Am I a meanie?
#112
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,614
Wow - the rudeness of people never ceases to amaze me. I'd tell her (if given the opportunity) that you'd be happy to do the baby quilt for $200 (make it high!)....the price of which is necessary as you have invested so much money in your equipment, it takes so much of your valuable time, AND fabric is expensive. When she reacts accordingly, I'd then say 'if you want one badly enough you can make it yourself - that's how I started out'.
#113
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Delaware County, SW of Phila.
Posts: 610
Absolutely NOT! Don't ever fee guilty about saying no to someone. I get ask often to make something and I have learned to say no. I don't think people realize everything that goes into quilt making. I know I didn't until I made my first quilt. I do some things for close friends but never because they ask; only because I choose to. Please, do not feel bad.
#115
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Madison, Ohio
Posts: 226
No, you are NOT a meanie !!
I have been asked a couple times to make quilts for people. After doing a table runner for a lady I have decided I don't want to"have" to make something for someone. One lady said "you paid thousands of dollars for that machine
and you can't make me a baby quilt for my great grandaughter?" Should I feel so guilty for saying no?
and you can't make me a baby quilt for my great grandaughter?" Should I feel so guilty for saying no?
#117
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Minneapolis suburbs
Posts: 6
I don't think you should feel bad at all.
I would love to be asked, because I love to do it, but you can bet your sweet patoot I would charge them accordingly.
I put time, effort, and 40 years of sewing and artisan skill into what I make, they damn well should pay for it. LOL
I think as women, we tend to be socially discouraged from valuing what it is that we do, and what we can accomplish.
If anyone ever asks you again to make them something, before that request occurs, ask yourself if you would do it for pay, and then, what do you think your time is worth?
Make no mistake, sewing in and of itself is a skill. And quilting is an art form. Consider your value.
I once was struck by the fact that in my generation, of my women friends, I am the ONLY one who knows how to sew. And I am a baby boomer. You'd think that more of our mothers, being Depression- and farm-raised, would have taught us this skill. And I can build, too. lol. And take apart and fix my sewing machine!
Best of luck to you. Be flattered, that someone asked you to make something, means they appreciate your talent. Leave it at that. YOU ARE AWESOME AND SOMEONE NOTICED!
Becky
lying in stitches on square at a time
I would love to be asked, because I love to do it, but you can bet your sweet patoot I would charge them accordingly.
I put time, effort, and 40 years of sewing and artisan skill into what I make, they damn well should pay for it. LOL
I think as women, we tend to be socially discouraged from valuing what it is that we do, and what we can accomplish.
If anyone ever asks you again to make them something, before that request occurs, ask yourself if you would do it for pay, and then, what do you think your time is worth?
Make no mistake, sewing in and of itself is a skill. And quilting is an art form. Consider your value.
I once was struck by the fact that in my generation, of my women friends, I am the ONLY one who knows how to sew. And I am a baby boomer. You'd think that more of our mothers, being Depression- and farm-raised, would have taught us this skill. And I can build, too. lol. And take apart and fix my sewing machine!
Best of luck to you. Be flattered, that someone asked you to make something, means they appreciate your talent. Leave it at that. YOU ARE AWESOME AND SOMEONE NOTICED!
Becky
lying in stitches on square at a time
Last edited by redhead184; 02-14-2013 at 08:02 AM.
#118
Oh my gosh, that is the rudest thing I ever heard. I can't imagine your shock at her saying this. I'd feel like saying "I know you spent thousands of dollars on your car. Can I borrow it for a wk.?) It's the same thing to me.
I don't think you should feel obligated or like a "meanie" for saying no.
I don't think you should feel obligated or like a "meanie" for saying no.
I have been asked a couple times to make quilts for people. After doing a table runner for a lady I have decided I don't want to"have" to make something for someone. One lady said "you paid thousands of dollars for that machine
and you can't make me a baby quilt for my great grandaughter?" Should I feel so guilty for saying no?
and you can't make me a baby quilt for my great grandaughter?" Should I feel so guilty for saying no?
#119
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Duluth MN
Posts: 381
I no longer get asked to make things for others because I tell them they have to provide fabric, thread & pattern and pay for my time and then wait 6 mo because I've got lots of projects to finish first. Stops them in their tracks Yeah! this is my hobby for my pleasure and I make what I want when I want. Doesn't mean I don't sew for others, just means I choose the project. So please don't think you're a meanie because you are taking care of yourself. We need to support each other to not be taken advantage of or take away our love of sewing. Hang in there with your decision, I support you!
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