It costs What...do you think?
08-15-2014, 11:30 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I have made a few quilts that had over 300 hours in just the cutting and machine piecing. I would not be so quick to say "no way" .
08-15-2014, 11:36 AM
#12
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 2,222
I have just read one of the pamphlets I picked up somewhere on my last trip through Lancaster county. It is published by the Mennonite Central Committee. It asks "did you know" it costs approximately $2350.00 to make an average queen size quilt {98 X 112} ??? It goes on to say there is 300 hours of cutting, piecing, pressing, quilting and binding @ minimum wage comes out to $2175!!! Needless to say, I had to read it more than once. Sounds like i'm underpaid & I guess that means with all my UFOs, i'm a potential gazillionaire!!!.....now if I could just SELL a few for one tenth that price!!...
Very interesting. I can't help but think of how many times I have read where people find cheap quilts at yard sales or thrift stores for less than $5 or $10. Or the more intricate ones at auctions for $60.
08-15-2014, 11:41 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
Hah, you can tell that break down is old just by the fabric prices. In essence though I think it's spot on.
I know just cost of materials (not taking into consideration the machine wear & tear, electricity, or time) I spend at LEAST $200 to make a 72x72 throw. That's just fabric and batting, I don't even really figure in thread. And that's also shopping sales and using coupons.
I like to quote people $800 for a throw when they ask me if I will make a quilt, but I think I'm going to start tripling it. Maybe quadrupling.
I know just cost of materials (not taking into consideration the machine wear & tear, electricity, or time) I spend at LEAST $200 to make a 72x72 throw. That's just fabric and batting, I don't even really figure in thread. And that's also shopping sales and using coupons.
I like to quote people $800 for a throw when they ask me if I will make a quilt, but I think I'm going to start tripling it. Maybe quadrupling.
08-15-2014, 12:12 PM
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posts: 173
People are not willing to pay what a quilt is really worth! This is exactly why I refuse to sell any quilts that I make.
I tend to search out and stock up on fabrics that are a good deal price wise. I also love to make scrappy quilts, so I get the most bang for my buck with whatever fabrics I do buy. The time invested into designing, cutting, piecing, quilting and binding is huge with any quilt...and I seem to have a preference to make queen and king sized ones. I refuse to work for pennies per hour, and the general public will refuse to pay for even minimum wage much less the amount of money per hour that I think I am worth!
I always knew my quilts were worth it...but I will stick to just making quilts for myself, to give to friends and family and to donate to charity...that will always make them priceless!
I tend to search out and stock up on fabrics that are a good deal price wise. I also love to make scrappy quilts, so I get the most bang for my buck with whatever fabrics I do buy. The time invested into designing, cutting, piecing, quilting and binding is huge with any quilt...and I seem to have a preference to make queen and king sized ones. I refuse to work for pennies per hour, and the general public will refuse to pay for even minimum wage much less the amount of money per hour that I think I am worth!
I always knew my quilts were worth it...but I will stick to just making quilts for myself, to give to friends and family and to donate to charity...that will always make them priceless!
08-15-2014, 12:45 PM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
That's why I get so annoyed with quilters who sell their quilts on eBay, Etsy, or other places for $50 or $100, and say they don't think they should charge a lot for their hobby. Well, they're taking a loss and making it very difficult for others who ARE trying to make a profit. If you don't want to make money, then don't sell them! Please, just give them away!
Jan, I wonder if that price sheet you posted is from Caryl Bryer Fallert-what-ever-her-new-last-name-is-now. I know she posted one very similar to yours a few years ago.
Jan, I wonder if that price sheet you posted is from Caryl Bryer Fallert-what-ever-her-new-last-name-is-now. I know she posted one very similar to yours a few years ago.
08-15-2014, 12:56 PM
#17
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: greater NorthEast
Posts: 3,004
Hmmm, in 1995, the cost was similar to today's. Looks like we didn't get very far. Isn't it funny/sad what it cost to make a quilt is far from how much you can actually sell it for! I guess all the contentment a quilt brings people is well worth the effort-- if not $$$....
08-15-2014, 02:42 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 307
Definitely. But when you are doing something that you love to do, it doesn't matter. I don't make my wearable art to save money on clothes. I make it because I love doing it and I love wearing unusual clothing that fits my personality rather than some clothing maker's idea of what I should wear. So I don't much care what it costs. I love doing it and I'm going to continue.
08-15-2014, 02:47 PM
#20
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
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