charity-crafter

No we aren't looking at it wrong. My charity consists of making doll and quilts for sick children at a local hospital, quilts for the wounded soldiers, giving to my local church, organizations that help those in need, setting up food drives for the local food pantry.

I was not put on this earth to do things that the other person is perfectly capable of doing by themselves. I work a full time job and have a life that does not include mending anyone's problems. Ever.

Good for you to have the time and desire to help others.

peevypat

This happened to me years ago. MY "friend" brought everything to me to fix. I asked her one day what would she do if I weren't there for her, she said"Oh I'd just find someone else." With that answer, I just replied "well, I think it's time for you to find that someone" It fixed the problem.

writerwomen

Been there and done that. Have found I can be too busy and not feel guilty. Have learned to say- anyone can learn to sew the local tech school offers courses at all levels and times to accommidate people. Even the local sewing shops hold classes. If it's something you need now bring it over and I will teach you how between the other things I'm doing. Also have said-one reason I don't tell many people I sew is they seem to think I'm a free sewing service. I also let them know my sewing is limited and specialized. Give her a started kit of sewing stuff and tell her you'll help her get started so she can enjoy sewing also as well as not have to worry about when you might actually have time amid all you already have to do. Not long ago my husband made a deal that included throwing in my services to hem 2 pairs of pants. It turned into 8 pair and the woman failed to tell me one leg was shorter then the other- last time for that. I also told our son who was just notified he had to pick up a uniform for the high school marching band that I would fit his and a close friend but the others would have to take it to local taliors. Just like our sewing machine refurbishing- We will under certain circumstances repair a machine for someone but we are not in that business full time and do not wish to take business from our local shops.

sueisallaboutquilts

Tabby, you are not mean at all! You are simply making a decision how to use YOUR TIME and you're the only one who can do that.
I'll bet a hundred fat quarters you don't have a mean bone in your body :thumbup:

sueisallaboutquilts

We are put on earth to help people who CAN'T help themselves, not people who are perfectly capable of doing things. I don't see your logic at all, sorry!

Marge L.

Living in a Sr. housing complex, one would think that these women (65-95 yrs. old) would have a sewing machine, or have used one in their past life. Not so. Some like to think they can't sew on a button, much less sew up a seam or shorten slacks. I sew, quilts that is, most of the time, and they know it. I get a bit tired of hearing "Marge, would you shorten these, sew up this seam? etc. etc. etc." I know what you mean and it does make one blow smoke. I now make excuses of some sort and believe the problem is getting solved. Their taking the hint. I hope. Good luck.

jpthequilter

Honestly, non sewers often just do not understand how much we hate mending things!

Do all that - sewing kit etc and when you give it to her, gripe about a "ficticious" friend that does not "understand
that you are not running an alterations business"!
and perhaps make a quilted mug rug, placemat, or little simple (coloring book style) flower wall hanging, to bring her and give to her, explaining that is what you really do! ....and maybe offer her a discount on just ONE baby quilt.

jpthequilter

I sort of lie with a perfectly straight face, and say:
"I make art quilts! like paintings made of cloth! - I have absolutely no idea how to do that!"
- and they have to find someone who does alterations for a living....

jpthequilter

Hey Everybody !
I have a pair of pants that I used strips from a roll of wonder under that I ironed on them to make a hem, more than 10 years ago and they have been washed and dried almost weekly since then, and they are still stuck fast!

Everybody can Iron!
PS I use a wet paper towel as a steamer "cloth" !

Give them a yard or so, and instructions copied on a copier!

meemersmom

I tried this approach. Didn't work for me, but ended up working to my advantage. The people who asked me to do repairs were actually willing to pay!! One guy, after I had hemmed a couple of pairs of jeans for nothing, brought me more for hemming, and one pair with a broken zipper. I had run out of the gold/orange thread I use for jeans -- he volunteered to go out and get some since I was making dinner. Once he saw how much the thread and the zipper cost, he gladly paid me from that point forward. His comment? "why didn't you tell me that costs you money?" DUH!!! So, I've developed a bit of a part time job, and my customers know that the turn around time depends on my work schedule from my "real" job. If they need it sooner, they bring it to a professional. When it comes to my time, I am not at all shy about charging for it.