Good morning, all

A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
Hawaii over here.

So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.

If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.

Thanks very much in advance!
Ginger in CA
where we expect temps of 85-90 today!

Take a few scraps and make a few blocks.... get an idea of how much time it
will take to make the blocks. Estimate how long to do the borders and
binding. Come up with an estimate # of hours to make the quilt. Determine
what you think your time is worth.

Add cost of batting. (assuming she will providing backing and binding
fabric -- if not calculate those).

Add those costs together and you should come up with an estimate. If the
number seems high -- show her how you calculated it. (She shouldn't expect
you to "work" for less than $5 - $7 per hour MINIMUM.

You may be surprised how quickly it adds up. If that number seems too much
.... and you like this person and really wouldn't mind doing it -- show her
this number ... but tell her because she is a friend you will discount.

Otherwise you run the risk of her "advertising" your work at rock bottom
rates... and you may not always want to work so "cheaply". This way she
knows what the quilt is really worth - and you are protected from future
requests being "low-balled" on the prices.

Does that made sense? Sound fair? At least that is how I would do it!

--
Kate in MI
http://community.webshots.com/user/K_Groves


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ginger in CA" <gaw93031@msn.com> wrote in message
news:e8e7eadd-74ee-47cb-aed9-9a5a58fc970b@q24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Good morning, all
>
> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> Hawaii over here.
>
> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much in advance!
> Ginger in CA
> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!

Decide how much you want (and deserve!) to make per hour (minimum wage or a
fair wage?). Then try to estimate how many hours it will take you to piece
the top based on your experience. Multiply the two amounts and that is your
price. You can have a low to high range to quote the customer in case it
takes you less time or more time to do the work. That way, you can maintain
your price per hour goal. Do not undersell yourself or your time!!!!!!

She may decide that the quilt in Pottery Barn looks much better to her now!
:-)

Laurie G. in CA

"Ginger in CA" <gaw93031@msn.com> wrote in message
news:e8e7eadd-74ee-47cb-aed9-9a5a58fc970b@q24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Good morning, all
>
> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> Hawaii over here.
>
> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much in advance!
> Ginger in CA
> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!

Do you really really really want to do it?
Will you have a 'deadline'?

Get 1/2 the money BEFORE you start...she's less likely to say 'I didn't
think it would cost so much' in the middle of the project leaving you with
nothing but fabric in hand.

Do you KNOW HOW HEAVY a king size quilt is to work with? I do and I wouldn't
do it again for anyone...and that isn't even doing the quilting. Did ours in
Eights and then I had HELP to do it in quarters as it was the only way 'I'
could handle it. The Pro Quilter had DS help her put it on the frame--she
was 'up in years' but with our help got it done in 3 days. Said that would
be her LAST King-size.

Just a bit more to mull over.
Sorry now that I didn't look at prices at the one place we stopped where the
lady did the entire quilt on her own...her quilts were for sale....since I
was looking 'for' fabric she gave us a map and sent us on our way.

Butterfly (Glad I don't have to do another)


"Ginger in CA" <gaw93031@msn.com> wrote in message
news:e8e7eadd-74ee-47cb-aed9-9a5a58fc970b@q24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Good morning, all
>
> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> Hawaii over here.
>
> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much in advance!
> Ginger in CA
> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!

Thanks to all for the answers. Need to factor in the cost of someone
else doing the machine quilting on it. I know for a twin sized wicked
easy that I did in January, cutting the fabric took 4.5 hours, piecing
the top took 6 hours. The pinning and tieing, binding [final sew down
by hand turned to the back] etc took another 10 hours. I'll check
locally for a machine quilter.

Years ago I did a king sized Trip Around the World, that was tied. I
recall the huffing and puffing to lay it out and did it all myself. At
that time I did not use rotary cutters so each square was cut by hand.
Oh, heavens!

