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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: liz's creations
Date: 09-21-2006, 10:20 AM (1 of 25)
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I Recently Hemmed 10pairs Of Pants For A Friend. But She Didn't Pay Me Or Asked How Much. She Just Assumed I Wouldn't Charge Her. I Previously Made Some Curtains For Her And She Din't Pay Either. I'm A Little Upset About This Because When She Asked Me If I Would Hem A Pair Of Pants She Never Told Me It Was 10 Of Them.i Wasn't Home When She Came To Pick Them Up So I Haven't Seen Or Talk To Her Since Then Should I Say Something Or Let It Go ?
Pledge of Allegiance: I promise never again to do any free work.Unless my mother or father are involve.
Some of the items I have done:http://lizscreation.shutterfly.com/a...8Abt2jhq1atmIm |
User: liz's creations
Member since: 09-20-2006 Total posts: 12 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-21-2006, 11:18 AM (2 of 25)
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If you would like to be paid, you have to state that. Ten pr. of pants is a lot of hemming. If you didn't mention it when you took in the pants, its really unfair to ask for payment now. The next time the subject of sewing comes up, stay calm and don't get mad, just let her know nicely that you feel that you deserve payment for your work.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: SheliaHC
Date: 09-21-2006, 11:30 AM (3 of 25)
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I agree with Mary, I don't think you can go back and ask for the money now. My daughter had a similar problem. She is a cosmetologist and she had a large number of friends and even some family members that expected free hair cuts and even color and perms. She solved her problem by writing a letter and mailing it to everyone letting them know that she could not afford to give away these services because this is her job. Maybe something like that would work. Good luck. Shelia |
User: SheliaHC
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 95 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 09-21-2006, 01:46 PM (4 of 25)
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I agree that you can't ask for payment after the fact, but I do think you need to say something to her. Figure out what you would have charged for the work you did and let her know what your services are worth. Then tell her that from here on out if she wants any sewing done she will have to pay. You might also consider trading services if she doesn't have a lot of money. Is there something she is good at that you don't particularly like to do?
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: liz's creations
Date: 09-21-2006, 01:59 PM (5 of 25)
Yeah I do understand that it is too late now. You mention trading services I do this with another one of my friends she sells candles and we work it out that way.This particular friend though doesn't do much I once told her that in exchange she can invite me over for dinner I'm still waiting !!!!!!
Pledge of Allegiance: I promise never again to do any free work.Unless my mother or father are involve.
Some of the items I have done:http://lizscreation.shutterfly.com/a...8Abt2jhq1atmIm |
User: liz's creations
Member since: 09-20-2006 Total posts: 12 |
From: SheliaHC
Date: 09-21-2006, 02:07 PM (6 of 25)
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Sounds like you are going to have to be blunt with her. Maybe give her a price list the next time she asks you to do something. Shelia |
User: SheliaHC
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 95 |
From: liz's creations
Date: 09-21-2006, 02:07 PM (7 of 25)
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By the way Gina i looked at your pictures awsome!!. Can you tell me where can i find instructions for a crayola quilt i have four kids this would be a great family project. Thank you Pledge of Allegiance: I promise never again to do any free work.Unless my mother or father are involve.
Some of the items I have done:http://lizscreation.shutterfly.com/a...8Abt2jhq1atmIm |
User: liz's creations
Member since: 09-20-2006 Total posts: 12 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 09-21-2006, 02:31 PM (8 of 25)
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Try this link. Crayola Quilt (http://www.sew-whats-new.com/quilting/crayon/index.shtml) It was part of the old SWN site I don't know for sure if Mary is gonna add it to the new one or not. So I suggest you print out all the pages just in case it dissapears. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Patty22
Date: 09-21-2006, 02:35 PM (9 of 25)
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Liz....doesn't sound like this is a friend and I don't think you have DOORMAT written on your forehead, so...... Do yourself a favor and the next time this individual dumps off her sewing you very politely tell her what your hourly rate will be and say that you want a deposit in advance. If she asks why, explain how she overstepped the bounds of friendship and doesn't understand how to reciprocate (still waiting for dinner). If she can go buy ten pairs of pants she must have some cash to pay YOU! Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: liz's creations
Date: 09-21-2006, 02:44 PM (10 of 25)
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thank you i saved it to my computer
Pledge of Allegiance: I promise never again to do any free work.Unless my mother or father are involve.
