Occasionally someone will ask to pay me to make them a quilt, or will ask for a specific treatment or fabric combo on a bag. After having made a few commissioned pieces in my life, I decided a couple years ago that I wouldn’t do any more commissions.
Why do I dislike commissions? I’ve given this some thought and here’s my reasons. When I make things or develop ideas for a project, I work in a really freeform way. I don’t like to have rules that I have to stick to. I don’t like to lose my ability to change course mid stream. I don’t like to be forced into someone else’s vision of what a project should be. I don’t like to lose those moments of excitement when I come up with something wonderful that strays from the buyer’s vision.
Commissions cause me stress. They force me to go in a direction that I don’t necessarily want to go. They make me feel constrained. The are, frankly, not fun.
I made hand-thrown pottery for a few years in my earlier life and I remember talking to a production potter who said they would never make a dinnerware set on commission, for basically the same reasons that I listed. Plus, they said that people who want you to make something have a very definite picture in their minds of what the end product will look like. And what you produce will often not match the picture in their head.
So I’m happy to sell things I make, but I want to make things that I want to make in the way that I want to make them. And if someone wants to buy it, that’s cool. But I don’t want to allow sales to drive what I make because then the fun is gone.
I’m curious how other people feel about commissions.
And speaking of making things… I’ve been thinking for a few days that I want to make a bag. It’s been a couple months since I cranked one out and I need a break from making bucket hats. So I started thinking of what scraps I had in my huge pile and I remembered some dark KFC fabrics that were left over from this incredibly chaotic quilt. I even made a couple of earlier Frankenbags from these scraps.
So after our wonderful walk this evening I dug into my scraps and found the packet of these dark fabrics and pulled out the smaller pieces and started sewing some crumb blocks. Here’s a photo of all that chain piecing as I’m shoving these small pieces through my machine and then pressing them.
Here’s the resulting crumb blocks that I made. And that’s all the productivity I could muster tonight!
I’ll start putting some bag panels together using these tomorrow night.
Someone asked if I would do a tutorial on how I make my crumb blocks. Let me know if this is something you’d be interested in.
I’m happy to report that the roofers finished here yesterday! That was a stressful few days with all that noise and a very sad Rico. I’m glad it’s all done. The roof looks good and they did a good job. So now I don’t have to worry about it for a long, long time! Now if they’d just come and pick up the porta potty…
We had some really hot days last week and it got up to 100 on Sunday. Yesterday was hot, but just in the mid 90s. Today it was perfect! I had my sliding glass door open all morning and into the early afternoon. I don’t think it got much above 70 degrees today. It was so welcome after the scorching temps the last few days. Bender and Rico napped happily in the cool temps outside all day and never made a peep while I worked.
Last fall my neighbor sold her house and moved and she gave me a whole bunch of pots from her patio. It’s been really fun to watch things grow and bloom in those spots this spring. And look at this wonderful surprise that’s in full bloom now!
And look at this incredible rose that we saw on our walk this afternoon! It’s really spectacular!
And the honeysuckle on my patio is in full bloom and the aroma this evening was something really special.
And look at today’s strawberry harvest!
That’s the biggest strawberry harvest I’ve ever had. I ate them as my mid afternoon snack and they were so good! My strawberries are ever-bearing so I should keep seeing more and more throughout the summer. Yum!
I’m taking Thursday off work. I have a personal day that I have to take by June 30 or I’ll lose it. The most exciting thing I have planned is collecting a feces sample from Bender and delivering it to the vet for his annual exam.
I know you’re thinking my life is almost too glamorous!
agilejack 
I totally agree with you about making things for people. It takes the joy out of sewing and causes too much stress. I would love a video. ❤️
LikeLike
I have the same about commissions like you.
I have to be free to do my I own design
“So by them or don’t “
I love your latest combo for your new frankenbag
LikeLike
I completely agree with you about commissions. I’m a potter and the few I did caused me way too much stress and completely blocked any creativity. Some of them were pretty ugly, in my opinion – and the only time a client didn’t like what I’d made was the only time I loved it.
And thank you for making me laugh about your glamorous life – sounds very familiar!
LikeLike
I totally agree about commissions .The times I could not say “no” to a friend’s request have ended not so well .One good friend asked for a fabric color that I do not keep ,had to go searching for it ,sew the tote and give it to her along with her daughter’s tote bag (something I had ) .She put aside the one for her and said she was keeping her daughters !!!. Another commission ,for a friend’s sister , she ended up using the lining side of the tote ,instead of the beautifully quilted front . I also get stressed ,as I like to do things to my timing ,and only when it’s fun ,my vision.
