sewing obligations vs. what you really want to do
08-01-2012, 06:08 AM
#51
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,197
I have sewed all my life for myself and others. Recently I decided I didn't want to do that anymore. Now when someone asks me to sew for them I just tell them I wouldn't have time for X amount of days and then I give them a name of someone that wants to sew and does it for a living. I have found that sewing for others is not fun anymore and does not pay enough to make it worth while.
08-01-2012, 07:35 AM
#52
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 7
What a wonderful wedding gift your quilt will be. Be certain to show us a picture. I too have trouble completing quilts that I've started for others. I've decided to committ a certain amount of time EACH DAY to working on them. (I'm still working on keeping that committment!) Good Luck!
08-01-2012, 10:34 AM
#53
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Upstate NY, north of Syracuse Area
Posts: 6,003
I never commit to a deadline. Because of physical limitations, a deadline would add a lot of stress and I just don't need that in my life. Also, my quilting mission is donation quilts for those having chemo and/or dialysis and wounded or injured military and those always take priority over anything else I may be doing. I tell everyone that, too. Smiles.
08-01-2012, 06:49 PM
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: League City, Texas, USA
Posts: 625
I will never quilt for money. Don't need the stress and hate deadlines. I get that at work everyday. Quilting is a wonderful and creative outlet for my time 'away' from work, so I'm afraid taking commissions would totally ruin it for me. I have a dear friend that is always hinting that she is waiting for her quilt. I explained that all the grand kids and grown kids get one first, then I will make her something. I also told her it was not going to be a bed size quilt, because few people actually use quilts for covering now days, and as I hand quilt, it takes me almost a year to complete one that is bed sized. When the time comes, I will quilt her a nice wall hanging or perhaps a lap throw. I don't tell any of the grand kids they are getting a quilt, because I don't want to feel obligated and then place myself under a time limit.
08-02-2012, 01:59 AM
#55
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holmen, WI
Posts: 6,459
Originally Posted by lisalovesquilting
It's so hard to say no to long-time friends and relatives. I've been asked to do two t-shirt quilts. I've never made one. Some one suggested asking them to work along with me. We'll see.
08-02-2012, 02:02 AM
#56
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holmen, WI
Posts: 6,459
Originally Posted by Caswews
I used to make Rabbits and they were so adorable with their expressive faces. Each rabbit was 24 inches long for Mom & Dad the babies varied in sizes, each rabbit had clothing and a hat to special order. I would charge 50.00 for a adult rabbit pair (24" size) and add 10.00 on for each child. A aunt in law took a famliy of 5 to sell to a friend of hers. When she brought me back the 25.00 as she told me that wasn't worth the money I was charging and that is what she took from the woman, I was floored. I have not made anything to sell since then, my daughter asked me to make some for the granddaughters; and she asked if she can start selling them-would I make families again? I will just make for the grands -and maybe a friend of theirs .. Too much time and material involved I think ..
08-02-2012, 03:55 AM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: El Lago Tx Originally from Upstate NY
Posts: 654
When I make something for others, I get it done and before I start another, I try to get something I want done too. Than I feel like I am still enjoying my "hobby" yet my "Job" too. I also find myself liking the project for a customer as much as for my self.
08-02-2012, 04:12 AM
#58
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,877
When people ak me to sew or do alterations outside the quilting realm, my answer is "would you ask Picasso to paint your house?"
Originally Posted by Pat625
How about when the fact that you quilt means you should also be available for everyone that wants clothes made, or something mended or hemmed??? I CAN do it all but DONT WANT to!! I also make purses for a change, but if someone wants one, they can pick from the ones I have done at the time...If I took orders and had to produce on a schedule, I wouldn't want to do it at all!
08-02-2012, 09:43 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Crosby,Texas
Posts: 849
Originally Posted by Pat625
How about when the fact that you quilt means you should also be available for everyone that wants clothes made, or something mended or hemmed??? I CAN do it all but DONT WANT to!!
08-02-2012, 10:33 AM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: N Texas
Posts: 537
Originally Posted by burchquilts
I don't know about you but to me, the only thing worse than "having" to do something is having someone "help" me. Maybe it's just me... I'm an only child so I like to do things solo... unless it's my idea to work as a team. I'm a real witch, aren't I? LOL!
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