women's work is traditionally undervalued because so many women WILL do it for free. Think of afghans, very tough to sell because every one has an aunt or granny who will make one for little money.

I started quilting in the late 1970's when there were not a lot of people making quilts, and the imports had not flooded the market yet. I had no trouble selling my quilts. I dealt with two different stores in one small town, most of their business was quilts, and they were either tied or hand quilted.

When the Chinese quilts started coming in it was a different story. Not only could people get a handmade quilt for cheap $$ but the cheap prices created the impression that the value was really that low. (Of course the quality was down there in the basement with the price).

Over the years I have had several good customers who did not mind paying $500 to $1000 or more for a handquilted quilt. Not enough of them though..

When I did craft shows some of my best sales were to men. They did not seem to have a problem paying the price.

When people do have a problem with the price, I just say, "You should go to Kmart, I'm sure you will find something you like there."

I don't work well under pressure. I want to make what I want to make.

I worked at Hancock Fabrics. I did different crafts. Everyone wanted to buy them but no one wanted to pay. If I did sell something, they were so picky. They would rather pay more for junk.

One last comment. How can you put a price on the look on some one's face when you give them a quilt. I only give them to folks that I think are pretty special---paid in full.

Jack

I have done a few things on commission, but if I did sane quilts (instead of crazy quilts), I think I would tell them to go to the store and buy all the fabric and pattern, and then tell them a commission price you will charge...I bet they walk out of the store without purchasing anything, because they have no idea how much money besides the time that goes into our "hobbies"!!!!
I did a clutch purse for a lady, for $40. and I did a pillow for another lady for $35. Both are on my flickr site....
BJ http://www.flickr.com/photos/60446771@N05/

Don't people realize how much material cost these days. I have spent anywhere between $60-$90 for material for twin or double bed size. I sure would not sell them that cheap. That's not counting the backing and stuffing.

When people ask me if I'd quilt for them, my answer is that they couldn't afford my work.

How can you sell a therapy session?

I love this one...that's what my quilting is to me!!!!

I agree. Most peoople have no concept of the time and work
that goes into a quilt. I hand quilt, so that,of course, adds to
the hours. I don't want to insult people, so I just say I don't
sell quilts. What I'm thinking is "you won't pay me $l,000.00
for one, and even at that I would be working for a dollar
or two an hour" I don't actually know anybody that does
work for that amount...except "Mothers" of course, ha.
And we have to remember it takes even time to pick out
the fabrics, drive to get them, and of course pay the big
dollars for the fabric, batting, etc.