LikeLike
I look forward to reading about your day at the end of mine. I love your glorious fabrics and how you put them together. Totally agree with you that doing sewing on commission is no fun. I also love your stories about your two amazing dogs Bender and Rico.
Thanks for sharing with us.
LikeLike
I feel the same way about the commission thing, feeling under pressure to meet others expectations of their whims and whimsical takes all the fun out of projects.
I like the latest crumb block combination you put together.
The flowers are pretty, the rose is quite spectacular ! I just love summer !
LikeLike
My thoughts exactly!!
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
I would love and so appreciate a video tutorial on how you crumb quilt. And, I could not agree more with you about commission art – nor, could I write or say it better. I enjoy reading your writings – they are beautifully inked. Eileen 🙂
LikeLike
I, too, would appreciate a video tutorial on crumb piecing. I have scraps and supplies ready for my first Frankenbag, but just need that extra instruction to boost my confidence! So enjoy your inspiration and wonderful talents.
LikeLike
I detest commissions. I tend to procrastinate and it’s agony for me to get on the train to get the job done. I wanna do what I wanna do when I wanna do it!!! I promised a cousin’s wife, whom I love greatly, three bags (one each for herself and her two sisters). Look at the past ten or so posts on my blog – they’re all test bags for these commission bags from vintage fabric. Need to kick myself in the butt next week and Just. Get. Them. Done.
Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone!!!
LikeLike
I m so happy to read you. I agree with you for commission, keep doing what makes you happy, follow your inspiration. Thank you for sharing your beautiful sewing, glamorous life and so much joy. 😍
LikeLike
I am in agreement with your opinion about commissions. I don’t enjoy sewing for people. Years ago I bought some really pretty fabric and was intending to make myself a summer dress. A friend saw the material and wanted me to make her a dress out of the same fabric. Being a friend and in a position to earn some needed extra money, I agreed. What a mistake! Little did I know that my friend was OCD… to the max. I had to alter seams by eighth of inches and move buttons by sixteenth of inches. After that experience, I decided that I hate sewing to meet other people’s expectations. I did, however, go back on that decision 3 times. Twice, I made mother-of the-groom outfits for co-workers whose respective sizes made it difficult to find anything that fit. They were basically desperate, and I was their last hope. They were thrilled with their dresses, and all turned out well. The third commission was a T-shirt/memory quilt for a family at my school whose daughter had unexpectedly passed away. For that one, I insisted that we work together to create the quilt. I did all the cutting of fabrics and the sewing, and the mom helped decide the placement of everything. From that experience, I made a new friend, and she worked through a lot of her grief with me. I just couldn’t take any money for it. The family would have none of that and ended up sending me, along with a friend, for a 2 night, 3 day stay in Amish Country. What fun we had going to all the fabric shops! However, the original OCD dress has stuck in my mind for over 30 years and still makes me think more than twice on taking commissions. Now, when people ask, I start talking about the price of fabric and my prices for the work. After that, they typically run very, very quickly in the other direction. By the way… I never did make myself the summer dress. I also decided to sew American Girl doll clothes and sell them on the craft show circuit. I figured that one size fits all and that dolls don’t complain.
I love reading your blogs and seeing all the creative things you make!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I would be interested in a tutorial on the crumb blocks!
BTW, your lifestyle is fascinating and refreshing! I love reading about your adventures, even the “poop patrol” duties!
LikeLike
Good Morning. I would be very interested in how you make crumb blocks. Also would like to know if you have a tutorial on making fabric boxes. Thanks!
LikeLike
Honey, All I can say to that on the commission is, “AMEN”!! I’ve made many things for people and family in the past and even done how they wanted things weren’t right or I had a better way and couldn’t “stray” from their idea! I have been told I have “flair” with my bags and quilts and I like that! That flair is part of me and it isn’t going to change! Really appreciate your thoughts on that and it’s nice to know I ain’t the only one out there that feels that way!
Love the pictures of everything! Have a wonder day
Barb
>
LikeLike
That incredible rose 🌹 awesomeness! I agree on the commission work, kinda takes all the fun out of the creativity! Hope Bender has a good poop 💩 🤣🥰
LikeLike
Good morning 🌄 from Florida. I read your blog and thoroughly enjoy your style and your joie de vivre!
That said, this is my first comment and I couldn’t resist. Your explanation about commissions nailed it!!!! I feel exactly the same way. Thanks for speaking what I was only thinking. I am in the middle of two commissions right now and am so imprisoned by their ideas I can hardly move.