Some of the items I have done:http://lizscreation.shutterfly.com/a...8Abt2jhq1atmIm |
User: liz's creations
Member since: 09-20-2006 Total posts: 12 |
From: lsoutherla
Date: 09-21-2006, 03:05 PM (11 of 25)
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hello everyone, I'm new to this board, but have read you for a while. I miss having sewing friends to talk to. Anyway, what I've done in a situation like this is create a short price sheet listing what you charge for your services. Instead of handing it to someone - this can create an uncomfortable situation and you're not really sure what to say next - mail it to her with a brief post it note attached. Say something like "wanted you to have this if you need my services in the future". In fact, list a friends discount of 10% or something on your price sheet. If she asks you about it just tell her you can tell her you want to make sure you charge everyone a fair rate, and this is the truth. Don't under value your work either. If you're not sure what to charge, call several alteration shops, dry cleaners, etc. that do this and price your self inline with them. Hope this helps. |
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 72 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-21-2006, 11:27 PM (12 of 25)
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Me...I'm not the subtle type...I'd just say NO and say why. ( I don't have the word doormat on my head either....). I'd just flat out tell her to pay up or get out. You've done WAY more than you should have. Kath (one of my neighbors tried to be sneaky when she found out I made quilts and had embroidery machines. First it was, how to make a quilt out of prom dresses. I had NO idea.. Then it was I WANT you to make a quilt out of t-shirts I've been saving. I said no. Then it was, she came to the door with money in one hand and 2 beach towels in the other, I want you to embroider my girls names on these towels, I'll pay you. I said NO, I'm too busy to do anything for you. She's been mad at me ever since, 4 yrs is a long time to hold a grudge for saying 'I want you' to a neighbor, especially one you don't see only when they want something.... She had decided that because I made a quilt for the girl across the street, as a HS Grad gift, that SHE was intitiled to 'use' me too...nope...nada, no way jose...) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-22-2006, 09:52 AM (13 of 25)
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lsoutherla, hi and welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Patty22
Date: 09-22-2006, 12:07 PM (14 of 25)
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Kath......I WANT you to make me a quilt out of my old prom dress and it would be nice if you would add a little embroidery to it also.............. Bwhahahahahahaha......... too funny........ but I thought I would try.................. 
Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Magot
Date: 09-22-2006, 02:51 PM (15 of 25)
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HA! She'd do it if I asked.... She LIKES me!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-23-2006, 12:01 AM (16 of 25)
How long DO old prom dresses last ??? I thought they left home after a certain time...(ya know...last trip and all that to the big prom in the sky...)
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: moon
Date: 09-23-2006, 01:07 AM (17 of 25)
| I have a prom dress thats been hanging around here since 1999.I think it could be long term!LOL |
User: moon
Member since: 07-10-2006 Total posts: 16 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 09-23-2006, 01:46 PM (18 of 25)
my mother still has my old prom dress (1986!!) I told her to donate or burn it but she won't
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Patty22
Date: 09-23-2006, 02:42 PM (19 of 25)
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Hey Kath......are you trying to politely tell me that my dress by now is a bit to raggy and moth eathen? Bwhahahahha......
Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-23-2006, 10:11 PM (20 of 25)
LMAO !!! well now that YOU mention it.... see my prom dress went to good use. I gave it to my sister (little sister, 4'9") who cut about a foot off the bottom so she could wear it in a play where she needed a 'formal'...(ball scene from ' The Sound Of Music'). Since this was all back in the 70's....well the dress would have been shreds by now anyway...
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 09-24-2006, 11:58 AM (21 of 25)
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Oh, my, having "friends" who think you can and will do just anything for them and NOT charge them can be a real pain in the neck, can't they? Make a couple of rules -- no work unless you get PAID for it! Period. Next time someone asks you to hem ten pairs of pants, tell her that it is $XX and up per pair. See how fasts she runs! gigglegigglegiggle The other "rule" might be that you sew for free ONLY for people who gave birth to you, who you gave birth to or that you married. This approach works in my family! So sorry that you lost that money on those ten pairs of pants, but, as everyone seems to agree, now is way too late to ask for your money. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: Patty22
Date: 09-24-2006, 03:56 PM (22 of 25)
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Liz, I have a prom dress that I want made into a quilt with some embroidery on it. When can I drop it off to you? Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 09-24-2006, 04:09 PM (23 of 25)
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You gave away your sewing service the first time. Why weren't you "prepared" to have a price for the second time? If someone dumped ten pairs of pants or whatever on me and ...BEFORE I would had done the work, I would have let them know that I charge for the service and what that charge is. Her expectatations were for "free" and you did not tell her otherwise. We have get over "offending" those who offend us! Good luck in the future...it really is not that difficult to ask for compensation for your time and services. sand |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: liz's creations
Date: 09-25-2006, 11:14 AM (24 of 25)
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Yeah Yeah Yeah I Know I Learned My Lesson Girls No More Free Service Is As You Said Only To Those Who Gave Birth To Me And So On So Forth. Thank You For All You Insight
Pledge of Allegiance: I promise never again to do any free work.Unless my mother or father are involve.
Some of the items I have done:http://lizscreation.shutterfly.com/a...8Abt2jhq1atmIm |
User: liz's creations
Member since: 09-20-2006 Total posts: 12 |
From: Patty22
Date: 09-25-2006, 11:37 AM (25 of 25)
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YOU PASSED LIZ.... I think you should sew for yourself and have fun talking to us on the forum about it! ps. No, I really don't have an old prom dress hanging around since...................1971. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
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