It was for a fund raiser for my DD Bible study group. I spent 40 hours on it. Other than that one quilt I would say from one day to however long it takes.

It depends on the pattern and my schedule.

Since I don't take orders, I would say "If I were paid by the hour I'd be a very rich woman!"

Gosh, I dont know either...would depend on the quilt!