Ginger in CA
wind is coming up, as are the allergens.cough, cough

On Apr 12, 9:44=A0am, "Butterflywings" <Butterfly_dash_wi...@cox.net>
wrote:
> Do you really really really want to do it?
> Will you have a 'deadline'?
>
> Get 1/2 the money BEFORE you start...she's less likely to say 'I didn't
> think it would cost so much' in the middle of the project leaving you with=

> nothing but fabric in hand.
>
> Do you KNOW HOW HEAVY a king size quilt is to work with? I do and I wouldn=
't
> do it again for anyone...and that isn't even doing the quilting. Did ours =
in
> Eights and then I had HELP to do it in quarters as it was the only way 'I'=

> could handle it. The Pro Quilter had DS help her put it on the frame--she
> was 'up in years' but with our help got it done in 3 days. Said that would=

> be her LAST King-size.
>
> Just a bit more to mull over.
> Sorry now that I didn't look at prices at the one place we stopped where t=
he
> lady did the entire quilt on her own...her quilts were for sale....since I=

> was looking 'for' fabric she gave us a map and sent us on our way.
>
> Butterfly (Glad I don't have to do another)
>
> "Ginger in CA" <gaw93...@msn.com> wrote in messagenews:e8e7eadd-74ee-47cb-=
aed9-9a5a58fc970b@q24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > Good morning, all
>
> > A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> > position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> > provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> > is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> > road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> > is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> > don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> > Hawaii over here.
>
> > So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> > If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> > figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>
> > Thanks very much in advance!
> > Ginger in CA
> > where we expect temps of 85-90 today!- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Ginger, about ten years ago I ended up (somehow!!!) making about 10 queen to
king Log Cabin tops for various people and to donate to charitable raffles.
I got to where I could pull the fabrics, cut (using 2 in. cut strips to save
time since they were mostly 'donated') and assemble the queen/king top in 14
hrs. of non-stop hard work- working straight thru. I *know* I couldn't do
that now! (Yes, Polly, that's when I did "The Famous 118 Blocks Sewn With
No Bobbin Thread"!) Your king-sized will be considerably larger (queen @
less than 8'X8'= 64 sq. ft. vs. king @ more than 9'X9'= 81 sq. ft.) Giving
yourself 20 hours and a wage of $7 an hour would be $140- and I think you
would be VERY generous to price it that low!

Just a few thoughts to toss around... it's really going to depend on how
much free time you have, how much you would love to make this top (and how
much you'd enjoy working with her fabric choices) and how much you like the
person requesting it.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.- with a cold snap and freeze warning tonight!

"Ginger in CA" <gaw93031@msn.com> wrote in message
news:e8e7eadd-74ee-47cb-aed9-9a5a58fc970b@q24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Good morning, all
>
> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> Hawaii over here.
>
> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much in advance!
> Ginger in CA
> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!

A twin mattress is about half the size of a king, so double those
numbers (except for pinning and tying) and multiply by what you think is
a reasonable hourly wage. I realize that a twin quilt is less than half
the size of a king, but you need to allow for the extra time and effort
in handling the king size. Add the cost of the batting and the cost of
the machine quilting. As someone else said, she'll probably decide the
Pottery Barn quilt looks like a pretty good deal.

