I just had to come here where you all would understand....I had this lady ask me today about making her a table runner....she wants the spicy spiral table runner or one with stars...every time she comes over she oos and aahs over my quilts. So i told her i would be more then happy to make her one....here is the kicker...she wants to pay 12.00....ummm there isnt any way to make it for 12.00 unless i am wrong, if someone knows something i dont please fill me in....She is a pastor's wife...not at my church and a very sweet lady but i just cant do it for that price...when i told her i couldnt do it for that price she acted like she was offended...so what am i supposed to do? just give in an do it for that? anyways just had to get that out and hope that some of you can relate

No don't give in. Tell her what you think it will cost to make it and set a price. If she doesn't want to pay the price you quote...then don't make it.
Even though shes a preachers wife that doesn't mean she should get "special" treatment.
Sorry to all of the preachers wives on the board. But thats how I feel.

She probably has no idea the cost of fabric. I doubt that she will ask you again. If she is a friend she will get over being upset. If not, don't worry.

So - does she get special prices at the grocery store? at the gas station?

Tell her where to get the pattern and wish her "happy sewing"

I agree 100%. Ugh!!! I do feel for you though, but you do one for her and then she tells someone and so on!! Dont sell yourself short. You have all the right to feel annoyed. Lord have mercy!

Take the pattern out, show her the fabric requirements and go on-line to show her the cost of the fabric. Go on a site like thousands of bolts and put all the necessary fabric in the "cart" and show her the total with shipping and tax. Don't forget thread and batting. When she sees that it can cost alot just for the materials, maybe she will understand.

Good grief, I don't care who you are, that is insulting!

I agree with all the answers.....it costs what it costs and that is it! Also, does she get a discount at other retailers ?

Well I'm glad you didn't laugh in her face but no, you don't have to make her something at a loss to you. If you have a Joanne's ad handy, show her the price of fabric today and explain how much you would need for her project. Most people do not have a clue about fabric prices. If you want to throw in your labour for free, that is up to you but be warned she may be a repeat customer if you do.

This is what I was gonna suggest.
I took a friend to a LQS to have her pick out and buy fabric for a topper. She got 4 half yards a 1yd of 5 different prints and cost just over $20. I thought she would die but she paid for it and now realized how expensive fabric is.