I’m going to have to make the challenge be if I can successfully do as asked!!!! Thanks again!
ps. I’m framing your words for my design wall.
LikeLike
I feel the same way. I have family: friends or those who had bought my watercolor art at exhibition who had asked me to do commission work. I have done 3 and I would never do it again. The first was a dog portrait – I got commissioned to do one based on a photo I was given – lost my time and effort. The client ended up with 3 portraits – she paid for one and I gave her the other 2. She loved these and recommended me to other local area residents but I refused the workS The other commissioned arts were for my family. They loved the art pieces but I did not enjoy the time I worked on these commissions because it restricted me as to how I wanted to create the art pieces. I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
Good Morning Anne – I really enjoy your blog. I’d love a tutorial on how you make your crumb blocks. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! I’ll start working on a tutorial.
Anne
LikeLike
Would love a crumb block tutorial. I just don’t “get” the concept.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so easy and so fun! I’ll start working on a tutorial.
Anne
LikeLike
I really enjoy reading your blogs and enjoy your creations! You are a very talented lady!
I would love to make a bucket hat. Do you have a pattern you would be willing to share and/or available for purchase?
Happy safe 4th to you!
Pat Nackers W2778 Therese Crt Appleton, WI 54915 920-734-0997 patnackers@gmail.com
LikeLike
I’m using the Orange Bettie Bucket Hat pattern. It’s a free pattern and you can find it easily online with a Google search. Be sure to pay attention and print the pattern at 100%. That fits a 22 inch head. My head is 23 inches and the pattern printed at 105% fits me well.
Anne
LikeLike
I love your sense of humor!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Humor is a reason for living in my mind!
Anne
LikeLike
I agree with you! I don’t even want to sell them. I quilt and when I get bored with the quilt i’m making I stop and make a bag. I intend to give every bag I make away. I love your bags and thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! You sound like me! I have a bunch of projects going at any given time. and then I like something quick.
Thanks for reading!
Anne
LikeLike
Your blog is delightful to read with coffee in the morning. I totally agree with your thoughts on commission work. I refrain for the very same reasons. Enjoy the day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for reading, and stay creative and inspired!
Anne
LikeLike
You said it perfectly and beautifully in regards to commissions. Serms most of us totally agree. Glad the roofing is over. Apparently your theme this week is poo. (Bender, porta potty)
Luscious darks for the next bag. So much saturation. Gotta love those pomegranate and jumble together. Thoroughly enjoy your ramblings, puppies, flowers and awesome coast photos. Good job Anne!
LikeLike
I had to call the roofing company today to come and get their porta potty! People are stopping their cars and using it! I don’t need to see that when I look out my living room window!
Anne
LikeLike
Very interesting post! Thanks for being so real.
Yes to the tutorial.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for reading! I’m amazed at how many have agreed on commissions. I’m sure there are a good number who disagree and didn’t feel compelled to comment. Someone out there is selling custom made items! Just not me!
Anne
LikeLike
Hi
I am a Big fan of all your sewing projects
And have also sewn a lot of Frankenbags and Bucket hats.
Yesterday I was at my hairdresser wearing a bucket hat and skirt in Kaffee Fasset Big Leaf red. A very lively fabric.
She said “ What a gorgeous hat, I absolutely love it”
And then asked me to make one for her, but one side in black and the other side in beige.
.??????????
No, No No I said all the fun is to pick the fabrics you think look fantastic and then sew It and see the result.
There is no reason to see something you probably can buy in a shop.
What’s the creativity and fun in that.
Have a very good summer,
Best regards
Merete Bruun, Denmark
LikeLiked by 1 person
Black and beige. I don’t think I could force myself to make a black and beige hat!!! Blah!
Some people are very afraid of bold colors and prints. My mission is to make them comfy with it!!!
Anne
LikeLike
Amen to all of that. In addition, it seems that everyone wants something for nothing. I’ve even had people wanting me to do things like make them a king size quilt and not even paying me for the materials, in other words, all for free. Then there are the folks that know I sew and want me to make them costumes for the play they are in, etc. The list goes on and on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually made space alien costumes for a friends dogs a few years ago! It was crazy. i even had to make up the pattern as my friend told me that it would be so easy! I’ll have to dig out those photos and share them!!! They did turn out cute!
Anne
LikeLike
I am so glad you put into words why you don’t do commissions, I feel the same way. Many people who don’t do projects like this don’t understand. I so enjoy your blog, your projects, your animals, and the kind words you share with others projects. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think a lot of people think that people who sew just love the activity of shoving fabric through a machine. They really have no idea what we put into it from a creative place.
Thanks for reading and for commenting!
