Please don't TELL me to sell my quilts!

[a1angiem]

Ok, I debated writing this thread because I don't like to be negative. BUT...once again my m-i-law visited and when I showed her my latest quilt I got the 'you've got to DO something with these'...she is ALL about money and even though I'm sure she is being flattering in a way, I have told her I do not want to sell my quilts. Why must she say it EVERY time? (And other people do this too). It was the same about my baking...or my cards...or anything else I've done. She struck a nerve because when people say I should sell my quilts it makes me feel that they are suggesting it's a waste of time if I don't make money from them. I'm sure Ann Landers (remember her?!?!) would say they are but-in-skys and they should mtob! And I KNOW there is no way SHE (m-i-l) would pay $400+ for a quilt!!!!

I will talk to her privately next time (there was a whole room full of people at the time), as I did with my husband, to say 'please don't TELL me to sell my quilts' any more. It hurts my feelings and makes me feel like you think my creations are worthless unless they are sold. Why can't you just say they are lovely and why can't they just be for me to keep or give to my family? (btw...I haven't given her one). I'm sorry for venting but there really is no where else I can say this and maybe some of you feel the same. I'm not looking for sympathy or anything, I feel better already getting it off my chest until I can talk to her. Have a happy Saturday...I think I'll start a new quilt today! lol!!

P.S. Sandy, I bet you have a good, snappy answer!?

[madampolo]

Have you ever thought about selling your quilts???? Seriously, my pet peeve is when someone askes me to make one for them. They have no idea what time and money it takes to do one. I could never sell a quilt, but I have given a number of them away.

[Denis]

I get that too from people. I explain the whole process of the cost of fabric, batting, and machine quilting, factor in my time and ask if they'd buy one for $500-$1000-$1500 and this shuts them up for awhile. Do all painters sell their paintings? Do all sculpters sell their sculptures? etc...

[Jean Sewing Machine]

People have said that to me also, and I just say, "No, my skills aren't that good, I'm not ready yet.". You should ask your MIL how she would price one of your quilts. I'll bet she would way underestimate how much they cost to make. Then say, I'll sell you this for $400, or would you like for me to make one for you for a gift?

Quiting is a hobby. You don't just paint one picture or make one dress, you keep working on projects to perfect your skills, just like any other hobby. People just don't understand.

[bec]

I agree...I don't think I would want to sell quilts. For me it would take all the fun out of it. I just like to make them out of love and to see the faces of those I give them, too. Not that there is anything wrong with selling them. It's just a personal preference.

Angie, maybe if you made a really cool one for her, she would see how special it is to receive such a gift of love. Then maybe she would understand why you are not selling them, but giving them to loved ones.

Then if she says it again, you could just thank her for the compliment and explain that making quilts is what you like to do to show your love to friends and family.

Your quilts are lovely. I always admire the creativity and quality of your work.

[DCM]

I've made baby quilts for people at work who are becoming grandparents for the first time -- a few people have asked me if they could pay me to make one for someone in their family -- they think this sounds like a good idea until I detail how much it costs for the fabric, thread, batting, and that amount doesn't include a penny for my time -- after I explain that they change their mind. They also REALLY appreciate the quilts that I give them -- unless you quilt you have no idea of the time and money that is invested in each quilt. Maybe your mother-in-law's comments are her way of complimenting your talent and she has no idea she is making you feel bad in the process.

[MarianneK]

I would simply say, "That's a good idea" and never do it. If you agree with them, there's no argument. If you need to repeat this the next time and the next time, keep doing it. The offender will eventually 'get it.' It's your life, live it the way you want.

[Marebear]

I would say it is her way of complimenting your talent - that she thinks your quilts are "good enough" for someone to pay for. You do make marvelous quilts

[buckeyequilter]

I say do what makes you happy....you're the one making the quilts so you're the boss. I told my husband when I started this that I will not do custom quilts - for anyone. My brother saw my DH's camo quilt and he wants one, I'm going to make one for his birthday - but all he cares about is the camo - it's my choice on how I want to do it.

[Sandy Navas]

A snappy answer? Close to what Jean told you.

I would tell your MIL "I know! You have told me that several times, so I am hoping you like this one well enough to purchase it. I'm asking $750 and will take cash or a personal check."