What would you do?

My granny treasured the embroidered mat I made for her when I was five, and my mum brought it back to me after Granny died. They both knew the value and the effort that went into that little gift. Some of the best dresses I had as a kid were made by my mum. Her hand embroidery was a marvel too. They lived through the war and saw both the 'make do and mend' bite hard, and also the beauty of hand made items. My mum is still embarrassed to offer bought cake to guests!

But I DO know folk who have no idea, and think that hand made is cheap and a way of saving. I just do my best to educate them, but if they won't learn...

Wow, Erin, your post bring up all kinds of questions! Sweden from NC? "museumbitch"??? Do you work at a museum? It all sounds interesting, mysterious and exotic! KJ

I think the problem for many people is distinguishing between hobby and skill. They seem to think that if something is a "hobby" you should do it for no labour/time payment.

And I constantly find that non-quilters have no idea how much even the materials for a quilt cost.

Or - a little b*tchy I guess - tell MIL that while you are happy to help her out IF you have enough time, the quilts would be worth $### (be generous in costing and INCLUDE labour) and that you feel you should check with DH before giving away so much to someone (the bosses) you don't know. ((smirk))

LOL. Tell her that you'll 'think about it' but in the meantime, you'd like her to come to the LQS with you, to see what kinds of patterns/fabrics she might like to have you use. Then, show her the prices on the fabrics. Explain how many yards of fabric the quilt will take to complete (include the $$ for batting and backing). Then say "So if you buy the materials, then I can figure out how much time it will take me to make the quilts, and we can agree on an hourly price from there". By then, she'll be in sticker shock and hopefully will give up.

My MIL did this once. I made a quilt, largish lap size, quilted heavily with rayon and metallic threads, wool batting, etc. She told me "You should sell that, you'll probably get like $75 for it". After the coffee finished spraying out of my nose, I said to her, "the batting in the quilt cost $35, and there is about $50 worth of thread in it, and that doesn't even begin to take time or fabric cost into account. I spent about 80 hours working on this, do you think that I would sell it for $75?". She never said another word about it. LOL

OMG. That is too funny. I started my little spiel with the husband today. Told him that family comes first, which includes him, , my kids, my aunt, his aunt, my sister and my sisters-in-law. So have prepared him. Next up is the MIL. Which when she brings it up again, I will read back over these answers and tell her politely, but firmly, family first and oh BTW, this is how much this, this and this costs. Still want to pay for it?

Thx a bunch you all!!! Debbie

When the time comes, stand tall and know we are all behind you, Debbie

Thank you Maryd! I really do appreciate all the kind words of encouragement. I needed it!!!!

Debbie

Ah, a quilters work is never done :). Over the years I have only managed a few quilts to keep for myself. I quilt because I find it rewarding and relaxing. I can feel productive when I quilt. You will get use to the snowball effect someday. Of course you can always make ME a snowball quilt. :) julia

Please report back when the time does get here! I've followed this thread with interest, as I've found that people have no idea what fabric costs or how long that it takes to make even a simple quilt.

Oh my. Let me add you to my list. ;-) LOL

Debbie