giquilt

i say something similar: This is my hobby and if I did it for money it would be a job and I am retired. I ask if they sew and would like to learn to quilt. If the answer is yes to either I refer them to the LQS where one of my close friends teaches beginning quilting. For those that I gift quilts, I just give a completed quilt, I like the surprise on their face.

quilttiger

When I first started to quilt, i learned that the joy of quilting disappears while making a commissioned quilt, and I felt so weighed down and nervous. Since then, it has been easy to say no with a smile and say I do not make quilts for money. My family (including in-laws ) loves my quilts, and I see them displayed in my children's homes whether they are quilts, wall hangings, table runners, etc. One year, I asked for their favorite colors and used them for flannel quilts the following Christmas. I also make Quilts of Valor....a wonderful way to volunteer as a retiree!

Sandygirl

the problem with taking on quilting jobs is that unless one pays "wholesale" pricing or buys only from the sale rooms for materials and supplies, the final cost gets expensive. And rarely is hourly labor appropriately charged.

sand

crafty pat

If it is someone I do not wish to make a gift for I say I don't have the time right now for anymore projects. If they keep on about it I tell them to go buy the pattern and fabrics they like and the pattern calls for and after I see the time and difficulty it will take I will tell them how much I will charge to make the quilt. I have never had anyone bring me fabric and pattern yet.

madamekelly

I do so feel your pain. I wanted to make a friend of mine a nice evening bag, as a gift, for Christmas, with a paper pieced insert on the front. She is always saying she needs an evening bag. I asked her what size, shape, etc. Her answer floored me, "Will you make it have pockets on the inside, a matching checkbook holder, credit card slots, and will you make it out of a nice piece of leather? Will you put a long chain handle, and a magnetic clasp? Can you have it done by New Years? I want to use it that night." Al, I could say was "I do not sew leather on my quilting machine, it is not made for it". The next question was even crazier. "Can't you just sew it and not tell the company that you used it for leather?" Aaaaarg! I showed her a piece of black quilting fabric I had, and told her that was what I was willing to make it with. She actually said "nevermind, I will just buy what I want"! I will NOT be making her an evening bag. Sheeeesh!

MaggieLou

I did the same as you did when asked to make a lap quilt for a friend of a friend. Since I really didn't want to make it I quoted her $300. That was the last I heard about it.

Buckeye Rose

Giving anything handmade can be a risk....not everyone appreciates the time or effort required to make homemade things. So while I love to make quilts and other crafty items, I don't give them away unless I know they will be loved. My daughters are my biggest "customers", but they always pay for the materials upfront and I don't charge them labor. If I do get an occasional paying customer, I figure up the materials cost and expect a non-refundable payment for all materials cost before ever starting. I payment for labor at delivery (no excuses accepted). That way if the customer decides to go ahead with the project but later backs out on the deal, I am out nothing but my time and I still have a quilt to sell. A lot of people will be shocked at the cost of materials for a handmade quilt and tell you "no thanks". But you lose even more interest when you tell them what your labor cost will be! Get a written agreement containing every detail of the quilt, including the financials....it will save you lots of heartache later!

cjsews

I have made lap quilts on commission. Most do not ask for any specifics other than color. I try to buy fabrics on sale and choose quick easy patterns. Those more complicated patterns with better fabrics are for family and special friends

cashs_mom

It would completely put me off making anything for them again.