quiltin-nannie

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?

caroloto

No you shouldn't "have to feel" that you must make something because they want you to, it's your time and if you don't enjoy doing the project then you should say no. But I'm not sure you still may feel quilty? Yet you may be able to get rid of the quilt if you ask to be paid big amount for your time, and if you buy the fabric and pattern since you need to get some of the thousands back you paid for that machine!

twoxover

i would put a high price on that baby quilt <g>. i have friends who are "crafters"--they sell stuff at craft fairs, ect. if i buy something from them, i BUY it. none have ever offerred to just give me something because i like it. however, i get constant calls of "could you sew this for me" "could you embroider this", ect.....and no offer of payment. if i have the time, i do it, otherwise, I very nicely say that i really just don't have the time. truth--it does frost me a bit that they jsut take it for granted that i'll make stuff without compensation.

auntpiggylpn

I would have told that lady that she didn't contribute to the cost of my machine so she doesn't have any right to expect me to make her anything! Im to the age that I think if it isn't detrimental to your health, family, and credit report and you don't want do it DON'T!

bigredharley

It's always hard to say "no" but I agree with Caroloto that it's your time, and you should use it to things you love. I would probably say I have so many projects in my queue that the baby would be going to college before you get to it LOL.

winia

If anyone asks me to make anything for them, I always tell them that they must pick out the pattern and buy the fabric. The subject is usually never mentioned again.

quiltnut4ever

In the past I've made items for those who ask...however I no longer have the time nor patience with those who "ask". The cost of fabric has gone up and threads as well. To "ask" me to do something without offering to pay or provide the necessary items to make it hits a nerve with me. Would one ask a chef to prepare you a meal at a restaurant for free? I think not. So I don't make anything for anyone anymore only for the swaps here on the qb, the rest of my sewing/quilting/embroidering is for me. I too have come to the conclusion that if one doesn't want to pay for the labor then I won't do it. Of course if it is a gift tehen that comes from the heart but when one states if I can make something for them I'm quick to say..."sure, if you have a sewing machine and pattern I'll be glad to help you!" that quickly cuts the conversation short.

JulieR

Appalling. Those people should feel guilty for treating you so poorly.

YOU should feel completely justified in saying NO. It's your "thousands of dollars," your machine, your time and your labor.

Ask those rude bats when last they offered their spare bedrooms to the homeless. After all, they paid thousands of dollars for those empty rooms.

Joset

I have been ask by three people and i tell them no this is my hobby. i am not turning my fun
into something with lots of pressure.

Shorebird

ABSOLUTELY NOT! People who do not sew or quilt have no idea the time and effort that goes into these.....They equate home made quilts with the cheapies made in China that they get from Pottery Barn and Macy's on sale....If this is a hobby you love, it is not a business........and turning it into a business can ruin the pleasure quilting gives you.