Appreciation
 

I have made and gifted at least half a dozen baby quilts over the past year or so. Some recipients showed appreciation, others not so much. I try not to pay much attention because I know we all show things differently and the spirit of the gift is the important thing. Last night my sons' high school soccer team stopped to eat after a game and I was near the coach. He asked if I had made the "blanket" I gave him and his wife for their new daughter last August. He said they used it constantly on the floor for the baby to play on. It's nice to know it is being used, not stuffed away somewhere. I told him I always tell my sons that a gift of a quilt is a permanent hug.

The gift of a quilt is a permanent Hug. I love it. We all know the thought and effort that goes into creating the quilts we give. For me, I am thinking about that person, thoughts about the fabric, the wonder of the finished quilt. Some, like my daughter really let you know how much they love the quilts, others sadly like my son, have nothing to say. I am glad your coach shared how much they love the quilt you made their daughter.

It sure is nice to know that they are loving it. I made wall hangings for two young couples in our church who each had babies last October. I got lovely notes from both saying how much they liked them. It feels good.

This week I handed over two quilts I made for two special teachers my daughter has had. The first one oohed and ahhed and really, really appreciated the hard work and thoughtfulness; the second hardly said anything and didn't look at me.

I had to laugh to myself. I wasn't hurt by it; I know that some people are uncomfortable showing gratitude or accepting gifts. She's a great person and has been wonderful to work with, so I know she will appreciate the quilt, she just isn't good at showing it.

It is nice (great even) to hear that people like my quilts, but I don't get discouraged when people don't make a fuss. I quilt because I enjoy it, and the appreciation is secondary to me. I can live with that.

This week I handed over two quilts I made for two special teachers my daughter has had. The first one oohed and ahhed and really, really appreciated the hard work and thoughtfulness; the second hardly said anything and didn't look at me.

I had to laugh to myself. I wasn't hurt by it; I know that some people are uncomfortable showing gratitude or accepting gifts. She's a great person and has been wonderful to work with, so I know she will appreciate the quilt, she just isn't good at showing it.

It is nice (great even) to hear that people like my quilts, but I don't get discouraged when people don't make a fuss. I quilt because I enjoy it, and the appreciation is secondary to me. I can live with that.

not everyone likes quilts- plain & simple- just because we love them does not mean everyone we know shares our interest. some people prefer big-fluffy-puffy comforters...some like knitted throws...everyone is different & there is no reason to feel slighted- or hurt when you do not get the reaction you expected when giving a quilt- sometimes people even look at them and ask...why would she give me this??? they may keep it, may use it, may pack it away, may give it away...once you give it- don't ask, don't wonder, don't worry over it- and certainly don't be upset over it- you hurt no one buy yourself. i gave a quilt a few years ago that has been (re-gifted) at least 6 times- maybe more- at one point i wondered---wow- what is so wrong with that quilt that no one wants it? but that is not the case at all- a reason was explained to me by i think #4 recipient...and it's kind of cool that it keeps going around & around...
you just never know-
but never assume that everyone you know will have the same feelings about anything that you have...we are all different-with our own tastes.

I made raggedy rail fence flannel quilts for all my kids. They are all out of the house and anywhere from 1 hour to 5 hours away. On the label I put this is a hug from mom. They love them.

I concur with this sentiment and way of thinking. I give a lot of my quilts to people I'll never see, or see again. You just have to believe the quilt will bring someone, some joy, somewhere down the line ;-)

The joy for me was in the making.

how nice to receive the feedback about your gift

It is nice to at least have your gift acknowledged. You have a good attitude though - once the gift is given you have to give it up - it is theirs to do what they want with it.