What would you do?

I'd tell her what it would *really* cost to make a quilt

count: materials time x minimum wage electricity costs (for sewing machine/lights/iron) notions

then ask if she is prepared to pay that for her bosses gifts.

note: I usually say it's 800 euros for a king quilt and that's only for the materials - most people go silent and don't mention it again LOL

I would be upfront about the costs and include your time. I would also tell her that you don't have time nor inclination to make a spread, shams, etc having so recently made her the quilt.

I agree with the other two. I tell people that my "hug" size quilts cost over $100 in materials alone. I don't quilt on commission at all. Requests need to go to someone who is willing to do that kind of work for money.

Yes, this sounds like a good idea. I would *definitely* steer clear of the whole situation. The MIL obviously doesn't understand the time/energy/skill that goes into making even a small quilt. She'll probably feel ripped-off if you charge her *anything* like a reasonable rate for your work. And your husband may well feel caught in the middle.

Been There, Done That (can ya tell?!!!)

Erin

Gosh, I feel better. I felt like a whiney butt for even grumbling about it, but when she said she was going to put that one in the yard sale and it isn't even a year old yet, my blood pressure hit the roof!!! It was obvious she had no appreciation for my time and effort.

So far I've been making wall hangings to use as throws, they are about

68x68. I don't have a clue what to charge. I would estimate about 30??? hours to put together and stitch in the ditch and stippling and all that good stuff. And maybe $30-50 for all materials.

Sorry I can't convert euros. How much is 800 euros?

I was hoping this was a common occurence, so I thank you all for answering and so quickly, too!

As it is, I haven't even made my sister or other daughter or sister in laws one yet, and MIL wants one for complete strangers. I can't get all that done before Christmas and family comes first!!! I have no backbone is the problem.

What wuld you all charge for a log cabin quilt that size -- roughly? I was thinking $200, but that sounds like a lot. ex. 30 hours x 5.00 an hour + $50 in materials.

Debbie

Yes, I need a comeback like this. I had a complete stranger in a chat room ask me if I would send her one. I didn't even know her. First time in the chat room under the name "Quilter". Needless to say I changed that name immediately!!!

Debbie

Ohhhh, Mary, if only I had the nerve. LOL

Debbie

I'd just tell her straight: You need to take more care of things that cost $X00 in materials and take 40-50 hours to make. Then just leave it. Once you give someone something, it's theirs to do with as they will. But you don't ever need to make her anything again.

As for the boss quilts: sit down with her, pick out 3-4 patterns and cost them up in materials. Tell her: This will cost you $X00 in materials, and will take me 45 hours to make at $Z0 an hour, for a total cost of $Y000. Each! If she squawks about the costs, just agree and ask her just how much she loves those bosses! If she tells you you are being mercenary, just say: For *you*, as a present from me for you to keep, I make for love. For anyone else, and for you to give to others I don't know and love, I charge the going rate. And then let her think about it.

Well, Erin, did you make her one or steer clear? LOL.

Debbie

Great idea. I'm printing these suggestions off. LOL.

That's right Katie. I don't mind the expense or time for family if they take care of it and act like it's worth more than a faded old rag!

I am so glad I came in here to ask.

Thanks again, Debbie

$200 minimum.

then tell her you will do it when you have time but you have several quilts to make for family first. don't give a time line.

Exactly!

If you cost them up properly (DO NOT guess! Look up prices for an actual pattern!), I'm sure it will come to more.

$1,030.54

So tell her they all come first even if she CAN afford it!

$5 an hour is waaaaay too low for such skilled work. $20 would be closer to reality.

I'd insist she gave it back *now* not even offer to pay for it! but that's me. my family knows better than to ask! I made sure of that years ago and my nephews know it too so *asked* me to teach them to quilt so they could make their *own* quilts! and for that I will gladly make the time and materials available!

800 euros is heading towards 1000 dollars give or take a tenner ;-) materials are expensive here with a king sized batt costing around 100 dollars and fabric costing around 15 depending on the maker.

of course it's not as dear as what I quote but I don't want the neighbours (since they are the ones who asked LOL) thinking it will cost as much as a Chinese import one

200 dollars would be too cheap IMO - not enough to really put your MIL off ;)

I take a slightly different view of this from some of the others who have responded. I think that talking about actual costs, in this kind of situation, is more liable to create bad feeling than it is to solve the problem. For one thing, people rarely listen to such details - when they don't want to hear the answers.

I would simply say that you don't want to start making quilts for people outside the family, even for money. You could direct her to a local quilt shop who might know of someone who *does* make quilts for gain; but you could warn her that she might by surprised at how much it will cost to cover materials + time.

There is a paradox in that she is asking you to make these quilts for her bosses (and her - again) and yet she has told you she thinks it is a 'cheap idea'. She must think highly of your work at some level.

I wish you well in this awkward situation. . In message , Debbie writes

Debbie, I think you've said it just fine right here, and I'd show her this email :)

-Irene

protective of=20

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

--------------

I get that too LOL for them I up the price to 1500 (1700 dollars approx) for a small WH

though recently I have been offered to have my overgrown garden revamped in exchange for a quilt.. I might take him up on that.. LOL

Here in CA they are talking about $8.00 an hour for *minimum* wage. Quilt making is much more in the skilled labor range and I would figure anywhere from $20 - $50 per hour for that. Seriously, don't sell yourself short!

And if you are tempted to say that your work is only worth peanuts, remember that you would then also be saying that my work and every other quilter's work is only worth peanuts too