boykinsmommy

Yes, I did. I told her the range of hours is from 20-45 hrs. Here is a copy of what I sent her minus the chit chat. I did take photos as well. I've been arguing with my computer to try and post them here. So far I'm not winning....

"I've been looking up pricing and so forth and coming up with the best way to repair your mom's quilt. I think the best way to proceed is as follows:

1. Replace the backing, binding, borders and sashing completely. They are so thread bare and what remains is too thread bear to patch or has tears or is missing completely. The front of the quilt doesn't need the whole thing replaced but there are some long strips that definitely need it. I have found a pink that will come very close but, as with all things old, it will not be exact.


2. Rebuild houses by replacing missing parts or re-doing if the fabric cannot be salvaged. Fabrics used will not be exact but in the same spirit as the originals (florals). All attempts to save what can be saved will be made.


3. Embroidery: Houses can be embroidered again to replace the outline of roof, door and windows.


4. Re-hand tie the quilt to hold the layers together. You do have the option of having the embroidery go through all three layers to further secure the layers. It will result in roof outlines and door/window outlines on the back, in black but there will not be any other defining features. This was how it was done originally but the choice is up to you.


The only other option would be to completely rebuild the quilt. I don't think this is necessary and it would also result in a larger expense in materials and time. Again, depending on your goals with your quilt, this can be done but it will only preserve the main blocks with the houses on them.


The cost breakdown for materials is $90 plus any tax. This includes shipping when free shipping is not available, it covers fabrics, thread, special needles I need for the embroidery (I am going to try to do it with my sewing machine to save time which ultimately saves you money).


Labor charge: It is really hard to say how long it will take. On the extreme high side it will take 35-40 hrs. My normal hourly rate is $10/hr. It may not take me that long...I'm really thinking it will not, The longest part is going to be the house restoration and the embroidery. What I can do is get to that point and see where we are at and I'll know if the embroidery can be done by machine or if it will need to be done by hand. Until I put it under the needle, I have no idea if the fabric will hold up, it is very fragile but not so fragile that I'm not hopeful it will all be ok and I will be able to proceed. I'm anticipating all things going well and the hours will fall around 20-25. You can also choose to skip any of the parts above and that will bring the cost down as well. So, we are looking at about $200-$250 plus materials on the average side and possible more if things go wrong. I will do everything I can to make sure we come in on the lowest side possible but you must be prepared that quilt repair or mending and the time it takes is not something that can be estimated ahead of time, until one begins working with the fabric, it is just not truly known how it will hold up or what may happen. I keep track of all my hours and materials invoices. Everything is verifiable and available to you.


Just for comparison, here is a link to a company who offers restoration of quilts. http://www.<wbr>rockymountainquilts.com/<wbr>restoration_index.ph


Here are some links for you to see the fabrics I'm thinking of. The ones from Etsy are for the houses and are limited in quantity and so I'm including two because if they sell out I have to shop around again.


https://www.etsy.com/listing/<wbr>275656156/church-ladies-<wbr>aprons-by-penny-rose



https://www.etsy.com/listing/<wbr>287386403/flutterberry-layer-<wbr>cake-stacker-by-riley



And for the pink main fabric: https://www.fabric.<wbr>com/buy/ef-293/kona-cotton-<wbr>candy-pink


Thank you for allowing me to quote up repairs to your mom's heirloom. Let me know what you are thinking and how I can help and if you'd like to proceed.

boykinsmommy

OH! I also told her that it cannot be used again like it has in the past. We spoke about care for it afterwards and I always include detailed, written instructions with everything I make, repair or sell. That way there are no disillusions or assumptions and I've CYA'd myself.

I haven't heard from her and she usually gets back to me quickly. I'm thinking she has sticker shock and this will be a no go. I'll keep you all posted and if I can ever get my computer to post those darn images!!! Keeps telling me it has failed.

P-BurgKay

I have restored a couple. I tell them that I have $100.00 minimum fee, regardless of how long it takes and $15.00 per hour. I keep track of my time on a larger time, after I have over 6 hrs, the $15.00 per hour kicks in. It depends on how much the quilt mean to them if they want it restored or not.

Tothill

From you description of the state of the quilt, this will be more work than making a new quilt from scratch. As such your work should be priced accordingly.

If you have not yet used a estimate sheet, now is the time. Be very clear in all the costs, including shopping for supplies, prepping as well as the hands on work on the quilt. Charge $10.00 or what ever you feel you deserve. Make sure the deposit covers all your cash outlays. Yes, you may have fabric in the stash you can use, but what will it cost you to replace it at full price. Some goes with piecing, quilting and embroidery threads.

Show the estimate to the client (your nephew), and if you feel there should be a 'family' discount, be clear on which parts of the estimate are discountable (your time, but not your costs.

If the price is too high for him, then you can barter some of the time costs, What can he do for you, paint a bedroom, prune the fruit trees, take your car for oil changes for a year etc. But be firm on the costs of supplies (including you costs to get them, transportation, parking, shipping if ordered online.

If that is still not acceptable, give some other suggestions on how the memory of the quilt can be preserved. Perhaps you restore enough to be made into a nice set of cushions? The costs will be much lower.

I did not see your later post with the estimate you gave them. I think you did a great job of explaining the work needed and giving a link for them to check out other quilt restoration sites.

Peckish

Have you resized them? You can't post anything over 1 meg.

Preparing (Resizing) Photos For Successful Upload and Viewing

ptquilts

"4. Re-hand tie the quilt to hold the layers together. You do have the option of having the embroidery go through all three layers to further secure the layers. It will result in roof outlines and door/window outlines on the back, in black but there will not be any other defining features. This was how it was done originally but the choice is up to you. "

Are you saying you are going to have to pick out all the embroidery from the back before removing the backing?
How big is this quilt?

I think you are seriously underestimating the time it will take to do it. Picture working an 8 hour day on the quilt, do you really think you could get it done in 3 days (20-25 hour estimate)?

Peaster

First don't think of her as family. Realize what they are asking IS a big project. They don't want a low cost car wash they want a rebuilt engine. Just because you have the skill dose NOT mean you have to use it. You have been upfront about the amount of work. Charging per hour is great but give them an "overestimated" hour quote. YOU have to be OK with them NOT wanting it done. They can make the choice to go in another direction. Is this a "hay I know you have skill can you do this for me" OR a " this quilt has significant memories for me and it is important to me that I do what ever I can to preserve it and I'm glad I found someone who can do it for me."

bearisgray

did you count your time looking for similar fabrics? planning time should be included.

cathyvv

Teach them how to do the repairs. Then it really is their gift to the MIL. Or offer to take a block out of it, repair it and they can have it framed. I don't know how big the quilt is, but if there are enough 'good' blocks to make it into a smaller quilt, that's another option.

cathyvv

After reading through the comments, I have concluded it would be easier and cost them less money to make a new quilt!