Anne
LikeLike
Hi,
I totally agree with you on making items for others. I use to sew clothing for others and they never liked it. Now I quilt and make the quilts that I want to. Most of them go to a nonprofit organization and if someone likes a quilt and I feel like giving it to them I will. I do it because it gives me a purpose and it is helping others. Keep doing what you do as we enjoy seeing your products. I did make one of your bags and will send photos at some point. I really enjoyed working on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SEe! You’ve found the way to make things for others that spreads joy all around! Yay for you!
Anne
LikeLike
Hallelujah, sista! No one will ever be able to make what is in someone else’s head. I was starting in graphic design about the same time I started sewing
(eons ago before everyone had a computer) and making a design per request only for them to change it completely next day taught me early on that my vision would always be different. I’m lucky enough to sew what I like and gift (sometimes to a nice stranger) it whether quilt, bag or pillow. I’ve never had anyone say they didn’t like their gift.
Love the hat wearing dogs. My Shep seems to like photo bombing pics of my sewing but I haven’t tried to put a hat on her. Lol #NolaQuiltDogs
LikeLiked by 1 person
It can be impossible so see what others see in their heads! I’m done trying!
You should at least try to put a hat on your dog. Put it on your bucket list!
Anne
LikeLike
I recently made a quilt on commission and echo your feelings. I found it very stressful, worrying if she would like it, second guessing myself, etc. I won’t do it again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah. Nobody needs that stress and pressure. I’m with you. No more for me!
Anne
LikeLike
I love the roses in Portland, probably because my son and his family live there! Thanks for the flower photos. As for commissions, I’m finding that time is my most precious variable when I decide to create something. Fabric and thread are relatively cheap compared to designing and constructing. I’d rather spend that time on my own projects than use it to try to meet other people’s objectives. I am getting older so time looks a little different than it used to, more valuable than ever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And isn’t it amazing how little value others place on our time? I happen to think my time is worth something!
I know I would love to have more time in my day!!!
Anne
LikeLike
I completely agree with you about doing commissioned work. I also like to change my mind midway or whenever the thought strikes me. Keep up the wonderful work. I love seeing your dogs and especially enjoyed the lambs in the Spring. Cheers and keep on sewing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I keep thinking about my days spent with the lambs. Best days of my year so far. I think I may do four days next year!!!
Anne
LikeLike
I agree with you about commissions. Exit joy and enter stress. Love the gorgeous color of your tiger lily plant!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
None of us need to do a project that we know will cause us stress! I know I don’t need extra stress in my life!
Anne
LikeLike
YAY for you!!! I completely agree with your thoughts about commission-quilting! And you were so eloquent about it! Well done! Enjoy those cooler temps….it’s going to be high 90’s here in Boise FOREVER!!!!
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
This week’s weather is so glorious! Much better than last week. I will enjoy it while we have it.
I’ve thought about doing a blog post about commissions for a while. I had no idea that so many people feel the same way!
Anne
LikeLike
Always enjoy your blog and today especially. Some of things have closed their loop and new ones are opening. And, yes, I would like a scrap block tutorial.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! and I’ll start working on a tutorial.
Anne
LikeLike
I feel like your “soul sister” re: commissions. I no longer do them. If you want to buy something I’ve already made, that’s fine, but I won’t work with the ideas or fabric choices of someone else. I see from most of the other comments that “creatives” feel the same way. Did you receive the email I sent you with photos of my Rice bags?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sing it sistah!
I did not get your email. I need to check my junk folder because a ridiculous number end up in there. I just never think to check it.
Anne
LikeLike
I agree on all your points about sewing on commission! Love your column.
LikeLiked by 1 person
WE are united!
Anne
LikeLike
I agree with your comments on commissioned quilts. I learned from experience, too.
A crumb tutorial would be great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting that so many have the same feelings about commissions. It’s sad that we’ve all learned from experience. For me it’s not getting ripped off, it’s just not fun!
I’ll start working on a tutorial.
Anne
LikeLike
I missed several of your recent blogs. I hope you are fully recovered from your recent fall at the picket ball court. Congratulations on the Feather Weight Singer Sewing Machine. I am sure you will create fabulous stuff with it. Oh, and the pictures of beautiful Roses! I am very close to finishing my second Franken Bag, as I get only about 15 mins or so each night to take my mind off and do some sewing. In your March blog, you asked about your neighbor’s Flowering Tree with large Pink Flowers. That tree is “Saucer Magnolia”. We had that tree in the front yard of our previous home.
