Should I feel imposed upon or am I just being selfish?

[bakermom]

My answer generally is" this is my hobby, I do it for me. If i sew for others it becomes a job and I already have a job".

[GuitarGramma]

Another honest approach is to say, "I have six months of backlog on my own projects. Ask me again in June and we can see if I have time then. " If they are cheeky enough to ask then, make sure you have six more months of projects in your pipeline.

[Iris Girl]

I have to agree with all of the above. Its your hobby doing it just because others want something makes it work and no fun. Just say no or price out off the ball park.

[LRM]

If there is someone (like the nice lady who wants a table runner) you could give it as a gift without guilt. I like the suggestion to say, "I'm so flattered that you would ask, but I have many of my own projects right now". The last thing you want is to alienate people by being that crabby quilt lady. You could also just say, "I'm sorry, but this is my hobby not my work. If I start doing sewing for others it becomes a chore instead of a pleasure."

Good luck!

[songbird857]

Another honest approach is to say, "I have six months of backlog on my own projects. Ask me again in June and we can see if I have time then. " If they are cheeky enough to ask then, make sure you have six more months of projects in your pipeline.

I always have at least 6 months worth in the pipeline

[Claire Hallman]

When I did draperies I always had people asking me to make slipcovers. I would always tell them that I had to "love them a lot" to make them a slip cover and with a laugh say that I didn't really love them all that much.
It always drew a laugh and no more pestering about slipcovers.

[MRoy]

When you start doing other peoples projects, it becomes WORK....not fun.

My sentiments too. The woman I bought my quilting frame and machine from contacted me last week and said maybe we could "team up" to sell quilts, she would make the tops and I could quilt them. No way Jose! I told her in a nice way that this was my hobby and I have no intention of turning it into a business. (If I want to sell a quilt, I'll make it all myself!)

[kimsophia]

I can't figure out how anybody can afford this hobby. I'm starting my second quilt and the fabric has put me back over $260, plus a queen size batting...then I look at some of the lovely photo galleries of you folks or other women online and think, "How in the heck can you do this without selling them?"

[Betsy D]

Say this, with confidence: "Oh, I don't take on projects but if you are interested in some nice [table runners, lap quilts, whatever], look at etsy dot com or eBay, there are plenty of people out there making things, and many do custom work."

For people wanting mending: "No, I don't do that, but there is a seamstress in town [whom you have already looked up] who takes on such projects."

I have been asked. I just say no, I don't do that. It helps to have some sort of follow-up sentence ready to tag on, such as about other places someone can get the service.

The friend you are making the table runner for, when you give it to her, say, "Listen, I really do not take on projects, I am glad you will enjoy this but don't give my name out." Then is she asks again, send her to etsy.

[zaneyzelda]

a very wise counselor once taught me to reply " I'm sorry, I have other (previous) commitments". BUT DON'T GIVE ANY DETAILS................ so, perhaps your precious commitment was taking a nap or a bath. You sound like you know what keeps you balanced. If they persist in asking when you have said no, I think they are the rude ones !!!!!!!!!!!! but, I've used this answer for over 20 years, when someone won't take no for an answer, and it works so well, but the trick is you can't give details ............ because then they will say " you don't really need a nap or time to quilt etc etc "................... hope this helps. It has worked wonders for me and I"m a VERY honest person, but a " previous commitment" is a very vague statement , that shouldn't be questioned. Causing you to feel frustrated with this neighbor friend, might ruin the friendship in the end.................... ???????????? just a thought, Wendy B