Clothfiend

If you've always sewn as well as quilted, the family will still ask you to mend, sew on buttons, etc. as if this process requires no effort, nevermind time. At this stage in my life, when my family asks me to fix something, I smile and say, "would you like me to show you how it's done?" If they say "yes" I give them a needle, thread, & button, etc. If they say, "No," then I say, no thank you. They always look stunned.

This SIL is clueless, so for her next birthday or gift-giving occasion, present her with nicely wrapped box containing a needle, thread, and quilt pattern, with a sweet message about how you so want to share with her how SHE too could say some money. Be sure it's a pattern that requires a whole lot of fabric. :lol:

Sheesh

It was taking my sewing machine to Georgia each time I visited my son and his family (he wanted me to mend his jeans) that my granddaughter begged to try running the machine. I gave her scraps and she put together a doll's blanket for her sister. Precious if no other description can be made. The next year we picked out coordinating material and made 2 pillowcases - one for her sister and one for her. The next summer they came to NY. She found my stash, the envy of many quilters. She brought 3 different purple hues and politely asked if she could make something from it. I asked her what she would like to make and pulled out some patterns I had set aside in anticipation of having a little more equipment and sources to teach her to sew. She decided to make a shoulder bag and learned to cut with rotary cutter, use a seam ripper, and sew. She was so attentive, I explained safety and she really listened. I am looking forward to the next time we get together. She completed her shoulder bag on her 11th birthday. Her sister is 5 so I have many sewing lessons to go. I learned to sew at my Mom's elbow and learned to make garments and to mend clothing. I was 1 of 10 children and we all worked hard in the barn and fields, keeping a 75 milking dairy farm going. I made my own wedding gown and maternity clothes before I ever quilted. If I din't paint a few garages along the way, I would never have had the opportunity to pass on my mother's passion. And my husband doesn't mind if I sew and build my stash as long as his jeans are mended, the house is passable, and the bills are paid. Sheesh

qofscrap

think of it as a compliment that you are saving money by making your gifts does it really matter what value she puts on what you do...and are there dollar signs around your reason for the making of this gift no so think of it as a compliment and let it go don't allow this burden to ride with you any longer....

suzeq

:hunf: Well, tell her that when we married 51 years ago, my Mother in Law gave us three queen sized quilts. They were not fancy, nor one color, etc. made with good cotton fabric and batting, but totally useful. They are still around and doing their job, although a bit tattered. Now, consider the cost nowadays, divide it by 51 years. Not a bad investment. I tell folks this all the time.

OHSue

I bet I know who won't be getting a quilt from you in the future!

I am a knitter and knit my own socks, one day at work I was mentioning a new pair of socks I had on and someone said, those are as nice as the store one, I said, No they aren't, they are better...

Sarah CA

I totally understand! You can definitely cross her off your list ...No quilt for her made with love, dedication and hard work.

stoppain

You mush be a very good person, i WOULD HAVE TOLD HER RIGHT AWAY and maybe ask if they wanted to learn how to also

stoppain

I am new and my user as to do with knee pain.
when I going to use a new user or password, I look around at what is on my desk and use that

Toto's Mom

So very true, and I, too, am sorry that your SIL dismisses your talents and work like that. Oddly enough, those who don't know how to create anything at all are the most likely to run off at the mouth. For folks like her, there are Dollar Store greeting cards.........2/$1.00. I wouldn't waste anything further on her.

Quaint Quilter

She is totally clueless!!