Center panel....
with coordinating fabrics...over $100 already.
Still to go...undoubtedly a few more fabrics, a coordinating backing for the quilt, batting, thread....
and when finished it will be big enough to use while watching TV but not big enough for a bed.
Shall we count the hours it takes to make it?
I'm not being grouchy. I'm just pointing out that we need to respect the investment quiltmakers have in fabric, design, supplies, time, talent, skills, and creativity.
P.S.: In response to those who have asked, I've decided to post my progress on this quilt as I go along. I'd like to have it finished by the end of November. That means that instead of working on multiple projects, I'll try to focus on this one. That means if you know a family getting a handmade quilt for Christmas or a birthday, you can direct them to these posts so they will have some idea just what is involved in making such a precious, albeit often unappreciated, gift.
Also in response to those who have asked, yes, you may share a link to this post on your blog or on Facebook.
While people balk at the idea of paying $25 per hour, there are quite a few quiltmakers charging even more--and rightly so.
5 comments:
Non quilters ask me why I don't make and sell my quilts. After I explain how much fabric goes into the quilt, and the cost of the fabric (per yard) and all three layers, BEFORE I start cutting or stitching or quilting, then they start to understand. When I find a quilt at a thrift store for $2.49 (last quilt I found) I grab it, so that someone will appreciate it, since the previous owner didn't. When I used to hand quilt, I'd keep track of the hours spend just hand quilting, and tell the new owner that info. Then they would start to appreciate their new gift. If you want something cheap, then go to Walmart, and get cheap.
My answer is always this: I work for love, OR I work for $25 an hour. Nothing in between. That means that if you are not family, or a charity I support, a quilt would cost you thousands of dollars. Still interested?
May I share this post on Facebook?
I'm also asked frequently if I have anything for sale, and then, if I do, they balk at the price. If you're not a quilter, you just don't get it.
And a painter has far less invested in materials/supplies but command $$$$ and get it!!! Yet we are left to "justify" what would be an (un)reasonable price!!! WE PIECERS/QUILTERS ARE ARTISTS!!!! Part of this mentality falls upon the quilters themselves who have, in false "modesty"/self-deprecating statements, not appropriately informed/educated those around them. As you may have guessed, I feel very strongly about this subject! I am a quilt artist and, as such, will present what I create as such!!!! Now, quilters, go forth and educate!!!!!!
I crochet as well as quilt, same goes for that. I have done a few craft shows with little success. For example, I asked $4 for a hand made dish rag, the yarn cost $3. Others were selling them for a dollar. Someone asked my why I charged so much. I relpied, if I was going to give my work away, I would give to my friends and family.
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