thank you 2chuckie2 for giving me a good smile (and maybe even a laugh!) this morning.

Yes I have been there and done that and never again unless they sign a contract. It takes as much time to do a quilt with their fabric as it does yours. If someone tell me they can buy four quilts somewhere for that much money, point them in the direction of the nearest store and tell them to buy them for you and you will pay them. Funny how they never get around to that.

Clever girl! Or are you/we dating ourselves?

My dear friends, I have been unable to sit down at the computer for awhile (because I'm finishing these quilts in question)and to my surprise, I get to read 14 pages of insightful, kind responses and stories.
As I suspected, I'll chalk this up to experience and cut my losses. Not the materials however, the young mom did say she would pay for that but as for time/effort/skill, well...I don't expect to be getting more than a thank you.
But a huge thank you to all of you for your kindness and for your responses.

Your already into this one.(2 quilts) All you
can do is (for your own peace of mind) place it in your mind as donation quilts.
And be more prepared for bext time. Making
sure that every thinh is covered in price. Keep track of current prices. As I noticed
batting has gone up. As has fabric

To this one, all I can say is, "WOW"!!!!

For this very reason, I have developed a very nice "receiving blanket" to give as gifts. As the materials (two pieces of flannel) cost around $10 and it takes me 1 to 2 hours to make , I give them as gifts to friends grandkids and of course, my own. I put the name on in several places with the simple alphabet on my Bernina. It works well as a shower gift and I have even made large ones in more grown up colors for a couple of friends undergoing chemo treatments.
People who do not quilt are just as impressed with the name on the blanket as we would be with a hand made quilt. I can almost make them spur of the moment. I try to keep pink, blue and unisex colors on hand and pick up flannel with a coupon at Joanne's everytime there is a sale.
At my friend's daughter's baby shower, the Mom-to-be was told by her SIL's that she was now part of 'the tradition'.
I take the blanket home and return with the name ASAP after the birth.

MarySews, that is a WONDERFUL idea!!

Just last week, a friend and I was working on a quilt for someone we know for their birthday. Then it happened. I was volunteered that WE need to make a quilt for a friend' s daughter of whom we never met. I said "NO"! I am not.I know how "we" goes. I simply told her, that most if not all the quilting falls on me and the expense! (which why that is I don't know) That I am not interested! I then told her how much I have already spent on the quilt we are workin on so far and I have yet to buy the backin. How much time it takes to quilt it after it gets pieced and sandwiched. That was the last of that conversation.

Morale of the story, it is easy to get taken in quickly!

I also can get kinda cranky, if I have to asked for them to pay their share!

I like to make purses and totes. A friend admired my latest creation and asked me if I sold my purses. I smiled and mentioned that I had 8 Hours invested in the purse on my shoulder. She smiled and said.....never mind! We both laughed at that. So be it!
Sandy