A question for you
 

A lady commissioned some items for me to make her.I feel like a deposit is in order,as I have cut up my good fabric and made things before then they changed their mind.Who is familiar with this and how much should I as for the deposit???

I don't think a 50% deposit would be out of line at all. I would happily put down that much.

thats what I have asked in the past, having been let down like you with person changing their mind after I had started the project

You should have a written contract on what you are making for her, how many, the price per item, and the deposit. I concur that you should as for at least 50% of the total price. And remember that the price per item includes the materials used to make the items (fabrics, batting, embellishments, etc.) AND an estimate of the time it will take you per item to make them.

The most important thing when doing work for payment. You have to be able to separate the business from the friendly lady. If you are uncomfortable stating your terms then you will more then likely to be left holding the bag.

While 50% sounds reasonable, I would hope that would at least cover the expense of your material. If you don't get paid then you would seemingly have to replace the material used.

What you need is a good contract. I'd say cover the cost of your material, thread and batting up front. It is so easy for someone to want something and not be able to see how it will turn out in the end. If they don't like it, then at least you have a quilt that only cost time. Be sure to sign and date it and give her a copy. There's no backing out once the items are purchased.

Definitely get a 50% deposit, otherwise it's too easy for them to leave you with a completed quilt and you minus good fabric and your time. Toverly also has a good suggestion.

I make it real easy. I only make quilts and I only make them for myself.
Good luck with this venture.

I make many commissioned quilts, always with a deposit to cover the cost of the materials -- fabric, batting, thread, and extras, up front.
I also use a contract signed by both of us, stating the object to be made, the design, the quilting design, the fabrics and batting to be used, the approximate length of time the work will take, and when the final amount will be paid before the quilt is delivered.
Years and years ago I was told by a business owner/mentor: "Business is business and friendship is bulls---." I knew what he meant, not in a bad way, and have tried to conduct most business decisions under this premise since.

Jan in VA