Maybe we all need to sprinkle flour on our faces (just like the old commercial for Rice Krispie Treats), and come out of the sewing room panting. Then people will think we are working very hard in there! LOL!

That is not a bad idea. When I show people my quilts I always mention that it takes me anywhere from 9 to 12 months to finish a quilt. I am not a fast worker.

Just the opposite for me. I crocheted afghans and while the costs were never that high (max $50), even a fairly simple afghan was 80 to 100 hours to do. Yes, you did yourself a disservice, but ask for more than your materials. You are foolish to do this for free.

You said you had discussed the cost of materials, so they should expect to be responsible for that...though did you tell them it might be about $300? Non-quilters/non-sewers might get quite a shock at today's high fabric prices! As far as the hours you spent sewing, if you didn't include that in your discussions I probably wouldn't add it in but chalk it up as a lesson learned. As for myself, your question has given me something to think about and if I ever get a request for a quilt I'll be giving a written estimate and requiring a 50% non-refundable deposit to cover my costs.

My family thinks becuase I have fabrics in my sewing room (aka "stash") it doesn't cost me anything to make them! Uh duh, who paid for them to get there???

Exactly the same thing happened here:-(

well the lesson learned it, either state what it will cost for the material plus labor to start with, get their agreement of this. Or know in your heart it's done free. like a loan to some one unreliable.... that was my lesson or as yngldy said keep my mouth shut, learn to say NO.

Add me to the "sorry I only quilt for my own pleasure as few people want to pay what it costs" group. That way I continue to enjoy my new found hobby (or addiction) and work with no pressure on me.

When I'm asked to make a quilt as a gift I reply, "Sorry, you can't afford me." I've been caught once and that was enough!

"somthing for nothing,"
 

This was a common cry when we lived around all of our relatives before moving to Pittsburg. I learned by observation to not offer to do anything for any of our relatives. It was just too easy to have them take advantage of us.
I make baby quilts for the nieces and nephews new babies which is almost "above and beyond," but I feel it is a nice gesture and I enjoy doing it. I just use scraps, but it still costs more than expected by the time you add in your time and postage.
I say we "live and learn."
Mariah.

Wait and see. Sometimes people actually surprise you! I hope you are blessed and don't get hurt.
Good Luck,
Penny "Country1"