Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Gifting and getting rid of old quilts! UNUSUAL and warm reaction! >

Gifting and getting rid of old quilts! UNUSUAL and warm reaction!

Gifting and getting rid of old quilts! UNUSUAL and warm reaction!

Old 07-31-2013, 08:25 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 851
Default Gifting and getting rid of old quilts! UNUSUAL and warm reaction!

So! My sister invites my other sister and I to come enjoy her new beach house for a few days. I had an old quilt that I made of light weight cotton drapery samples and "tried" to learn FMQ on it. This was back when they said to really put the pedal to the medal when doing FMQing! Long time ago! This quilt has tucks all over the back and it has long stitches and short stitches. . . nothing remotely even. . . in the FMQing. It's a mess. ALSO, it's long and more narrow than a bed quilt. So I thought: This mess is PERFECT for laying on the sand. It's been washed lots but still has body. I practiced like mad and this was back when the cotton batts needed to be stitched close. It's probably got twice the stitching that it needs with crossed lines everywhere. People! This is a quilt I would not consider giving to a charity!

I hand the quilt to my sister as we go up to unpack with apologies and "my idea" of this being a sandy beach quilt. Imagine my surprise when it's laid regally over the back of her living room sofa when I get back downstairs. I start to protest but she says it matches everything in here (it does) and we have been looking for a lap robe for down here. It's perfect!

I catalogue this quilt's many shortcomings to her but she doesn't want to hear them. I take the quilt and show her husband what I am talking about, pointing out all the tucks and long stitches but he's on her side. I make him promise to take it and use it on the beach at least once so I'll feel better about seeing that terrible quilt in their beautiful living room overlooking the water.

So here's my sad tale for all of you who have given beautiful quilts (the likes of which I shall never be able to make) to thankless persons. I wish for you all a sister like mine somewhere in your future gifting. It will warm your heart and you won't feel as horrified as I do about sending your "cast off" quilts to a planned utilitarian life that turns into a place of honor instead.
mhollifiel is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:30 AM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Carlton, OR
Posts: 174
Default

You are one lucky lady to have such a wonderful sister and BIL.
novicequiltergrandma is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:30 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Posts: 3,992
Default

Great story Holli. I will share your sister anytime! What a tribute to you that she saw beauty in your quilt and wants to display it in her home.
Caroline S is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:33 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 816
Default

What a beautiful story. I'm glad to here your sister loves your quilt.
Skittl1321 is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:38 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Fort White, Fl
Posts: 2,689
Default

That is a great sister. I often think my family does not appreciate what I do
lillybeck is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:41 AM
  #6  
Power Poster
 
dunster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,130
Default

I think your sister and her DH really liked the quilt. Don't be so surprised! It's probably much nicer than you think it is. And the fact that you made it makes it more special to them.
dunster is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:47 AM
  #7  
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alabama
Posts: 92
Default

I'm so glad your sister appreciates your quilt, even though it is not one you are proud of. Many quilts that quilters ARE proud of are just packed away and not seen by anyone, yet your least favorite is given a place of honor. You should be proud. Seems you have a wonderful sister (I have 3 of them).
PattR is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:49 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 851
Default

My sister really is wonderful and deserving! She is so classy she even sent me a Thank You note for that quilt in the snail mail! She's a keeper!
mhollifiel is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:53 AM
  #9  
Member
 
mcook03's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Madison, Alabama
Posts: 60
Default

What a treasure you have for a sister!
mcook03 is offline  
Old 07-31-2013, 08:54 AM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Annie68's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Maine
Posts: 1,469
Default

Oh, loved your story!
Annie68 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mountainwoman
Main
31
11-26-2017 05:13 PM
Sandygirl
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
44
12-17-2013 03:23 AM
smm06
Main
166
01-08-2012 03:59 PM
butterflywing
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
13
06-11-2009 11:37 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter