How pitiful am I? I posted a photo earlier of a cat bed that I had done for a friend. I'm allergic to cats, had to go over everything twice, gave myself a headache from hunching over the machine holding everything out of the way, and what did I say when my friend asked me how much she owed me? "Not a thing" just flew out.

You are a true friend and I am sure that she appreciated this thoughfulness very much. It is not easy to charge family and friends. Sometimes a hug and a cup of coffee makes the friendship even more special.

I have the same problem. I hate to put a price on my work and friendship. So when people ask what they owe, I just suggest that they pay it forward; do something nice for someone else. And the funny thing is, it is almost more like a debt to be paid than money would have been. People do it!! Don't regret. Maybe your friend will do something nice to surprise you later on, and help even the odds.

In our friends group it goes like this: you do something for them and sometimes they do something for you.. No payment needed. Just friends who help eachother. And if this is sewing something or helping with moving,... It does not matter,

1 comment

by parkermom 02 May 2012

Isn't that a comfort to have good friends like that? Truly valuable.

Next time someone brings you an embroidery job tell them what you expect to be paid up front before any work is done. You may not get compensated enough for your headache but I think you should receive something for your time or just the materials you used.
Bev

1 comment

by parkermom 01 May 2012

I need to have something ready to say, and I don't know why I don't. No good reason.

I always say "Just pass it forward". Sometimes (hopefully)when you least expect something ,someone does something nice in return.Like my empty garbage cans left inside my gate, or my front yard mowed(while I was in Hospital)So unexpected but welcomed and very much appreciated.

1 comment

by parkermom 01 May 2012

That is a good thing to say. I'll try to remember that. I've been the recipient of a pass-it-forward, and it was wonderful.

I do that a lot too. Last year I went out of my way to do some monograms for a friends gd's wedding. We sat together and decided on the font and thread. I went and got the satin material. When I gave it to her she asked how much did she owed me. I of course said not a thing, what are friends for? The following week she brought me 5 spools of Robison Anton rayon thread. Hugs..Carol

1 comment

by parkermom 01 May 2012

That was very thoughtful of her.

I'm guilty of doing that also. Mainly for family and friends. I have friends that struggle just to pay bills as most of us do so over the years I've even bought the item and embroidered it for them for a Christmas gift. Sometimes they will buy the item but if I know they are struggling I'll buy it and embroider it for them. I know the daily struggle of living and am not rich but if I can help someone I will. Guess I'm just a softie at heart. I have wonderful family and friends so I am already blessed. You are not pitiful, you are a good hearted person and will be blessed one day fot it. Hugs

1 comment

by parkermom 01 May 2012

I do it all the time! And usually, those people come back and say, "you know, you should really start charging for that" And then I still cant say that I already do!

Sounds like something I would say. Oh bother... just know that it will come back around, it always does. LLDS!

1 comment

by parkermom 01 May 2012

I do know that it will come back around. I just get aggravated at myself!

If you don't want to charge at least say, "a good cup of coffee" or some other drink.

2 comments

by parkermom 01 May 2012

Yes, I need to learn to have something ready to say in advance.

by zoefzoef 02 May 2012

I can make good cups of coffee....can you give me some lessons in sewing .. :-)))))

I DO THAT ALL THE TIME..YOU ARE JUST A KIND HARTED PERSON..REMBER WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.AND I DO BELEAVE THAT..LUCY

1 comment

by parkermom 01 May 2012

I believe that too. Aren't there just a couple of people that you'd secretly like to see get their "come arounds"? I know that vengeance isn't ours to pay, but it sure is tempting sometimes!