Julia in MN

Ginger in CA wrote:
> Thanks to all for the answers. Need to factor in the cost of someone
> else doing the machine quilting on it. I know for a twin sized wicked
> easy that I did in January, cutting the fabric took 4.5 hours, piecing
> the top took 6 hours. The pinning and tieing, binding [final sew down
> by hand turned to the back] etc took another 10 hours. I'll check
> locally for a machine quilter.
>
> Years ago I did a king sized Trip Around the World, that was tied. I
> recall the huffing and puffing to lay it out and did it all myself. At
> that time I did not use rotary cutters so each square was cut by hand.
> Oh, heavens!
>
> Ginger in CA
> wind is coming up, as are the allergens.cough, cough
>
> On Apr 12, 9:44 am, "Butterflywings" <Butterfly_dash_wi...@cox.net>
> wrote:
>> Do you really really really want to do it?
>> Will you have a 'deadline'?
>>
>> Get 1/2 the money BEFORE you start...she's less likely to say 'I didn't
>> think it would cost so much' in the middle of the project leaving you with
>> nothing but fabric in hand.
>>
>> Do you KNOW HOW HEAVY a king size quilt is to work with? I do and I wouldn't
>> do it again for anyone...and that isn't even doing the quilting. Did ours in
>> Eights and then I had HELP to do it in quarters as it was the only way 'I'
>> could handle it. The Pro Quilter had DS help her put it on the frame--she
>> was 'up in years' but with our help got it done in 3 days. Said that would
>> be her LAST King-size.
>>
>> Just a bit more to mull over.
>> Sorry now that I didn't look at prices at the one place we stopped where the
>> lady did the entire quilt on her own...her quilts were for sale....since I
>> was looking 'for' fabric she gave us a map and sent us on our way.
>>
>> Butterfly (Glad I don't have to do another)
>>
>> "Ginger in CA" <gaw93...@msn.com> wrote in messagenews:e8e7eadd-74ee-47cb-aed9-9a5a58fc970b@q24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>>
>>
>>
>>> Good morning, all
>>> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
>>> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
>>> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
>>> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
>>> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
>>> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
>>> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
>>> Hawaii over here.
>>> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>>> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
>>> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>>> Thanks very much in advance!
>>> Ginger in CA
>>> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!- Hide quoted text -
>> - Show quoted text -
>

--
-----------
This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus
<http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/>
-----------

Just to add a thought.......I wouldn't do this quilt for less than $10.00
per hour.......and probably would quote between $12.00 and $15.00. It isn't
worth my time to do it for anything less.....

Laurie G. in CA

"Leslie & The Furbabies in MO." <quilteacher@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:66c8ejF2hrfc5U1@mid.individual.net...
> Ginger, about ten years ago I ended up (somehow!!!) making about 10 queen
> to king Log Cabin tops for various people and to donate to charitable
> raffles. I got to where I could pull the fabrics, cut (using 2 in. cut
> strips to save time since they were mostly 'donated') and assemble the
> queen/king top in 14 hrs. of non-stop hard work- working straight thru. I
> *know* I couldn't do that now! (Yes, Polly, that's when I did "The
> Famous 118 Blocks Sewn With No Bobbin Thread"!) Your king-sized will be
> considerably larger (queen @ less than 8'X8'= 64 sq. ft. vs. king @ more
> than 9'X9'= 81 sq. ft.) Giving yourself 20 hours and a wage of $7 an hour
> would be $140- and I think you would be VERY generous to price it that
> low!
>
> Just a few thoughts to toss around... it's really going to depend on how
> much free time you have, how much you would love to make this top (and how
> much you'd enjoy working with her fabric choices) and how much you like
> the person requesting it.
>
> Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.- with a cold snap and freeze warning
> tonight!
>
> "Ginger in CA" <gaw93031@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:e8e7eadd-74ee-47cb-aed9-9a5a58fc970b@q24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>> Good morning, all
>>
>> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
>> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
>> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
>> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
>> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
>> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
>> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
>> Hawaii over here.
>>
>> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>>
>> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
>> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks very much in advance!
>> Ginger in CA
>> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!
>

Ginger in CA wrote:
> Good morning, all
>
> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> Hawaii over here.
>
> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.


How much money do you make at your regular job? Charge at least that.
There's also thread, batting, back, and wear and tear on your sewing
machine.


Do we know why she isn't just buying it at Pottery Barn? She may be
surprised to learn that you're not competing with workers in China and
that she's not Walmart with bargaining power to make you come down on
your price.


--Lia

The Pottery Barn quilt wasn't Hawaiian fabrics. That's what she wants.

To add in regarding other posts. I like Terri, like I said she is a
former supervisor. At the same time I will not sell myself short. Hmmm
my pay at work is $23/hr. I think once she approves the pattern - I
will show her all three, she would want to do the final audition of
block placement. I got the name of a local long arm quilter and will
have to contact her about pricing.

