Please don't TELL me to sell my quilts!

[NanaB]

I will just add this--I used to weave baskets. When things got stressful around here (three teenage daughters), my husband would say, "Honey, you need to make a basket". It was a form of therapy. I got the wise idea to start selling at the Farmer's Market. It was no longer fun or therapy. It was WORK. It was never the same. I think selling our quilts would be the same thing. We CREATE. We love fabric. It is therapy. It IS LOVE!!! I might one day have to sell quilts to buy groceries; but until I do, I will make them and love them and give them to people I love.

[Alana]

I have sold a few quilts and have had people ask me to make them one and they would pay. I don't do custom orders, I like to create my own in my own time. I hate feeling rushed and having everything examined with a microscope. If you want to buy a quilt this is what I have and this is what they cost.
As it has been said already, so many non quilters don't realize the time and effort that is put into a quilt let alone the cost. I make them because I love them and love to see what I have done when it's finished. I have a closet full and may put them up on my Etsy site later on, but they won't be cheap!!!! LOL!
Meanwhile I will just keep buying fabric and making more and more quilts......

[Winniesfriend]

It has been very interesting reading every ones comments, I would take it as a compliment if some one suggested I could sell my quilts - mind you the only one I have completely finished so far has been for my grand daughter but hopefully in the not to far distant I can get another one quilted

Enjoy your hobby do what makes you feel happy

Leonie

[Patrice]

I have been asked this many times too. My husband would love it if I sold my quilts..lol..But I have to say and I don't know your mother in law but when people tell me this its a complement on how good they think you are. I don't think she means to be mean about it. Or they have the thought of Hey you could make some money on this thats how good you are..I always tell them if I start selling them then it becomes a job and I wouldn't want to do it anymore. I want to quilt when I want to quilt. Now I may let someone pay for all the fabric but I would never just sell them because I would worry that they might see this flaw or that flaw..lol..I know how mother in laws can be but if anyone else is saying the same thing to you believe me its a complement. My husband gets the same on the furniture he makes but he would never sell it either.

[Blondie]

Sandy always has the bestest snappy answers. I would be like you. I don't make my quilties for the most part to sell and have learned after the onesie stress that I will not be doing any more commission work.

I have learned over the years of creating folk art and selling it are too different birds. Make what you like. If someone wants to buy it, give a price that you feel good about. If you want to keep it until whenever, keep it. I do think your MIL is probably at a loss because:
a.) she is motivated by money and you are not
b.) she truly doesn't understand the entire labor or love process
c.) she doesn't know how to give a complement
d.) all of the above

Blessings to you Angie.

[Jo Jo]

I am new to this forum and I have not seen your quilts. I just know they are beautiful. People are funny. Sometimes I find family does not know how to express their admiration for a talent they do not have. My family and in- laws have said some pretty cutting things to me and I find they have no other way to communicate. It doesn't take away my feelings, it just helps to accept. I think you are right with telling her how you feel. This is just my opinion.

[Cat n bull]

I know a few people that do not understand the purpose of doing things if there is no money to be earned for it.

I am certainly not that way!

I don't need to earn money to feel like I've accomplished something worthwhile.