When I make quilts for friends, I usually charge enough to cover material and extra for sundries like thread and rotary blade (usually about $20). I quilt because I enjoy it, so for friends, that is enough.

I agree with Theresa, ask her to make a charitable donation.

Here is a flip side of your story. A co worker asked me to make a quilt for an expected grandchild. I agreed, went through patterns and fabrics I already had. But she had other ideas, went to Joann’s and bought a cute allover kiddie print. So far, so good. I went to our LQS and bought backing and finished the quilt. No piecing involved but a lot of detailed quilting. When I gave her the quilt, I told her how much the backing had cost and that is what she gave me. I was a bit amazed that she did not offer anything for my batting, thread, and time. And I was too stunned to say anything. Not that I would have asked for much but that she didn’t think that there were other costs . Still puzzles me!

Lesson learned?

PS and added to that, I made a floor quilt for her and never ever heard a thank you.

Theresa

Theresa, I don't think I would do another quilt for your coworker in the future.

Lois, if your friend wants to pay, I agree that covering your materials cost is absolutely fair. Or the charity donation is a good option as well.

Theresa, it may be that the coworker really was that clueless, and figured if you were telling her the price of something that that was the primary cost and everything else was things you had extra or weren't expensive. If I'm making a pie, I'd consider the price of the filling and maybe the butter for the crust ... the couple cups of flour are lost in the noise. They may have thought the unmentioned materials were lost in the noise ... I imagine if you'd have given them the cost of all the purchased materials, they'd have given you that.

I have no excuse for the lack of thank you ... that's just bad manners.

The thing about allowing someone to pay a nominal fee (or donate to a charity) is that they feel like they paid for it. It seems to me that they would be more likely to ask again for the same favor. I believe I would do it for free rather than asking for $20.00. That way, they understand it is a gift and not something they can buy for a nominal fee.

(Just my opinion)

bkay

Lois, I understand the desire to just give it to her but, she initiated/asked to buy this quilt. For family and close friends who ask me to make a quilt, they get charged for supplies. The time I spend in making it is free. I tell them they couldn't afford me........especially at wages of today. You may consider your fabric left overs, but you still paid for it.