QUILTING AS A BUSINESS

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Comment by Cottonwood Quilter on November 18, 2009 at 9:13am

Cheri, I am with Janet, do not sell yourself short, or if you do, plan on others taking advantage of you as well. It is hard to price our art or skill so to speak, but the bottom line is if you are doing this as a job or free will. I never mind giving a discount, and for good customers it is usually 25%, but other then that, they need to realize it is a business. I don't go to a cafe or to the grocery store and expect a discount just because I was shopping there and wanted what they had to sell. Remember you have overhead to pay for.

Comment by Cheri on November 18, 2009 at 8:57am

Last night DH asked to make him a pouch for his new ski goggles. He had a pouch from an older pair, but it was too small. I cut a rectangle of fabric, folded it in half longways and stitched down the 2 sides.
I wonder how many other staff members at Northstar-at-Tahoe might want something like that.

Comment by Cheri on November 14, 2009 at 10:26am

Thanks Janet, that does help.
Any other suggestions for me out there?

Comment by Janet Espeleta on November 13, 2009 at 8:37pm

Cheri when I quilted for others first of all I had them choose a pattern from a specific list. That avoided getting in to the situation where they want the most complicated & time consuming quilt made & in 2 days. Then have some price quotes ready ahead of time and that is what you tell her it will cost per quilt. If you try to just keep track of the hrs it can drive you batty. Also, don't short change yourself on the price. If she is a good friend you can cut her some slack, but don't give your time away either. Hope this helps.

Comment by Cheri on November 13, 2009 at 11:33am

Lindy - I liked the "mean kitty" video - and I looked at a few others there that were good.

Comment by Cheri on November 13, 2009 at 11:31am

I wonder if anyone has some pricing input for something I've got coming up. A community member contacted me about making some small quilts for young sons that she has. This is a touchy one for pricing because my fabric supply will be a collection of Dads' clothing.
I did this same thing a few years ago when someone passed. The first time, it was someone that I knew, and as the project went on I felt that I should give this to the family as a gift so I said ther would be no charge. She insisted on paying me something so I told her how much I had spent on buying a pattern and she gave me that much plus a few dollars more.
Do I just keep track of how much time and calculate an hourly amount?

Comment by Lindy / UT on November 10, 2009 at 9:10am

I love the krinklie look of washed quilts too.
I lost my kitty a while ago, to honor her you must see this mean kitty song video -- its so cute.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1464172/the_mean_kitty_song/
But today is a housework day, and I better get going. Happy November to all of you

Comment by QuiltLady on November 9, 2009 at 4:01pm

I haven't personally used the product, but I did see a demo this summer with someone using it. Depending on where you want the effect, it is really simple and stunning. I would definitely suggest trying it out on something first before using it on your project.

Comment by Nancy B/OHIO on November 9, 2009 at 8:12am

Has anyone used the Texture Magic product shown on Henrietta handbags site? It looks interesting.
http://henriettashandbags.com/texture_magic_1.html

Comment by Becky Ray on November 6, 2009 at 2:41pm

I love that "crinkly" look of washed quilts. I do not prewash fabric or the batting, so I usually get that look. A lot of my wallhangings have never been washed, however, so if I were to sell them, it would probably be a good idea to wash them.
As for selling items made from a pattern, some designers don't allow it, others are willing to give permission for some sales. Best idea is to contact them to find out what their policy is.

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