boykinsmommy

Ok, this will be the 3rd repair quilt I've been given but from a different person than the first. The person asking was impressed with what I had done on the other two and had thought maybe I could do something for hers.

I really went over it today. Nothing too scary really, some things will need to be replaced completely and such and I explained that in quilt repair it's not the same as quilt rebuilding...I can do either but re-doing an entire quilt and salvaging the blocks will be much more expensive and time consuming. Of course the choice is hers, just how much of the original does she want to try and preserve.

Anyway, the issue is how much to charge for my time? The last two quilts I got robbed really. My fault as they were my first and I didn't know what I was getting myself in to. This on the other hand is my nephew's mother in law. So kinda family. He and his wife want to pay for it as a late Christmas gift to her.

Normally I charge $10/hr but usually end up with less than that..I know, I know, softee. Still, the last person I did a quilt for I ended up making only about $4/hr and it was 48 hrs of work total..she complained!!! I asked her if she thought she should work at her job for $4/hr or less. That was the end of it. Honestly, people. SO, not trying to complain or whine but I am thinking this job might take me as many as 35 hrs to complete due to the squares needing embroidery done to them, it has all come apart. It's not fancy, just straight line outline of doors and windows. Then there is some hand applique that will need to be done for the houses in each square that need to be replaced. It might even take me longer. I have no idea.

What do you think? ugh... I hate this part. I know some in-laws think I should just do it for free. But, I am a business....but they are family...but seriously....I don't know...Love to hear your thoughts so I'll stop rambling.

cashs_mom

I would charge at least $400. You are running a business, not a charity. If the in-laws think you should do it for free, let them do it for free. If you start doing things for free, you'll find that all your time is taken up by doing free things. Sadly when you need something done for free, the recipients of your generosity often can't be found.

boykinsmommy

You are so right but, I was thinking of $6/hr for them....they are young so I know they don't have much money. Ugh..I can't escape the guilt!

Austinite

this x100. I am a generous person and I've been taken advantage of so many times...I'm still working on learning this lesson.

thimblebug6000

I do not enjoy repairing and only do it for my loved ones.. I see back in 2010 there was also another thread here How much to charge? Quilt Restoration

Hmmm. this site has a link showing a $390 charge to hand wash an antique quilt, but you may find it interesting reading. http://www.rockymountainquilts.com/r...tion_index.php

boykinsmommy

I wish I didn't have my pictures on my phone. I will try to get them over to my computer so I can post them. This quilt is in very bad shape. I mean, thread bare. I've done those types of repairs before and while it's not my favorite thing to do, it is cool to see something come back to life and the recipient so happy. *sigh* Still, it's going to need a full backing, binding and the front will need new borders and sashing. The hardest part is the restoration of the blocks themselves. I have to create templates for everything. The main blocks had appliqued houses with trees and the houses are outlined with embroidery floss plus embroidered windows and doors. That is going to be the time consuming part. I'm thinking of "cheating" and using my machine to do that part. That would save them money and my sanity as embroidery is not really my "thing".

I'll see about those pictures....

Teen

Can any of the work be taught to a non-quilter? Like template making etc? I ask this because it may be kind of cool to ask nephew's wife to come over and give a hand and take some part ownership to the restoration. This may save you time and therefore, charge them less. Having an honest conversation with them about the time involved and offering solutions to keep costs down may encourage support for your efforts (and your prices...).

cashs_mom

You have nothing to feel guilty for. You don't owe it to people to do things for them just because there is some tenuous familial relationship. If they come over regularly and do things for you that's different, but just because they are related to you doesn't mean you have to do things for free for them. And always remember when you estimate a cost, you have to allow for unexpected things that come up because they always do.

Austinite, my mother would never do sewing for other people after being taken advantage of several times. She taught me to just smile and say "I don't do sewing for others". I wish I'd learned the "No is a complete sentence" lesson in other areas.

Tiggersmom

I would figure out how many hours you think it would take and charge at Least minimum wage plus supplies. I would then discount for your family only if you choose to do so. They should know you are giving them a discount and how much.
I would give the nephew an official estimate before you accept the job. Good luck.

love to sew

I agree with cashs mom. Don't get pulled in your will be sad you did as you will be taken advantage of again.