Hi Carol, Is she wanting a full lace mat or and edged linen? Charging professional fees is quite appropriate. It's okay to charge "minimum" wage for those that trully appreciate the work and couldn't otherwise afford it. Similar to giving family discounts in one's own business. But, that said, to spend so much time on work should require appropriate reimbursement. One thought on doing such a large number would be to purchase enough thread, prickings, etc. and hire out piecework to other lacemakers. Choose the workers wisely based on their skill in the style of lace required. You could be the processor (charge for your time and handling) and the lacemakers could be paid by the piece. Does this sound familiar??? It certainly goes back to the beginning of lace industry, but it shares the work so it's not all based on one worker. Kind of a retail shop at that point. But, how great to share the love of making it and getting it to a customer! HTH, Laura in New Mexico, USA
--- On Tue, 9/22/09, Carol <[email protected]> wrote: From: Carol <[email protected]> Subject: [lace] Set of 18 8" Doyleys - Fine Lace .... To: [email protected] Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 9:42 AM I have been aay on holiday, and came back to lots of Answerphone messages, and have efficiently ploughed through them. However, one startling one stood out from the rest! A phone number was given, and I rang back. The lady said she had seen my lace class adverts in the local hospital, and wanted to ask if I took commissions. I explained that I did, so long as the time-scale was reasonable. She seemd to understand this, and I asked her what she wanted. She wanted a set of eighteen (yes - 18) identical doyleys,eight inches diameter, in very fine thread, to hang on the shelves of a cabinet displaying some of her treasures. I am sure that I could not complete eighteen doyleys, be they identical or not, in less than decades, but wondered if anyone would be prepared to take on the challenge! I did suggest either tatting or crocheting said doyleys, which would, I am sure, be quicker than fine lace, but she didn't seem too impressed with that, but will think about it if I can't find enough people to make said doyleys, and all make the same pattern, but I am sure that the costs involved would be phenomenal - what would anyone else charge for their time in such a project? I did think that, if we all charged what motor mechanics or plumbers charge for our time, we could all purchase new mansions with the proceeds, but I honestly don't think she realises how time-consuming bobbin lace is! However, any suggestions will be welcome ... Carol - Suffolk UK 'Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day.' - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected] - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
