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I just responded to a similar question in another thread but wanted to share here too - over the years I have learned that being honest and direct seems to work the best. I try to express in the kindest way possible why I don't want to make anymore.
"I am so flattered that you liked my gift so much!! Unfortunately my time is limited so I cannot commit to making more. When I find the time I make them to give but I don't always have that time - but I will help you as best I can to make your own!" This is sort of my go to response. If that doesn't do it I say, "I am so grateful to be appreciated for my sewing, but I limit my personal sewing to when I have the time to do it otherwise it's just no fun for me anymore. I do know a lady who makes these for hire..." or "...there's this website called Etsy, maybe someone would custom make one for you/you're friend/you're coworker/you're daughter?" |
You need to say this to her before it puts a bigger wedge between the two of you.
Originally Posted by Cogito
(Post 5974551)
I have a sister I love with all my heart! She is an artist and while she does beautiful work, she is mostly known locally. However, she does ask hefty prices for her artwork. I am not a huge fan of art you hang on the wall but a few years back I purchased one of her pieces at a showing and she gave me a family discount but it still cost me $500! The size is about 12" square. Now I only did this to be supportive of her and honestly, it was painful. Well.....she had been harassing me for some time about when was I gonna make her a quilt? She started saying it in front of others something like: "well she keeps promising me a quilt but I never see it!" then she lost most of her belongings in a house fire and I finally got around to making her the quilt. I gave it to her and I did intend it as a gift but to this day I have been upset buy the fact she just took it and said "thanks". It is as if she is the artist and what I do is just for play!
She will go on and on about the time and money she puts in her artwork and that she deserves to be compensated for it. I wonder if she has any idea of the time and money ($400) I put into making her quilt! I had to pay the long armer since I don't do that. I know she has to have some idea because of her own work, but for some reason, mine doesn't count...... Anyway, thanks for letting me vent, this has sooo bothered me! |
Originally Posted by kaylfordsollimo
(Post 5985844)
You need to say this to her before it puts a bigger wedge between the two of you.
Sandy |
I'm the only one in my family that sews/quilts. Some friends rely on me too. I won't go into everything I've done for others or how they expect you to be at their beck & call. If it was something they could do themselves, like sewing a button on, I started saying, "when you have time, I'll show you how to do that". When asked to make something that is going to take a long, long time, I say, "I'll get to it when I have time, but somebody else needs to learn how to sew." My favorite is - "sorry, that's something I wouldn't even do for myself". I don't charge people, so it's my right to value my time like they value theirs. I still help others, but most have learned I'll do things as I have time.
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Originally Posted by Steady Stiching
(Post 5981688)
I tell people I don't sew for a living...just no time...sorry...but I hear Joanns has classes
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Yesterday really took the cake, I recently made a Michael Miller Fairy Panel with a matching cushion for a friends new grandaughter (I did send a post), yesterday she asked me if I would make FIVE more quilts for her other grandchildren also with matching cushions with their names cross stitched on the cushions as it seems unfair that only one grandchild has a quilt. I almost went into orbit, I politely, but with great control made my excuses but no doubt she will ask me again, other ladies present were horrified. She was not happy but neither was I at her request.
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Originally Posted by Carol Wilson
(Post 5987238)
Yesterday really took the cake, I recently made a Michael Miller Fairy Panel with a matching cushion for a friends new grandaughter (I did send a post), yesterday she asked me if I would make FIVE more quilts for her other grandchildren also with matching cushions with their names cross stitched on the cushions as it seems unfair that only one grandchild has a quilt. I almost went into orbit, I politely, but with great control made my excuses but no doubt she will ask me again, other ladies present were horrified. She was not happy but neither was I at her request.
Put a price on them. 15$ hour plus materials. That will take care of it. Sure had some nerve, didn't she?? Sandy |
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