quilter1430

Maybe instead of money, you could suggest they do something else for you, like go out to lunch/dinner together and they can treat?

Jan in VA

Don't let quilting become a power struggle....."no, I can out give YOU"!.....allow this couple their blessing.

Obviously their heart intent is to bless you, and for the giving they are blessed in return.

Graciously accept whatever they offer and, without explanation, put it toward a class, as suggested by Karen, to improve your skills so you might be in position to earn further monies for skill. They will consider it seed planed in good soil. :-)

Jan in VA

amyjo

I agree. take the money and use it to further your education in the field of quilting. your friends obviously think a lot of you and respect you, so as not to abuse your friendship. I would take and make the quilts as asked and say no more. maybe this is the only way that they feel they can show you how much they appreciate and respect you.

Joy.lynn

A while ago, we gave an apartment size washing machine that we no longer used to my best friend's daughter. My friend wrote us a cheque but we did not cash it. She appeared one day with a huge gift basket. As she said, we might rip of her cheque, but we would never throw away her gift.

Your friends want to show you appreciation, you must be a very special person.

Mkotch

Take the money and donate it to your favorite charity. Let them know that you're going to do this. If they protest, use the money to buy more fabric!

Rntraveler

You could offer to let them pay for the materials and the quilting is a gift...

Kayaker26

I have a friend who is a lot like that....she says talent should be rewarded and encouraged. Remind them that being a beginner that the amount you charge is small but as you get better the prices will rise. And say Thank you to people who believe in you.

mimisharon

I'm with Jan, take the blessing and pass it on in learning and experience when you have the chance.

Have they told you what size quilt they want? Have they looked at designs and fabrics? You may ask them if they have any clothing and or mementos they would like in it to defray costs. (You can find many tutorials here to help with how to cut the blocks out of clothing) Let them pay for the batting, thread, backing, and whatever they want added to it. Let them be blessed with your joy in more experience and you be blessed with the confidence they show in you! They must think a lot of you and have a wish to be in on your experiences as you learn. Mistakes are just the hugs to go with your love in the making of the quilt, my dear friend Amma told me. Enjoy the process and don't agonize (sp.)

Hugs,
Sharon

Debbie B

If you really want to do it for free then explain that this quilt was practice for you and you really want to gift them with it. Or you could just accept with much gratitude any amount that they would want to pay. It certainly could buy fabric or sewing supplies.

AprilG

Take what the give you, smile graciously, thank them and donate the money to charity. Breast Cancer Research, Cancer Research or your local SPCA.