Wanting too much

[Pat]

I've debated on whether or not to post this because it's really a pitiful whine but I need to get it off my chest.

There is a girl at church that often comments on my purse of the moment which is always one that I've made. She went on asking me how much they cost etc. for a while but didn't really want to see any. So at Christmas, I just gave her one. Okay she was hard on it and the handle needed mending, so I gave her a replacement one again for free. She kept telling me that she wanted me to make her a fleece Strawberry Shortcake one as a diaper bag but she didn't like any of the fleece that was available of Strawberry Shortcake. I just let it go and thought that would be the end of it. So yesterday she wants to come over after church and see my purses because she "definitely wants to buy one right then". So instead of going to the nursing home to see my brother, I let her come over. She looks at my purses that I have already made and ready to sell and then looks at my fabric stash (which is huge). She still doesn't see what she wants. She wants a Vera Bradley quilted bag. I told her that I could look for some material but it would just be better if she'd go buy fabric that she wants and then I'd make a purse but that I couldn't make one that looks like a designer bag. That's not what I make. Nope she doesn't want to do that and she says that she doesn't have much $$ to put into it either. So now it's back to me buying fabric and making a purse that she may or may not like and I still don't think I'll get paid for it.

I like the girl really well but this is becoming an irritation to me.

I can't decide on whether to just not make it at all, make it and charge her for the fabric, etc. or make it and give her my bill.

[lynn]

Sounds like she is expecting alot of out you, Pat. That's a tough call......

I dislike dealing with demanding folks, seems like ya' just can't satisfy them.

Good luck. I hope you can find a workable solution.

[Admin]

Oh boy, well that is a tough call. I don't like to deal with folks like it as Lynn said they seem hard to please no matter what you do. I thinks she had alot of gall asking you to repair something you gave her free??? Why don't you tell her you will make the purse but you need the money up front. Then tell her that is all you will be making.

And by the way ladies, Pat's purses are awesome...I am fortunate enough to have one, which I am carrying right now.....:-)

[lynn]

Ya' should not have told me that, Cara. I love purses...just can't help it. Have quite a collection...think it's in my genes....my dh tells me I am a purse freak...

[Michelle]

pat said:

I've debated on whether or not to post this because it's really a pitiful whine but I need to get it off my chest.

There is a girl at church that often comments on my purse of the moment which is always one that I've made. She went on asking me how much they cost etc. for a while but didn't really want to see any. So at Christmas, I just gave her one. Okay she was hard on it and the handle needed mending, so I gave her a replacement one again for free. She kept telling me that she wanted me to make her a fleece Strawberry Shortcake one as a diaper bag but she didn't like any of the fleece that was available of Strawberry Shortcake. I just let it go and thought that would be the end of it. So yesterday she wants to come over after church and see my purses because she "definitely wants to buy one right then". So instead of going to the nursing home to see my brother, I let her come over. She looks at my purses that I have already made and ready to sell and then looks at my fabric stash (which is huge). She still doesn't see what she wants. She wants a Vera Bradley quilted bag. I told her that I could look for some material but it would just be better if she'd go buy fabric that she wants and then I'd make a purse but that I couldn't make one that looks like a designer bag. That's not what I make. Nope she doesn't want to do that and she says that she doesn't have much $$ to put into it either. So now it's back to me buying fabric and making a purse that she may or may not like and I still don't think I'll get paid for it.

I like the girl really well but this is becoming an irritation to me.

I can't decide on whether to just not make it at all, make it and charge her for the fabric, etc. or make it and give her my bill.

That's a really tricky situation. I often think that people who don't sew, don't understand how time consuming it can be.

If it were me, I wouldn't make her a bag until she bought the fabric and picked out exactly what she wants (e.g. a pattern)

If you make it and give her your bill, she probably won't pay it if she's already saying that she doesn't have a lot of money to pay for it.

I would even go so far as to suggest you get a deposit before you start the project.

Good luck, and keep us posted about how it goes

PS, your post wasn't a silly whine at all

[lucie]

I agree with Michelle. I wouldn't sew it for her until she found and bought the fabric she wants. She might be doing this because she is pretending to be interested and is making conversation....I can't imaigne she didn't like anything in your fabric stash...I am sure you have alot of pretty fabric. Goodluck, Pat!

[braided-rug]

I had an experience like this.

Here goes.

A relative our age wants to make curtains. DH works for curtain material factory. We tell her about this material and between the two parties we decide to buy a roll for $80 and share it. We buy the material, she doesn't like it anymore. We get upset,, and try to think positively. But in the end it works out as it is the curtain material in the bedrooms in our new house. Mum made them up for me and they match in well.

I would not make anything at this stage.

[Pat]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll just make me a purse instead!!!!

[Admin]

Good Idea Pat!!!

[daddys3chicks]

No advice, but HUGS!