Back in 1995 I had a lady contact me to do a baby's room. We met and I
explained the fabrics, her design, etc. We went to a local fabric
store and I pulled fabrics for her to consider. She was excited. Then
I told her the pricing, which was more than [actually waaaay more
than] the $29.95 she thought was reasonable to pay. This would have
been for a custom wall-hanging, bumper cover, crib coverlet, and
curtains. She felt I was "trying to take advantage of her" since "my
husband is a pro soccer player". Uh-huh, right.

Gathering more tips and suggestions, thanks!

Ginger
wind is definitely up, so is my coughing

>
> How much money do you make at your regular job? =A0Charge at least that.
> There's also thread, batting, back, and wear and tear on your sewing
> machine.
>
> Do we know why she isn't just buying it at Pottery Barn? =A0She may be
> surprised to learn that you're not competing with workers in China and
> that she's not Walmart with bargaining power to make you come down on
> your price.
>
> --Lia- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

So -- her daughter will bring the fabric? Do you have a really solid
faith that it will be the fiber content, "hand", weight, and amount
that you will need plus some extra? Personally, unless the daughter
is an experienced quilter, I wouldn't trust that fabric purchase for a
minute! If the daughter is experienced with quilting, why isn't she
doing the quilt for her mother?

Personally, I wouldn't do it, no matter what price you negotiate! I
would, however, offer to help the mother do it herself -- point her
toward some classes, and then sit down with her.

(People often ask me to knit for them, which I refuse, although I
offer to help them learn so they can knit their own sweaters, afghans,
etc. Once when I was really pushed, I told the guy to start adding it
up -- $50 for decent but not spectacular yarn, $15 for decent but not
great buttons, and double the minimum wage per hour multiplied by 45
hours, which is the average time for me to design and knit a sweater.
He about died!)

On Apr 12, 12:19=A0pm, Ginger in CA <gaw93...@msn.com> wrote:
> Good morning, all
>
> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> Hawaii over here.
>
> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much in advance!
> Ginger in CA
> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!

I used to get this kind of query from people all the time. They see
something in a store and think that because I do woodworking, I can do
it cheaper. When they saw the price I quoted them they quickly beat a
hasty retreat. I would think it is better to give a fair to yourself
price quote with the knowledge that if they think your time is not
worth that much then they probably are not somebody with your best
interest in mind. It used to make me so damn mad to hear them say
"Gee, you are doing this in your basement and should be cheaper". They
fail to realize that those things that are for sale in Pottery Barn,
or other venues, are likely produced in runs of 1000 units in an off
shore sweatshop with little regard for hand craftsmanship. Don't sell
yourself short just to get a commission. Now if you want to do it as a
gift, then that is another matter. Money is not the object. My 2
Cents.

John

Howdy!

Taking all that into account, a custom, original, one-of-a-kind,
made-to-order, personal quilt, king-size, Finished: $750, minimum.

R/Sandy-- "know what you're worth so others will, too" <g>


On 4/12/08 1:57 PM, in article
12771d19-c918-421a-b449-f865bdc7b9e5@v26g2000prm.googlegroups.com, "Ginger
in CA" <gaw93031@msn.com> wrote:

> The Pottery Barn quilt wasn't Hawaiian fabrics. That's what she wants.
>
> To add in regarding other posts. I like Terri, like I said she is a
> former supervisor. At the same time I will not sell myself short. Hmmm
> my pay at work is $23/hr. I think once she approves the pattern - I
> will show her all three, she would want to do the final audition of
> block placement. I got the name of a local long arm quilter and will
> have to contact her about pricing.
>
> Back in 1995 I had a lady contact me to do a baby's room. We met and I
> explained the fabrics, her design, etc. We went to a local fabric
> store and I pulled fabrics for her to consider. She was excited. Then
> I told her the pricing, which was more than [actually waaaay more
> than] the $29.95 she thought was reasonable to pay. This would have
> been for a custom wall-hanging, bumper cover, crib coverlet, and
> curtains. She felt I was "trying to take advantage of her" since "my
> husband is a pro soccer player". Uh-huh, right.
>
> Gathering more tips and suggestions, thanks!
>
> Ginger
> wind is definitely up, so is my coughing
>
>>
>> How much money do you make at your regular job? ?Charge at least that.
>> There's also thread, batting, back, and wear and tear on your sewing
>> machine.
>>
>> Do we know why she isn't just buying it at Pottery Barn? ?She may be
>> surprised to learn that you're not competing with workers in China and
>> that she's not Walmart with bargaining power to make you come down on
>> your price.
>>
>> --Lia- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>

About 20 years ago there was a little shop close by who ONLY make custom
baby quilts that were one of a kind. A crib quilt sold for $75, way back
then! These were machine outline quilted around a baby type design. She
also made matching curtains and other baby things.
Barbara in SC

I concur with John ! You might end up charging too little
because you feel that you don't want to be overcharging !
Try to talk her into buying it at Pottery Barn . Mary



"John" <fixedgearhead@columbus.rr.com> wrote in message
news:e3ffae44-c8af-40a7-b2fe-ecdb45dceffc@8g2000hsu.googlegroups.com...
On Apr 12, 12:19 pm, Ginger in CA <gaw93...@msn.com> wrote:
> Good morning, all
>
> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> Hawaii over here.
>
> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much in advance!
> Ginger in CA
> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!

I used to get this kind of query from people all the time. They see
something in a store and think that because I do woodworking, I can do
it cheaper. When they saw the price I quoted them they quickly beat a
hasty retreat. I would think it is better to give a fair to yourself
price quote with the knowledge that if they think your time is not
worth that much then they probably are not somebody with your best
interest in mind. It used to make me so damn mad to hear them say
"Gee, you are doing this in your basement and should be cheaper". They
fail to realize that those things that are for sale in Pottery Barn,
or other venues, are likely produced in runs of 1000 units in an off
shore sweatshop with little regard for hand craftsmanship. Don't sell
yourself short just to get a commission. Now if you want to do it as a
gift, then that is another matter. Money is not the object. My 2
Cents.

John

I've read most of the replies. I have to say most folks are not aware
of the work that goes into hand crafted items but not everyone is a
skinflint. Some folks do know the work and are willing to pay to
get a well made, custom item. Sometimes it is nice to put something
together for someone that will appreciate and pay for it. Yep, it is
the exception but it happens once in awhile. I haven't done much sewing
of any kind for payment in a lot of years. It become work when I got
paid. Just be sure you cover yourself from getting had and don't
hesitate to get what your time for this is worth to you.

It is pretty nice over here in the high desert today too. I can't
believe how pretty it has been out. The lady banks roses look like
a million bucks they are blooming so heavy!
Taria

Ginger in CA wrote:

> Good morning, all
>
> A former supervisor of mine at work [she has promoted to another
> position now] is asking me about making her a king size quilt. She
> provided me a picture of a quilt she saw in Pottery Barn catalog that
> is the style she wants. It is basically rail fence, or yellow brick
> road or wicked easy type pattern: straight cuts, scrappy. The quilting
> is simple cross hatch, which I would have to have someone else do [I
> don't do machine quilting]. Her daughter will bring the fabric from
> Hawaii over here.
>
> So, now she is asking me for a price on doing this for her.
>
> If you have some hints/tips/guidelines to point me towards how to
> figure to charge her, it would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much in advance!
> Ginger in CA
> where we expect temps of 85-90 today!

Oh, I have [at this point in my life!] no problem charging what I am
worth for my time, and experience. In 2000 a one of a kind wall-
hanging I did of a stained-glass style horse's head with beading was
appraised at $2250. It was 36x48.

Yes, the mindset of those who look at mass-produced goods and figure
it is simple/cheaper to produce locally really have no idea.

Neither one of them sew, or are craft oriented. I would have to stress
the fabric is to be 100% cotton, and give her how much to buy based on
how many fabrics she is interested in.

