Not so subtle hint - what would you do?
10-02-2012, 07:26 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Williams, AZ
Posts: 604
I tell my friends and family that if they want a specific quilt, they need to buy the fabric (and Pattern) and for a nominal fee I will make it as I have time. Most don't follow through once they see how much the fabric alone costs.
10-02-2012, 07:49 AM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: St. Louis suburbs
Posts: 6,084
I would make her a beautiful bag in colors and style that she likes. I am making my 2 best friends a bag for Christmas in christmas fabrics that I will give them on Dec. 1st so they can use them the whole month. I just made a King size quilt for my daughter and I bought all the fabric, batting and backing on sale and it still cost me $200 with the Longarm fees. I doubt your friend knows how much it costs to make a king size quilt. Make her a purse now.
10-02-2012, 09:49 AM
#34
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
I don't like people saying something is too expensive for them to buy but think it's cheaper for me to make it? It usually is cheaper but that is the savings for me, for knowing how to make the item, not to save them money.
10-02-2012, 09:54 AM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,884
Why not invite her to take a beginners quilt class at the LQS? She will at least learn a little about the process even if she doesn't want to make her own quilts. And let her know that you could maybe do a bag much sooner than the quilt.
10-02-2012, 09:57 AM
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
Posts: 7,484
A friend dropped by yesterday and while we were talking she asked me how much would it cost to buy a king size quilt. I gave her a range of prices to my best knowledge. She asked if smaller quilts would be cheaper and decided that going to Target would be the closest to what she could afford. A few minutes later she tells me that she always wanted a quilted bag but they were too expensive and then she starts rattling off brand names and prices. I would love to make her a bag, but I know I cannot do a quilt right now because the timing cannot be more wrong, and besides I cannot quilt a king on my DSM. I know it is stupid to even ask, but if it were you would you be happy if I made you a nice bag instead of a quilt? Sometimes down the road I will make the quilt for her for sure because I will be taking LA classes at my LQS in order to use their machine. Thank you for your opinion. By the way I love hints because they save me the agony of figuring out birthday and holiday gifts.
10-02-2012, 10:08 AM
#37
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Adirondacks of NY
Posts: 1,517
If it's to be a surprise, I'd go with something small like a table topper and make it a seasonal item. My thinking is that if the person wasn't in on the selection process (fabric and pattern) no matter how much the finished product may be beautiful, there is still a chance that it won't be in the recipient's taste. By being seasonal, she won't feel she HAS to have it out year round but you also get to see her reaction and pick up hints for possible future surprises!
Pat
Pat
10-02-2012, 12:00 PM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pe Ell, Washington
Posts: 2,512
I think a quilted bag or tote is perfect, and no way would I make a king size quilt for anyone with today's costs the fabric alone would be more than I could afford let alone the time and effort to create one.
10-02-2012, 12:20 PM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Spring Lake, Michigan
Posts: 978
I am always grateful for any hand made gift that I receive because I KNOW the hours that went into making it. However, those that don't sew or quilt have no clue as to time and expense.
Do what is in your heart and you will feel good about doing it...even if it is to buy her a gift.
Do what is in your heart and you will feel good about doing it...even if it is to buy her a gift.
10-02-2012, 03:15 PM
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southeast Georgia
Posts: 2,526
Maybe tell her of your time constraints and offer to take her shopping for the supplies she will need to work on her quilt (which you generously offer to help her make--after the holidays). I'd be willing to bet that after she sees what it will cost to buy ALL of the supplies, she will change her mind and go buy one of the $100 ones at KMart!
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