What a beauty! It's a given fact that we just can't charge what a quilt is really worth. Look within your heart, and consider the joy you knew while making it for her. When I recently turned over a Lone Star I'd worked on over a period of a year, and had agreed upon as a barter to pay a $750 landscaping fee, I just had to consider how much I'd enjoyed making it, because the quilt was worth much more than what I got for it. Happy quilting!

That is one beautiful quilt, don't know if I could part with it!

Can't help you at all with the pricing, because if I had made this quilt I could not bear to give it up! I'm sure your quilting will make it even more beautiful. I think a millions dollars is a fair price!

If I read correctly, this was initially intended as a gift to your daughter(?) then changed your mind because of the fabrics and this was hanging in the closet. Just based on that, it seems you weren't going to recoup any expense incurred from the start.

Given what's been established about your dear friend, it's not her place to establish the price in anyway.

Since she wants to give you some kind of monetary compensation, my thought is to let her have it and in return maybe the two of you could go to a LQS to pick out some new fabs that she could get for you, without burdening her wallet. She gets the satisfaction of contributing according to her limits toward your work, you get the happiness of giving the quilt that was to be a gift and now still is, you both get an afternoon of fun AND get to add to your stash.

Sounds good to me, IMHO.

What a kindness to respect her dignity when it comes to her financial circumstances, even more so because she appreciates and cares for your other works. To me, in this case, based on what you've said, that's priceless right there.

My thoughts exactly. Fair is fair, no matter how little money she has, she should recognise how much you put into this.

How about you say- the fabrics cost X and I put in Z hours making it. Then agree a money price for the materials but tell you want her to spend Z hours on something for you!

The fact of the matter is that you could sell it for a LOT if you put it on the open market, so there is an opportunity cost in giving it cheap to this friend, whom you have already given a quilt to this year.

When is she going to come around looking for her next one? The problem with agreeing a low price is that she may feel she can come back and "buy" another at a similar price next year. What happens when she says she has a wedding to go to and "can you just run up another one of those 200 dollar quilts of yours, and maybe give me a little discount"?

Beware the slippery slope- no matter what you do, you may end up resenting her later.

Oh! That is just beautiful! My favorite pattern. Some day I hope to make one. The colors are just what I am wanting in mine! I don't think I could part with it!

I used the Elenor Burns method for this and it was really easy!!

Thanks again everyone for your comments and help :)

Just wanted to say what a beautiful quilt. What to charge is a tough one, I have no idea. Isn't there some kind of formula a person can go by?

If she can't afford to pay you all at once, have her pay you so much a month 'til it's payed off.

It is just beautiful. I'd have a hard time selling it or giving it away. Is there some why she could do something over a period of time to help you, sort of a bartter situtation, if she can't afford to pay you the full fair price? Ideas might be gardening and canning foods for you, helping you clean house for special occassions, etcc.

Well, I talked to her today and she said no problem paying me. I think it will work out fine.

She doesn't cook much, (widow) & doesn't have any hobbies except crocheting.

I have the same thought.... I haven't read all of the posts yet ~ but this is exactly what I was thinking :)

What were your plans for the quilt while you were making it?

When I made it I had no plans, it was just an extra. This is the one I ended up giving to my daughter, they loved it!

Gorgeous, gorgeous quilt! I was going to suggest that maybe you could barter, trade something she can do for you. She may be a great cook & would be willing to make your Holiday pies or something like that.

I would have to ask myself some hard questions on this problem. Does she want a lot for nothing?,HOw good a friend,How much do I have tied up in fabric let alone time.I hand piece,and hand quilt also so I know about this. Can she and I live with the cost alone and maybe just a little over? Then go ahead with what you decide. Just looking at the quilt and as I say I do sell some of mine,I would get at least 800 to a thousand if I were selling it to other than a close friend. And that is a low estimate

It looks exactly like one my dear grandmother made me many years ago, only hers was not queen size. I LOVE IT! Can't help you with the pricing, but I know that if she bought one, it would be several hundred dollars. Don't sell yourself short.

Does she have kids who might chip in (with or without her knowing about it) once they know how much she wants it?
You could quietly check with them before quoting her a price.
In fact, I'd tell them, with a smile, "I know exactly what your mom would love for Christmas (or other gifting occasion) 'cuz she TOLD me, so here's a way for all of you to split the cost of something she's already said she'd love to have, plus your shopping would be taken care of -- win/win for everyone" [including you!].

Why not look on the internet and see what prices they are asking. I did see a quilt site(Last year) that dealt with sales. A lot of the quilts were the Amish quilts. Check it out and then you will have some idea. You can also see if she is willing to pay the quilt off in installments. I am on a fixed pension and would be willing to do that. Just ask your friend and see what she says. You can always just charge for the fabric you used and give her the time making it as a gift.

This is a beautiful quilt. I was just wodering what you decided? I personally would have kept it for myself. Whether your friend can afford the quilt shouldn't matter. People always want things they can't afford. If you accept money from her make sure she understands that it is no where near the actual value of the quilt. You wouldn't want her to get the idea that it is all your quilt is worth. Be well.

Dawn, I am certainly NO help on pricing. I am too softhearted and would probably charge much less than I should. Just had to say that I really love this quilt. One of my very favorites, but have not had nerve to start this. Good luck with your pricing.

Thanks annieshane. It is much easier than it looks, I made 2 tops in a week.

Thanks annieshane. It is much easier than it looks, I made 2 tops in a week.[/quote]


Wow - 2 tops in a week??!! That's amazing! May I ask if it was using the Rings That Bind method of quilt-as-you-go? The reason I ask is due to the seam joining the rings at the sides. But your segments in the rings don't have the straighter look that the Rings That Bind method has. Your rings are beautiful.

Beautiful quilt that makes me think of Spring. Pricing, Eh?