How I value my time ………..

Whenever I post an online topic showing people my sewing creations, I inevitably have to field the requests for me to make something for them. Its really hard for me because I don’t have a huge amount of spare time, and so my sewing time is devoted to my family and to gift sewing for friends. Its doubly hard, because I value a large number of people in various forums, as online friends, and saying no to a friend is hard.

This weekend I have devoted two whole days to the production of the coat for my daughter’s formal. I thought I would give you all an indication of the cost involved, when doing this sort of sewing. For reference, a wedding gown seamstress will charge about $25-40/ hour. So I have valued my time at a bit less, at $20 / hour.

Fabric …………………. $75
Notions ……………….. $25
Pattern ……………….. $20
Cutting out – 2hrs ……. $40
Sewing – 8 hours …… $160

Total: …………………. $320

So this outfit is only half done, and I am already over $300. The dress will take longer,  because it involves cutting both the fabric and lining.

Even the simpler things …. like bibs or burp cloths ….. are just on a 1/2 hour of work. A MCN is 2 hours of work, plus about $20 in materials (for the funky PUL ones). Of course I cut back the time per MCN by making in bulk ….. but its still hours of work. And its hours that I only have a limited amount of.

So if you want me to make you something, even if you are willing to pay ….. please don’t be offended if I say no.