Mary has been making Quilts for a long time…
Like many women of my generation, my Mom taught me to sew, knit and embroider. I remember my first sewing project was an A-line skirt. Then Home Economics in Junior High helped me hone my sewing skills. I found I really didn't like sewing clothes. So that was it for sewing until my early 40's when I was inspired to buy my first sewing machine. I took a quilting class shortly after, offered at Jo-Ann Fabrics where I bought my machine. And that is where my quilting journey began. My first quilt was a baby quilt with embroidered animals on it which eventually went to my first grandchild.
Quilting has been not only my hobby, but allowed me to find emotional well being during some tough years. Now in retirement, it keeps me busy and productive. My sewing studio is my happy place where I am able to use my skills to create beautiful quilts and quilted items for the enjoyment of others. Quilting has afforded me the opportunity over the years to meet so many fellow quilters who share my passion for quilting. I am thankful for the skills, ability, financial resources and the many friendships developed during my quilting journey. I hope any item purchased brings as much joy to the buyer as it brought to me making it. Enjoy!!"
—
Why are Hand Made Quilts so Expensive? (2024 data)
—
I use high quality cotton quilting material purchased from quilt shops either local or on-line. Most materials run around $13.00 per yard and some are $25 per yard for widebacks. Based on the king size quilt I am working on:
Fabric #1 3.5 yards $45
Fabric #2 4.5 yards $59
Total Material Cost $495
Quilting Cost $288
Background Fabric 11.5 yards $163
Backing Fabric 7.5 yards (wideback) $188
Batting $40
It took 83 hours to make so even at a minimum wage of $10, Labor Cost would be $830
Total cost without profit or overhead $1630
Total cost with 20% overhead & profit $1956
As you can see by this analysis, it takes a special person who understands the cost and work that goes into making a one of a kind handmade quilt.
I am so grateful there are those that appreciate the value in a handmade one of a kind quilt that will be cherished for generations.
My Quilt Making Process:
1. Select/buy pattern
2. Shop for and buy material for top, backing, binding and batting
3. Cut material according to pattern directions
4. Machine sew pieces together (blocks), iron and square up
5. Assemble and sew quilt top and iron
6. Cut batting to size
7. Load top, batting and backing onto longarm quilt machine
8. Select quilt pattern and quilt layers together
9. Unload quilt and trim edges/square up
10. Cut and piece binding
11. Machine sew binding to quilt edges
12. Hand sew binding to back of quilt