Layouts.........
I started out thinking I would have some zig zag interrupters in this quilt but it ended up looking like a bunch of caterpillars inching their way across.
I ended up using the layout that I had intended when I started sewing the triangles into squares. I had enough squares to make 14 rows so it will be 60" x 84". I like to have some simple and fast quilts like this on hand to give away. I give this type to friends and acquaintances who have no idea how much money and time is involved in making a quilt. They think I'm giving them a $50 (or less) gift and that wouldn't even cover half of the supplies for this size quilt.
14 comments:
Sadly people don't have any clue to the cost let alone the time. Materials are one thing, but there is electricity, needles, thread, let alone the time it takes to shop online or walk into a store to buy fabrics. Then all the hours to construct and finish the project.
I live in a rural community and they tell you my Grandma does it for this amount of money, so go buy it from her. I give to my family and don't agree to do for others.
You have to love your craft to be able to continue to make them. The quilt is really nice and colorful. Chris
Yes, I love this type of layout for giving too. Glad you did not use the zig zags.....so much better this way.
I agree about value.....most people have no idea. My best payment was seeing my 6 yr. old nephew grab and drag his new quilt around all day.
You are so right about how clueless nonquilters can be when it comes to the time and expense of quilts. Just scraps they think. And you like to sew them together anyway.
I do sort of like the caterpillars. One almost looks like a dinosaur. could make a fun kid quilt.
I need to make a baby quilt for my niece, Katy. Her mom, my dear sister in law, sent me a picture of Katy on the baby quilt I made her. The hand appliqued hand quilted clowns were face down on the muddy grass and little Katy has happily playing on the reverse side of the quilt. Arrgh! Needless to say, Katy's baby's quilt will be machine pieced and quilted....
Hmm...how about some "diamond" interrupters?
it is so true that most folks have no clue about how much quilt materials cost.
Love the layout. I like to make this type too for giving away. I only have a small baby quilt on hand right now for that purpose but want to get some more made this year to set aside. As soon as family leave on Wednesday morning I will be getting my Go cutter out and see how it works
Yes, and that goes for people who say "I'd pay you to make me one of those". Sure you would. If I am willing to work for 10 cents an hour and let you feel good about paying your way, that works great.... for YOU. Things aren't made much in this country any more. They are made in countries where labor is dirt cheap.
I saw a local contractor buy a great t-shirt the other day at the woodworking shop -- neat white lettering on black shirt -- the back: "Sure, I can make that -- but not for free"
Quilters need shirts like that, too.
I have gotten to the point that when I'm asked if I can "make me one", I smile and say that quilting fabric is currently running $12.00 per yard and it takes at least 6-10 yards of fabric for a twin size quilt (depending on the design). It is funny to watch them do the math in their head and quietly disappear.
I'm glad you stayed with the allover HST layout (minus the interrupters).
Recently a friend of a friend asked me if I quilted, and could I do one for her, or did I know anyone who would? She says she cannot even sew on a button, so has NO.... not even the tiniest scrap... idea of time, batting, backing, cutting,sewing or the actual quilting time. Love the second layout, you are so right about it looking like a crawly caterpillar. Happy New Year in a few days.
If you got rid of the top and bottom zigs, leaving just the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th zag, I think it works quite well. You are so correct about people not knowing the proper pricing of quilts...actually it is our own fault. My daughter insists I should start selling my quilts but I am embarrassed to ask the proper price and not find a buyer so I just fold and stack them on my shelves. I will say that when my daughter asks for a quilt to be made for one of her friends, she goes to the quilt store with me and buys the fabric, knowing that the cost of fabric is the number one expense - she is also appreciative of the amount of work it takes as well. Now if we could just educate the rest.......
So many stories on this subject. Ugh. Always love this pattern of a simple triangle quilt. I saw one on pinterest just this morning with many beautiful muted greys with the light color a mixture of whites with a tad of black. So pretty and soft.
Wanda, I love checking in with you every day. You are a great inspiration to me.
I've found that the same thing (people wanting handmade items cheap) applies in my line of work, lapidary and jewelry. They ask me how long it took me to make a cabochon and when I say, "Oh, about ten hours," they sort of pause and then say, "Then how much do you charge for your jewelry?" I just smile and say, "Well, I've kind of been wondering what I should charge. If the stone cost me $4 and took ten hours to turn into a cab, and if the beads and wire and findings came to about $12, I was thinking about $116 if I worked for minimum wage." Then they sort of gulp and change the subject. (sigh)
Yeah, just do it for the fun of it and give to friends and family who understand. Thanks again for your wonderful blog!
I've always loved the simple HST layout. I am always amazed at how some people feel the value of a quilt is so low - especially your beautiful work.
Hi, I'm new to your blog and so glad I found it! I actually like the look of the first quilt with the caterpillar squiggles. Gives it a little extra punch. And yes, I've also given quilts that are unappreciated. It happens. People don't understand. You just have to move on. When people ask me what I would charge to make them a quilt and I throw out a number like $500 I get the look like I've lost my marbles.
After I made my first quilt, a friend asked me to make her a queen size quilt for $25. I love your second quilt.
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