What would you do?

Debbie · 2006-08-22T20:05:06+00:00

Hi all,Just thought I'd get some opinions on a problem that has come up.When people find out you make quilts they all want one. Problem is, I don't mind making relatives one for free, but my MIL has asked me to make her bosses one each (she has two bosses) for Christmas. She says she will pay me for it. If I charged by the time and effort I put into it, she couldn't pay me for it. I know she's thinking $20-50.Another thing that has irked me is that I made my MIL one in January and she informed me (the same day she asked me to make her bosses one and to make her a bedspread and matching shams for her bed) that she is going to put the one I made for her in January in a yard sale. I said, "Don't sell it in a yard sale, I'll buy it back." And she said, "Well, it's faded." !!!!!!!!!!!!!How do I get across to her that this stuff takes a lot of time??? She told me that making quilts for people at Christmas was a *cheap* way to give presents, too. I don't think she is trying to be mean, but she has no idea the time and effort that goes into this stuff. Hubby has somewhat of an idea of how much time and effort I put into it, but he is real protective of his mother, so I have to approach this delicately. LOLThanks for any help and advice you can give me.Debbie

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Kate Dicey 20 years ago

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...

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KJ 20 years ago

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

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Cats 20 years ago

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.

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Cats 20 years ago

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))

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Tracey 20 years ago

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

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Debbie 20 years ago

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

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maryd 20 years ago

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

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Debbie 20 years ago

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

Debbie

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julia sidebottom 20 years ago

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

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Donna in Idaho 20 years ago

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.

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