Creativity thrives on challenge. An open-ended project is seldom as satisfying, or as successful, as one that starts out with some “rules” to give it shape. When I set out to design a quilt, I always give myself parameters—which could be as simple as “blue scraps,” or could be far more complex .

A commission is a project where the client sets parameters for me. These parameters can range from very broad (“Here’s a picture of my dining room rug, can you make a table runner that will look good with it?”) to very precise (“I want a quilt made with this pre-designed pattern and these precise fabrics and quilt it in a one-inch diagonal grid”.)

I need to insert a confession here. I have a full-time day job which means my capacity to take commissions is limited. It also means I can afford to be choosy about which commissions I accept. And, truthfully, that means if your parameters are so rigid that there is minimal room for me to exercise my own creativity, I am going to be less inclined to take on your project. And really, if you are asking me make you something, I would like to think that is because you appreciate my creative decisions.

How does a commission work?

Typically, it starts with you reaching out with an email and telling me in very broad terms what you want. I will follow up with some questions to get a better sense of your vision, and whether I can contribute to that vision in a way that will meet your expectations.

It’s helpful for both of us if you can start out with answers to at least some of these questions:

• Do you have a colour palatte in mind? If you need this item to coordinate with something else, include photos that capture the colours as truly as possible.

• Does this item have to fit into a particular space? Sending me pictures of the space is helpful.

• Measurements. The more accurate the better. Like actually pull out a tape measure so you can tell me exactly how big the tabletop or the bed or the spot on the wall is.

• Are you looking for a particular design style? Something very traditionally quilty-looking, or something modern or improvisational?

• Are you looking for something hand stitched? (Count on many more hours being factored into the cost!)

• How will this item be used? Are you looking for an art piece to hang on the wall, or a quilt that will regularly need to have baby spit-up (and worse) washed out of it?

• Is there a deadline? This is important, because if I don’t think I can do it justice in the time I have available I am not going to set you up for disappointment, nor am I going to set myself up for an impossible task.

Once we are both satisfied that your project is something I can and would do, I will prepare a quote. Some of the things that go into determining the cost are:

• Materials. There will be a materials cost regardless of whether I am purchasing the materials new for your project or using materials I already own. One way or another the materials cost me something. I will also factor in a small amount for “shop materials” – things like thread that I have to purchase regularly but that may not have been acquired specifically for your project.

• Design. This will depend on whether you have asked me to work from another designer’s pattern (in which case there is generally a cost for that pattern) or create my own design (in which case you are paying for my creativity.) If you want my design used exclusively for your project, that will cost more than a design I can repurpose for future projects.

• Shipping. If you live in Winnipeg and can arrange to pick up your item at a location that is convenient to me, I will waive shipping costs. If you are not local, I will ship your item via Canada Post and factor that cost into the overall cost of the item.

• Time. And this, dear reader, is the part that may give you pause. I am going to estimate how many hours it will take me to do this work, and then I am going to multiply that number by an hourly rate of $20.00 And the resulting number may make you decide you can’t afford to proceed. And that’s perfectly OK.

If you do decide to proceed, I will send you a contract (ok more like an email confirming the details of our agreement) and request a deposit that will at minimum cover the cost of materials, and at most be 50% of the agreed-upon price.

This email will also address any social media restrictions you want me to follow. By default I like to be able to share progress photos on Instagram, so be sure to let me know if this a gift that you don’t want seen by anyone until after it has been given. Are you comfortable with me tagging you on my posts? How do you feel about me using your project in a blog post on my website? Note that I will never publicly share details of how much you have paid for this commission.

Once I receive the deposit I will get started. There will likely be some further back and forth communication while we settle on specific fabric and design decisions. But once we have settled on those, I get to work, and you get to wait in eager anticipation.

When I am done, you will pay the balance and either arrange for a local pickup I will ship it to you.

Finally, if your commission is intended to hang on the wall as art, I will send you instructions for maintaining it. If it is intended for more “active” use, I will prewash the finished item and include washing instructions.