Also, could I please request a tutorial on your patch work on your pouches – with triangular piecing. I was looking for your pictures on the Zipper Pulls you made with faux leather cord and Tiger Eye Beads; I could not find it. Could please guide me to where that picture is? As always I enjoy Bender and Rico’s pictures with Bucket Hats in KFC fabrics. Thank you for your inspirations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not quite recovered. My knee is good but my ribs are still sore, but better.
I’m going to have to go back and look at the photo of that tree. I can’t remember it. thanks for the ID!
Those pouches with the triangle piecing were done on a paper piecing template that I drew. I’m happy to share with you if you’ll send me your email and I can actually find the template. It might be on my broken computer and unaccessible.
Here’s the post with the zipper pulls. https://agilejack1.com/2022/05/16/feeling-good-enough-to-sew/
Anne
LikeLike
I very much agree with commission work. You explained it well!
I’m all for learning the crumb work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are all standing up against commissions!
i’ll start working on a crumb tutorial.
Anne
LikeLike
I would love your tutorial on crumb blocks. I also agree about commission sewing; not going there again. Love your blog and the pooches are so cute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. My boys are very excited at the idea of a crumb block tutorial! I’ll get going on it!
Anne
LikeLike
I like your thoughts on commissions. I have never been quite able to describe my hesitancy to work that way but you describe it well. The fun of sewing is being able to be creative! In the future I think I am also going to refuse the task of finishing others half done projects. Not fun! And yes, I would enjoy a tutorial on how you make crumb blocks. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my! Finishing someone else’s half done project sounds awful!!! That’s a hard no for me!!!
Anne
LikeLike
Feel exactly the same re commissions and well done for sticking by your principles!!
I’d also love a tutorial on your crumb blocks if you have time to make one.
Enjoy your day off tomorrow and good luck getting a sample from Bender. I’m sure he’ll be far better than my Labradors who dive off in opposite direction any time I come near them with a sample pot!!🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, the sample will be easy. He will just drop in on the grass and then I get to grab some with a little spoon! I’m so excited!
I’ll start thinking about a crumb piecing tutorial. Thanks!
Anne
LikeLike
I would be interested in seeing how you do your crumb blocks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’ll start putting some kind of a plan together.
Anne
LikeLike
I agree 100% on commissions. I got burned on 2 and decided then and there, never again. We can’t see the vision the customer has in their head and a lot of the time they really don’t describe it very well.
Hmmm, I guess my life is a little more glamorous than yours! No stool samples here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing how many people feel the same way about commissions.
And I feel a little bad for you that there will be no stool samples for you tomorrow!
Anne
LikeLike
Yes, whenever you are in doubt, YES! We definitely would love a tutorial on crumb piecing or anything you’d like to share!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok. I’ll start thinking about the best way to present my method.
Anne
LikeLike
I totally agree with you regarding commissions. I’ve only done one, and it was such a pill of a project! Not my colors, style, subject or quilt size (it was a king). The recipient LOVES it, but, it really took a lot out of me and I decided that I would never do another commission. I’ll make what I want and give it to someone. Sure, I try to consider their colors, interests, etc. but the quilt comes out of my head!
I’d love to see a crumb tutorial.
You are getting more strawberries than me! I’ve only gotten a handful so far this year. My plants look amazing, but, not many berries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a little disappointed in my strawberries. I just planted them this year and was hoping for a little more this year. We had a really wed and cool May and June so that didn’t help.
I’ve only done one quilt as a commission and it didn’t enjoy it at all. it was just too much pressure to do something I didn’t love on a timeline that I didn’t like. Never again!!! But it was a pretty quilt and the buyer was very happy with it.
I’ll work on a crumb tutorial.
Anne
LikeLike
Anne – I feel exactly the same way about commissions. The only addition reason I have is that I am by no stretch of the imagination an expert sewer and not all of my stitches are perfect. That just the way I like it. Perfection is overrated. Lol. But if I made someone something on commission and they said pointed out a crooked stitch (and worse, asked for a discount), I would have to stab them with a spork. Hahahaha. Not really, but you get the point. You’ll have to forgive my sarcastic, warped sense of humor. I also sew for fun and if it ever became a “job”, I would quit. I tell people that I make things and have some for sale and if you see it and like it, flaws and all, then great! My development of a sense of color and pattern is still in its infancy since I used my left brain only in my 33 years work life so I make some pretty bad choices and things turn out really bad. Here is a perfect example of that. This bag is truly a Frankenstein bag. Great concept, baaaaad result. Hahaha. But I had fun making it and I think of sewing as a journey so I’ll use it as a beach bag or something.
Have a great day!
Tina
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike