Ok, some honesty here... it is time to come clean and admit publicly why I have been avoiding heading into my studio.
It's not that I haven't been doing some quilting - I have... well, some quilting "stuff". I have finished a couple of quilts. I finished a wedding quilt by hand sewing the binding on. And I quilted and finished a vintage quilt for a friend...
But you see a few weeks ago I worked on a Baby's First Year quilt. I had been sent a picture (I'm sure many of you quilters have seen it out on social media...) and asked if I could do something like it... "Sure, I can do something similar" was my response. The baby clothes were dropped off and I proceeded to "do what I do." I cut, fused backing onto the pieces and then laid out the blocks.
The picture I had received had the child's name on it... I took the time and appliqued the baby's name and incorporated them into the quilt. I was pleased with the outcome.
However, when I sent the picture of the quilt to the mom she was not pleased at all... "You can't even tell what was a dress or a shirt. It looks like you chopped everything up and sewed them together to make a big piece of fabric."
**disappointed sigh** Well, that is what I do... I make lots of t-shirt quilts and they don't look like t-shirts when I am done...
I don't do lots of applique. (I really don't like it and it is very time consuming...)
I'm not trying to make excuses. I admit... I failed to ask more questions about what the mom's expectations were of the finished quilt. I just plain and simply failed...
When I conversed with her via private fb messages I expressed my deepest apologies to her the best that I could. She had paid a deposit for the quilt and I told her there was no reason to pay the balance due. Satisfaction in my goal and I only want to try to make it right... This all took place in Mid-April... And I haven't heard from her or seen her since then. I still have the quilt...
I have considered finding a few pictures of the baby on Mom's fb page and printing them on fabric to applique them on the quilt... I even have a few pieces of clothing that I could applique onto the top...
Or do I leave it as is? I am looking for some suggestions and tips on how to handle this situation. HELP!
Melva
***UPDATE*** Shortly after posting the Mom contacted me (Coincidence?? She is not signed up as one that follows me, and I did not share on social media...) She picked up the quilt and leftover clothing pieces last night. When I held the quilt up for her she stated "oh! It is much nicer than I thought. The picture really did not do it justice." When I offered her my other options she felt that they were not needed. So.... all's well that ends well!
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Oh, I am sorry to hear about this experience. I would personally not put any more energy or time into the quilt until / unless I heard back from the woman. Unless you converse with her, I think you would still be guessing and missing whatever mark or ideal she has in mind. And I would probably let her know that (along with the ideas that you have in mind) and say that you will hold on to the quilt top for a year before letting it go. That's just my thoughts, though, and good luck finding the path forward that works best for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement.
DeleteI agree with Yvonne. I probably would not put anymore work into the quilt unless you speak to her first. I'm a bit floored that she hasn't contacted you about getting the quilt regardless of her feelings toward it. I think another thing to consider is there will always be a customer that no matter what, you aren't going to make them happy. And the reason they aren't happy may have absolutely nothing to do with you or the quilt.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words of encouragement. :)
DeleteIf she has seen your work before she must have liked what she saw. She should also have been clearer on what she wanted. Like the previous posters said, I wouldn't put anymore work into it.
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteI think it is beautiful as it is. You have done what any quilter would do and that is cut the items up and make fabric. That is what I would have done. It sounds like she might have changed her mind about it and didn't want to say anything to you.I wouldn't put any more time in it unless she gets back in touch and has something specific in mind. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteI agree. Do not put another stitch in it. And I think it looks great! I need to make a memory quilt from a bag of clothing and I am brain dead as to what to do. It is mostly knits. You have inspired me! Take this as a bump in the road and just go on! Don't let this steal your joy and passion....
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon. I'm glad I could inspire you. I just shared an update on the quilt at the end of the post. =D
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this worked out--it is a shame she let you stew so long, though. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame you had such a bad experience, glad to hear your over it now. It's a great looking quilt. Love the spider!
ReplyDelete