Ginger in CA
very pleased to see all these responses!
oh, it is 95 degrees right now

On Apr 12, 1:44=A0pm, "MB" <redsandr...@yahoo.net> wrote:
> I concur =A0with John ! =A0You might end up charging too little
> because you feel that you don't want to be overcharging !
> Try to talk her into buying it at Pottery Barn . =A0Mary
>
> "John" <fixedgearh...@columbus.rr.com> wrote in message
>
> I used to get this kind of query from people all the time. They see
> something in a store and think that because I do woodworking, I can do
> it cheaper. When they saw the price I quoted them they quickly beat a
> hasty retreat. I would think it is better to give a fair to yourself
> price quote with the knowledge that if they think your time is not
> worth that much then they probably are not somebody with your best
> interest in mind. It used to make me so damn mad to hear them say
> "Gee, you are doing this in your basement and should be cheaper". They
> fail to realize that those things that are for sale in Pottery Barn,
> or other venues, are likely produced in runs of 1000 units in an off
> shore sweatshop with little regard for hand craftsmanship. Don't sell
> yourself short just to get a commission. Now if you want to do it as a
> gift, then that is another matter. Money is not the object. My 2
> Cents.
>
> John- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

;))
Sandy I have done a bit of figuring today, and have questions to ask
her that may make her reconsider. All said and done, the $750.00 is
defintely not out of line. Tomorrow I will pose the questions, and
slide into the pricing by asking if she has thought about how much
time this would take, the prep etc.

King size mattress is 76x80. How much drop do you want? 108" backing
will run about $20 [need 3.5 to 4yds] per yard from Christian Lane
Quilters. Good W&N batting about $75 I think. Waiting for a phone call
back on the machine quilting.....Yep, she may decide to go with a
commercial product instead.

Ginger in CA
nope, not ever going to undersell myself again.

On Apr 12, 12:26=A0pm, Sandy Ellison <el...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Howdy!
>
> Taking all that into account, a custom, original, one-of-a-kind,
> made-to-order, personal quilt, king-size, Finished: $750, minimum.
>
> R/Sandy-- "know what you're worth so others will, too" <g>
>
> On 4/12/08 1:57 PM, in article
> 12771d19-c918-421a-b449-f865bdc7b...@v26g2000prm.googlegroups.com, "Ginger=

>
>
>
> in CA" <gaw93...@msn.com> wrote:
> > The Pottery Barn quilt wasn't Hawaiian fabrics. That's what she wants.
>
> > To add in regarding other posts. I like Terri, like I said she is a
> > former supervisor. At the same time I will not sell myself short. Hmmm
> > my pay at work is $23/hr. I think once she approves the pattern - I
> > will show her all three, she would want to do the final audition of
> > block placement. I got the name of a local long arm quilter and will
> > have to contact her about pricing.
>
> > Back in 1995 I had a lady contact me to do a baby's room. We met and I
> > explained the fabrics, her design, etc. We went to a local fabric
> > store and I pulled fabrics for her to consider. She was excited. Then
> > I told her the pricing, which was more than [actually waaaay more
> > than] the $29.95 she thought was reasonable to pay. This would have
> > been for a custom wall-hanging, bumper cover, crib coverlet, and
> > curtains. =A0She felt I was "trying to take advantage of her" since "my
> > husband is a pro soccer player". Uh-huh, right.
>
> > Gathering more tips and suggestions, thanks!
>
> > Ginger
> > wind is definitely up, so is my coughing
>
> >> How much money do you make at your regular job? =A0Charge at least that=
..
> >> There's also thread, batting, back, and wear and tear on your sewing
> >> machine.
>
> >> Do we know why she isn't just buying it at Pottery Barn? =A0She may be
> >> surprised to learn that you're not competing with workers in China and
> >> that she's not Walmart with bargaining power to make you come down on
> >> your price.
>
> >> --Lia- Hide quoted text -
>
> >> - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Ginger- I am a long arm quilter and based on the measurements you mentioned
plus the drop - 100x104 - for an all over medium spaced freehand design, I
would charge approx. $240.00 plus a minimal thread charge. Not an
unreasonable amount......although I'm sure in other areas the cost could be
less. I am in CA, as are you.

