runninL8

I agree with your comments! I've almost stopped doing machine embroidery work for pay because I get very nervous about doing the work on items that belong to other people. What if I goof something, what if I ruin the item, what if they don't like it after it gets done and they have paid big bucks for the item??? Just isn't worth the headache anymore.

stchenfool

I believe when you start "working" for people it takes the "fun" out of your hobby. I have to push myself to do it and leave it to the last minute - I have to learn that word "no". So I have learned to say "no" and enjoy my quilting so much more! I do do some special things for special people but don't get paid - but I do trade services! Good luck!

Latrinka

Unless you find a rich clientele, you'll never get what they're worth. JMHO.

bearisgray

My mom used to weave rugs - they were wonderful.

She took "an order" once or twice - and swore never to do it again. What worked for her - she made what she liked with materials that she had - there were very few duplicates -

If someone liked it - wonderful - if now, she still enjoyed the process.

She did sell these rugs for a pittance - but she seemed okay with it.

Z Any Mouse

I've sold a few quilts and have learned a number of lessons along the way. I enjoy doing commission work, but if a client is too controlling it really does take the fun out of it. I've had people try to cut my cost (which isn't even $5 an hour once we're through with materials costs) by asking if they buy the fabric, how much less will the quilt be? Now I set my base cost which includes thread, batting, labor, and any fabric from my stash. If they want to buy fabric or if it has to be special ordered, that is in addition to the base cost. I also state loud and clear that I am not trying to compete with Walmart, plain and simple.

I learned the hard way to invoice the heck out of any commission, and I collect 50% up front. I had a lady completely rip me off over some Christmas stockings she wanted. She made so many changes along the way, adding beads, lace, wanting them much larger than the original size we agreed on, etc. Each time I told her it would cost more, but didn't invoice it and to make a long story short, I didn't even recover my expenses for materials, let alone my many hours (including three sample stockings I made for her). She refused to compensate me for the additional materials or my hours, but tried to make it better by buying me a Starbuck's. Yeah, I don't think so.

Even with that, I truly love what I do and plan to continue sewing and quilting. I do give away a lot of my things, and sometimes that will result in future business for me. Good luck, and do what's right for you.

pioneerlady

I mainly sold my quilts in a quilt shop, moved to Idaho and asked the shop owner about selling my quilts. She asked me to bring them in and let her see them. I have a different technique for quilting. She liked them and offered to sell without a commission if she could sisplay them in her window. That was our deal for a couple of years until she closed the shop to open a class at her new house. She also wanted to know if I would teach her my technique and let her teach the ladies that wanted to learn. I'm very picky, I won't sell at flea markets, i don' want people touching my quilts. I will post a picture of my quilting if anyone is interested. Thanks

Latrinka

Yeah, post the pics, we wanta see!

ckcowl

some people use the X's 3 formula for figuring a price- as in keep track of all expenses- then multiply by 3- and you should come up with a pretty 'fair' price-
remember to follow copyright laws- keep good records- label them correctly/honestly ( some states have laws concerning selling textiles- the fiber content has to be on the label- (as in 100% cotton/ polyester batting/ect.)
it can certainly become a (job) instead of a hobby if you let it-
if you just make quilts you want to make- then show them off- and people want them- sell them- it can easily make you extra $$ (support your quilting habit) without becoming a job-
if you start taking special orders & trying to quilt on demand it can quickly become quite a chore-
there is a site on line called: Quilts For Sale=
they are 'based' in Canada--with a couple hundred quilter members from the U.S & Canada
browse the site- you will get an idea what quilts are selling for- you can sign up for their newsletters & then will see when new ones are added & when ones sell- so you can really see what is selling & for how much-
best way to start is to show off a quilt & if someone offers to buy it-give them a price- if they buy it-cool - you are on your way. it can be as big a 'head-ache' as you let it become- or simply a way to support your habit and still love what you are doing. good records & organization is a must though...keep all receipts- start a quilting journal---take pictures- keep track of the time you put in & don't forget a new needle for each new project, thread- piecing & quilting, ect---

alisonquilts

I want to see too! Post a pic!

I sell quilts whenever possible, but they are almost always word-of-mouth commissions, which means I know the people and have no problem setting basic rules (my timescale; I get paid a flat rate for my work, and materials are on top of that; etc). If I break it down to an hourly wage it works out to a pittance - but I am working from home, doing something I love, and it pays for my habit! I would certainly like to sell more, but I have had little luck with Etsy so far. And honestly, I'm not sure how much more quilting I could do - what little "spare" time I have I already spend quilting (or on this Board)!

Alison

tesspug

I just sold several purses and totes. All I could think of was that I now have $120 to buy more fabric.