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I am so proud of myself (Moderated by Deepika, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 12/16/11 3:36 PM ET
I don't know about you but I have people all around me who think "oh you have a sewing machine and I need this or that" I had a girl drop off a shirt wanting it taken up on the sides, she just dropped it off in a bag on my porch. I adjusted it a little but I didn't have any idea what size she was, she was a friend of my Sister and I didn't even know her. I really shouldn't have told anyone I got an embroidery machine now everyone thinks its no big deal to just have me do a monogram or somebody's name on this or that. I work 50 hours a week and am trying to make christmas gifts for my own list. (no kids at home its really all I do)
But today I said "NO" Shirt bag girl wanted me to replace a zipper in a jacket. I just told her flat No. I don't think I am going to take on anyones need to do projects at all anymore. I think they need to get a sewing machine.
But today I said "NO" Shirt bag girl wanted me to replace a zipper in a jacket. I just told her flat No. I don't think I am going to take on anyones need to do projects at all anymore. I think they need to get a sewing machine.
Posted on: 12/16/11 3:55 PM ET
Good for you!
I also get a variety of people asking me all the time to mend, fix zippers, alter, or even sew a custom garment. I learned a long time ago to say no. Now the only ones I will help is my daughter when she wants the waistband taken in or hems done on the grandboys pants (she brings me a big stack to do all at once) Or our one friend that is recently single when he needs mending done.
I also get a variety of people asking me all the time to mend, fix zippers, alter, or even sew a custom garment. I learned a long time ago to say no. Now the only ones I will help is my daughter when she wants the waistband taken in or hems done on the grandboys pants (she brings me a big stack to do all at once) Or our one friend that is recently single when he needs mending done.
Posted on: 12/16/11 3:57 PM ET
Good for you!
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betty/mikie
Posted on: 12/16/11 4:12 PM ET
Good. You have enough to do. You could keep the name of a professional nearby in case anyone else asks.
Keep that embroidery machine a secret
Keep that embroidery machine a secret
Posted on: 12/16/11 4:16 PM ET
Or say yes, it'll be ready in eighteen to twenty two months.
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http://patternpandemonium.wordpress.com/
Posted on: 12/16/11 5:08 PM ET
In reply to allycovey
Good for you! I don't know why people always think if you sew, and you don't even know them well, you would spend all the time to sew for them, for free, at all. Or that you might even have the time to do something like that at all. But it happens.
Sometimes it's kind of socially unacceptable to flat refuse if it's your dentist, car mechanic, your boss or something though. In those situations, then sometimes if they are actually very good at something, and have skills that I don't have, and tools that I don't have, then I will suggest a trade, equal and across the board, hour for hour though. As I feel that is much more fair. In that case if it's something you would be paying them for their skill and tool use for, like dental work, car work, or maybe something artistic they create, that you covet, then it works out O.K. But I find that if someone you don't know all that well, expects you to spend your skills and time doing something for them, then is not actually willing to match it with at least equal time on whatever they are good at, or have the tools for, then most times they are just trying to use you instead.
In that case, and if that fair labor trade fails, it's good to have the name and telephone # of some tailor, some place, and just very nicely give that that info to them instead. That way, you have been nice and polite, and I think it's fair to just consider yourself "off the hook" then instead!
Sometimes it's kind of socially unacceptable to flat refuse if it's your dentist, car mechanic, your boss or something though. In those situations, then sometimes if they are actually very good at something, and have skills that I don't have, and tools that I don't have, then I will suggest a trade, equal and across the board, hour for hour though. As I feel that is much more fair. In that case if it's something you would be paying them for their skill and tool use for, like dental work, car work, or maybe something artistic they create, that you covet, then it works out O.K. But I find that if someone you don't know all that well, expects you to spend your skills and time doing something for them, then is not actually willing to match it with at least equal time on whatever they are good at, or have the tools for, then most times they are just trying to use you instead.
In that case, and if that fair labor trade fails, it's good to have the name and telephone # of some tailor, some place, and just very nicely give that that info to them instead. That way, you have been nice and polite, and I think it's fair to just consider yourself "off the hook" then instead!
Posted on: 12/16/11 5:16 PM ET
In reply to allycovey
GOOD JOB!! You will find that as you nicely say "No" in the same pleasant tone you would have said "Yes" in people get used to it and you can say it more and more.....and more and more....until you only sew what you want to sew, and this is also going to enable you to say "No" in many more situations.....ask how I know! I wish I had said "No" far more often and far earlier! ;)
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
Posted on: 12/16/11 6:00 PM ET
In reply to allycovey
Well done, allycovey. (applause) (pat on the back) (high five)
I don't really understand this, I have a Kitchenaid mixer, people don't randomly ask me to bake. If we are gathering and everyone is supposed to bring something, they all look at me with yearning in their eyes, but they wait for me to offer up kringle.
I have a nice vacuum cleaner, no one ever asks me to vacuum for them.
Now, we do have a truck...............with a nice hard cover on the back. We have had to explain, several times, that it is our family vehicle and if they need something moved or hauled that we would be glad to go with them for them to rent a trailer and help out that way since we have a hitch. It doesn't cost much to rent a trailer, but no one has wanted to do that.
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I don't really understand this, I have a Kitchenaid mixer, people don't randomly ask me to bake. If we are gathering and everyone is supposed to bring something, they all look at me with yearning in their eyes, but they wait for me to offer up kringle.
I have a nice vacuum cleaner, no one ever asks me to vacuum for them.

Now, we do have a truck...............with a nice hard cover on the back. We have had to explain, several times, that it is our family vehicle and if they need something moved or hauled that we would be glad to go with them for them to rent a trailer and help out that way since we have a hitch. It doesn't cost much to rent a trailer, but no one has wanted to do that.
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Each fallen petal reveals a life pollinated by a colony
and nurtured by The Master Gardener.
and nurtured by The Master Gardener.
Posted on: 12/16/11 6:15 PM ET
Just tell them that you have a sewing business, they will need to set an appointment for a consultation, and give them a price estimate. This will guarantee that they will leave you alone, lol. I say to tell them that you have a sewing business b/c that seems to make the whole charging thing make more sense to people- for some reason.
Posted on: 12/16/11 6:16 PM ET
In reply to allycovey
Quote: allycovey
I had a girl drop off a shirt wanting it taken up on the sides, she just dropped it off in a bag on my porch. I adjusted it a little but I didn't have any idea what size she was, she was a friend of my Sister and I didn't even know her.
I had a girl drop off a shirt wanting it taken up on the sides, she just dropped it off in a bag on my porch. I adjusted it a little but I didn't have any idea what size she was, she was a friend of my Sister and I didn't even know her.
I think that is incredibly rude. First because you don't know her & second because she just left it on your porch! I would've left it there & hoped a dog got it or it snowed or something.

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Alison in suburbia - Sydney Australia
aka Bag Yoda
My sewing blog: http://nosilasews.blogspot.com/
My machines: Janome MC6700P, Janome MC6600P, Janome MC8000, Janome MC4900QC, Janome MC3500 (inherited from my mother), Husqvarna Rose, Janome My Excel 18W, Janome 534D & 2 x 634D overlockers, Janome Coverpro 1000CPX.
aka Bag Yoda
My sewing blog: http://nosilasews.blogspot.com/
My machines: Janome MC6700P, Janome MC6600P, Janome MC8000, Janome MC4900QC, Janome MC3500 (inherited from my mother), Husqvarna Rose, Janome My Excel 18W, Janome 534D & 2 x 634D overlockers, Janome Coverpro 1000CPX.
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