Good luck Pokergal. I have followed this thread to see what happens. I agree with the last posters, don't take a check, cash only. Fire off an email now telling her $126 is the expected CASH payment and nothing less will be accepted. Don't let her take advantage of you, she has already tried and obviously won't stop now.

PS, I am doubly appalled at her behavior when you told us she is an artist and does custom murals. What we do is absolutely no different expcept our paints and canvas are fabrics and thread. She should be ashamed of herself trying to low ball you on the cost like that.

Wow!!! Let that be a lesson to all who quilt for others. Get it in writing (even for friends and family) and get at least a 50% deposit. That way, it will cover your materials if they never take quilt. I have only been left with one quilt that was never picked up. For a custom quilt like that I would've charge at least $300.00. Hate to say it, but I wouldn't give it to her for $60. Make her pay you at least the $125 you discussed previously and the cost of the materials. No discount. Don't mean to sound horrible but your work is work. Could she have made it? As an artist you are only appreciated if you appreciate yourself!

One more thought on this post: One of my neighbors does artistic paintings and she has been doing murals for far less than she was during better economic times. I told her that she has costs of paint, brushes, gas costs to the client, time and her experience. When a quilter makes a quilt, there are fabric, batting, thread, rulers, machine, pattern, time, experience.... I have told her that I cannot discount my fees as there are more materials involved in quilting. Quite frankly many people won't recognize the cost difference between a custom quilt and one they find at a discount store. DH says these type of things are all about perceived value. He's right!

I would so buy this from you for your asking price..I absolutely love it.

I too have been following this thread all along. Monday should be interesting for you. You might want to read all these before she comes, and let her read some of our comments. In addition I would have an itemized invoice for her, showing the total cost, plus your overly nice discount (I have no clue why you would have done this) and then stick to your guns. As you are talking to her, think of all of us standing there with you, because we will be in spirit at least, to have your back. Good luck my quilting friend. You did a beautiful job on this, and it should be appreciated.

Seriously? What nerve! I can't believe that this has happened to you. Discount, shmiscount! You had a verbal agreement with her for $125 + cost of materials. That in itself was a steal. I learned a long time ago to get a deposit on projects. No project is too small for a discount. Unfortunately good faith has gone down the toilet. You can hold it hostage until she pays you the full amount agreed upon or you can hang it somewhere and enjoy it or you can sell it to someone else. I'm sure if you put it on ebay or craig's list, you'd get a buyer for more than your requested amount! Good luck. Please let me know if you do any of the following.

You got a lot of folks wound up!! I thought this thread was couple of years going! Don't you dare let her have it for less than her $125.00. You even made the awesome design!!! Yes , we will all be standing there in spirit!

Just wonderful, great job and thank you for sharing, I also agree with DebraK
Have a Blessed night
Ellen

UPDATED!!!! It went much better than anticipated. She fell in love with it. She was so nervous and scared to see it. She was amazed and was so happy with it. She said it was 3 times better than she had thought. She raved on and on. The best part is that she paid me $250 for it!!!!!! Then we had a good visit and she wanted me to make a quilt for her son and several purses next year. Whew. It all worked out and many many many thanks to all of you for your kind supports, advices, and love among us. May u all have a wonderful Holidays!,,,

That is GREAT news!! I am happy for you! What a relief!

Please make sure you get your next "deal" in writing. Since she was so nervous, she might want that too.
I wasn't thinking about her side of it before, but she might want a sentence about what happens if she does not like the item. If I were doing the paying, I would want that included. That way everyone is protected.