My neighbor asked me, a while ago, if I could make a few small quilts for gifts for relatives she is visiting later this summer. At first, I was pretty excited, so I got to work to make a sample of something I thought would be fun. She didn't like it, at all. She wanted something more traditional, and more puffy, like the old quilts with high loft poly batting. She pulled a piece she had purchased years before and asked if I could make something smaller, but with a similar design and loft. Reluctantly, I agreed. Then I put it off, until this week.
After looking at the sample for quite a while, I pulled some fabrics that I felt were representative of what she liked. I simplified the design, and created six little quilts (13" x 15"). I have the backings all cut, as well as the bindings. I have finished one, including the binding. Now I have five left to finish.
I have done a couple of commissions before, and each time I have learned that I have trouble getting past the "customer is always right." In each case, however, I have done exactly what the customer has asked for. I guess that builds character and stretches my personal growth. All good things.
Joyful quilting, everyone, and Happy 4th!
6 comments:
It's so hard, though, to do things outside your comfort zone, isn't it? These are very pretty, though! Nice work!
You do better than I would do! I will not try to please with my sewing or fabric selection. I will sew what I want and then if they like it okay, and if they don't...fine~ You are a sweet heart to even try to please others. I like them~! ♥♥♥
I like them too. Can we see the piece she didn't like? I think creating for another person is a huge undertaking; you want to end with a product that makes the customer happy but also has the essence of you in it. Think of it as teaching writing to first graders. You want their thoughts but you are also providing a framework.
...this is one of the reasons I won't sew/quilt for others, outside family that is... and they know better to dictate to me. My sister Eleanor expressed it well when I asked her what type quilt she would like... she said that if she left the fabric and design choice to me, she would end up with a much nicer quilt than one she could think of.
:)
And artists like you should be left to do their own thing... however, you are a very kind person to do this for your friend.
Very nice. I am sure she will love them.
I can imagine that it's a difficult task ... you sure hate to put your creativity into boundaries, but that's exactly what you have to do with a commissioned piece, when the customer knows precisely what they want! If you get a chance, soon, perhaps you could e-mail me a photo of the swap quilt?! Pretty please! :)
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