Have a chair handy when you discuss all the costs involved with making your
friend a quilt from scratch. She may need to sit down.....
~~~~~~~
Laurie G. in CA
http://www.finishingtouchesquilts.com
http://community.webshots.com/user/lagrant7
~~~~~~~



"Ginger in CA" <gaw93031@msn.com> wrote in message
news:3554289d-6f22-452e-9227-962ceb6b0774@l28g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
;))
Sandy I have done a bit of figuring today, and have questions to ask
her that may make her reconsider. All said and done, the $750.00 is
defintely not out of line. Tomorrow I will pose the questions, and
slide into the pricing by asking if she has thought about how much
time this would take, the prep etc.

King size mattress is 76x80. How much drop do you want? 108" backing
will run about $20 [need 3.5 to 4yds] per yard from Christian Lane
Quilters. Good W&N batting about $75 I think. Waiting for a phone call
back on the machine quilting.....Yep, she may decide to go with a
commercial product instead.

Ginger in CA
nope, not ever going to undersell myself again.

On Apr 12, 12:26 pm, Sandy Ellison <el...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Howdy!
>
> Taking all that into account, a custom, original, one-of-a-kind,
> made-to-order, personal quilt, king-size, Finished: $750, minimum.
>
> R/Sandy-- "know what you're worth so others will, too" <g>
>
> On 4/12/08 1:57 PM, in article
> 12771d19-c918-421a-b449-f865bdc7b...@v26g2000prm.googlegroups.com, "Ginger
>
>
>
> in CA" <gaw93...@msn.com> wrote:
> > The Pottery Barn quilt wasn't Hawaiian fabrics. That's what she wants.
>
> > To add in regarding other posts. I like Terri, like I said she is a
> > former supervisor. At the same time I will not sell myself short. Hmmm
> > my pay at work is $23/hr. I think once she approves the pattern - I
> > will show her all three, she would want to do the final audition of
> > block placement. I got the name of a local long arm quilter and will
> > have to contact her about pricing.
>
> > Back in 1995 I had a lady contact me to do a baby's room. We met and I
> > explained the fabrics, her design, etc. We went to a local fabric
> > store and I pulled fabrics for her to consider. She was excited. Then
> > I told her the pricing, which was more than [actually waaaay more
> > than] the $29.95 she thought was reasonable to pay. This would have
> > been for a custom wall-hanging, bumper cover, crib coverlet, and
> > curtains. She felt I was "trying to take advantage of her" since "my
> > husband is a pro soccer player". Uh-huh, right.
>
> > Gathering more tips and suggestions, thanks!
>
> > Ginger
> > wind is definitely up, so is my coughing
>
> >> How much money do you make at your regular job? Charge at least that.
> >> There's also thread, batting, back, and wear and tear on your sewing
> >> machine.
>
> >> Do we know why she isn't just buying it at Pottery Barn? She may be
> >> surprised to learn that you're not competing with workers in China and
> >> that she's not Walmart with bargaining power to make you come down on
> >> your price.
>
> >> --Lia- Hide quoted text -
>
> >> - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Thanks Laurie! There are not many long arm quilters around here, and
they usually have a waiting list.

Yep, you're right, she'll need a chair.

Ginger in CA
where it has been over 90 again today here on the coast.

On Apr 13, 7:20=A0pm, "Laurie G. in CA" <lgrnt...@pacbell.net> wrote:
> Ginger- I am a long arm quilter and based on the measurements you mentione=
d
> plus the drop - 100x104 - for an all over medium spaced freehand design, I=

> would charge approx. $240.00 plus a minimal thread charge. Not an
> unreasonable amount......although I'm sure in other areas the cost could b=
e
> less. I am in CA, as are you.
>
> Have a chair handy when you discuss all the costs involved with making you=
r
> friend a quilt from scratch. She may need to sit down.....
> ~~~~~~~
> Laurie G. in CAhttp://www.finishingtouchesquilts.comhttp://community.websh=
ots.com/user/lagrant7