Is the general public really that ignorant?
#51
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
I never knew exactly how much it costs to make a quilt, since I buy an make it in different batches, so I have decided to keep a log on each quilt I make, including the pattern price, fabric, batting, quilting. I won't even put in the labor, but I am so curious to see the final total. I only have two quilts that I have started this, and I think I will make it a habit, even if it is just for my own knowledge.
#52
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,783
I received a request to make 4 twin size quilts, 50x80. My daughter sent him to me so I assumed he understood what quilts are all about. I took about 10 minutes to write up a quote of $190 each and sent it out. He came right back to me with "No thanks, I have a quote already at $75". Really? $75? Who makes a twin size quilt for $75? I can't hardly get the fabrics and batting for that much. Was my quote too high?
#53
I always tell people that is will be at least $500, and maybe as much as $1200, and that I will get back to them with the final price after they have chosen the fabric and pattern. Very few people call back. I had a person who wanted me to duplicate a baby quilt, that was hand embroidered, and designed especially for her grandchild for the rest of her grandchildren for $50 each. Speak kind of the uninformed.
#55
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: NE Wisconsin
Posts: 219
My husband and I had this very discussion a couple of months ago, and when I made the same point, my quiltmaking vs his woodworking, he thought about it for quite a while and agreed that people would balk at paying quilt prices but not woodworking prices. But why is that? Is it because people are truly ignorant of how much work goes into making a quilt? Or do we somehow, even in this day and age, still place a lower value on "women's work"?
Perhaps people think a woman quilter is just "sewing" but a male quilter is an "artist." Any male quilters out there who'd like to respond?
#56
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
I think we are all a " throw away society" to some extent, and to some a "quilt" is just another bed covering to use until tired of or room redecorated and then time for a new one..... So I only make "quilts" for myself, my own-the ones whom I know will not relegate it to the pet bed, or charity.........I don't expect mine to one day be hanging in the smithsonian but would like to know that the recipient will think of me occasionally when they cuddle up to it.
#57
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 89
Yes, they are ignorant and yes it is an insult. Try not to be too insulted though, it's not just you; they draw their conclusions from stores selling made in China and other places. Everything is made overseas now...we're outsourced; even our American Christmas wrapping paper, ornies and cards are from China...our Christmas is all made and wrapped up by China! Only people that handcraft or have an eye for handcrafted understand quality and workmanship. I jokingly wanted to name my developing handcrafted business "This Aint Chiner" to keep people as such as you came across from wasting my time.
I designed and made a stunning greeting card that my friend liked...she said (enthusiastically!) she'd pay a dollar for it. When she left (without one), I was so discouraged, I cried and questioned what I was doing and almost quit doing anything handcrafted. My daughter brought my card to her job one day...I sold about 8 of them for 15 dollars each...to others that recognized design and craftsmanship.
Makes me wonder where this nations values went and if they will ever come back...they will pay a thousand bucks for a cheap purse with a designer name plastered on it, thats made in China, but snub handcrafted American talent and ingenuity.
I designed and made a stunning greeting card that my friend liked...she said (enthusiastically!) she'd pay a dollar for it. When she left (without one), I was so discouraged, I cried and questioned what I was doing and almost quit doing anything handcrafted. My daughter brought my card to her job one day...I sold about 8 of them for 15 dollars each...to others that recognized design and craftsmanship.
Makes me wonder where this nations values went and if they will ever come back...they will pay a thousand bucks for a cheap purse with a designer name plastered on it, thats made in China, but snub handcrafted American talent and ingenuity.
#58
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
And with some people, it truly is just ignorance of what goes into making a quilt. My husband once asked me to make an Ole Miss themed baby quilt for a coworker. He followed the daily progress as I made it. When it was done, he said, "Wow, I never realized how much work went into one of those!" .
So unless you are a sewer or quilter, most people have no clue how much work goes into one and are completely oblivious to the cost of materials in a quality custom quilt.
OP, your quoted price was not only reasonable, I think it was quite low. Either someone is willing to pay the price I want or not. If not, "No quilt for you!"
#59
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida
Posts: 2,229
I am not surprised that the general public has no idea what goes into personally making a quilt. My brother-in-law has made some gorgeous wood furniture including a dining room table. I would absolutley love having him make one for me, but would never ever ask. I have no idea what materials cost, nor how much time is involved or his time is worth. But that is because I view his work as being produced by a craftsman, not someone who had wookshop in high
school. What surprises me is that quilters continue to be surprised that outsiders have no idea what goes into their craft. And they never will, unless they try themselves.
school. What surprises me is that quilters continue to be surprised that outsiders have no idea what goes into their craft. And they never will, unless they try themselves.
#60
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: West Roxbury, Ma
Posts: 10,353
For that price he will only get no cutting, no piecing, just solid pieced top, cheap batting, horrible back material and stitched (by machine) only a couple of times throughout the quilt so it can fall apart in the wash. Good luck to him.
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