I would be happy that the quilt was being used. Some of the quilts which I have made are thought to be too nice to use, so get stored away. I encourage the recipients to use them. I made a paper pieced one for my grandson. It is laid on the floor for him and many times their Golden Retriever dog. My family was worried that I would be upset at is use, instead I am happy that it serves a useful function in their household. Hopefully I can look back and know that I gave comfort and warmth with my skills. Also, once it is given it is no longer mine to decide how it should be used.

omgggggggg i went thru the same thing i made a quilt for a girl and she gave it to her dogs to sleep on ((( they are her babies )) i just made the comment that i gave it to her not the dogs and said had i known it was for the dogs i would of made it out of prints of cats so they could enjoy it more !! she said well they are my babies and they love it this was after she ranted and raved how beautiful it was and loved the present that is the last time i make anything for her in your case i would of said i made that for you to put on your bed to keep you warm at night and to cuddle with the cats and then just dropped the subject but i am known to let my mouth override my thoughts !!!!
so sorry some people appreciate things in differant ways

I think it would not be rude to pin a label or sew one for that matter, that states how many hours I was thinking about you while I made this quilt (which would be how many hours it took to make), how many yards of thread to quilt and maybe how many yard of fabric it took to make it. That way, they would know all the details of what was put into it. Then, if you see it with a dog or a dirty man on it, you have a truly justified and righteous reason to be outraged. Maybe they will value it more if they know that. The embroidered one with the birth dates, etc, should have been obvious. I would be mad about that.

I know for myself that I have decorated my rooms to my taste. If your friend already had a lovely bed covering that she had specially picked out for her bedroom, she may not have wanted to change it out for the quilt or it may not have fitted into the color scheme of the room. But displaying the quilt in the living area for all of her family and guests to see seems to indicate that she valued your gift.

You could look at it this way. If she has placed the quilt you gave her right out in the living room on her couch where everybody can see it, she must really like it. Look on the bright side!

I have to tell you a cute story about what my youngest GD did with the quilt I designed for her. I used her favorite colors and favorite activities and it turned out really nice and she loved it. I went into her room shortly after giving it to her and didn't see it on her bed. After asking where it was, she told me, "Gma, I roll it up and put it in the closet at night so nothing happens to it and I take it out in the morning and lay it out on the bed!" I was so touched that she would do that. It's still in very good condition. Also, she was only 8 at the time. She's 15 now. Probably time for a more grown up quilt huh?

What a cute picture. Looks like you have a really pretty Bichon..

I'd be upset too. This friend has no idea how long you spent on this quilt and it sounds like she could care less. I'm so sorry to hear stories like this because a quilter is a true artist. I have been fortunate that most of my quilts have been loved and well taken care of.
Someone must appreciate the work one does on a quilt to show true friendship or love.

I guess I have a whole different attitude about this. Everytime I give a quilt I tell the special person in my life that I gave it to "Use It". I would so much rather see someone using my quilts than never seeing them again. When I give a baby quilt, I explain, take it to the park, throw it on the grass, please enjoy it. I want the recipients to think of me when they see it. What better way than by using it every day?

I agree with Chele. I went to our 2nd Hand shop in our area and found a beautiful hand stitched, hand quilted Grandmothers Garden double quilt for $40. There was NOTHING wrong with it. It is beautiful. It is no my bed and yes my cats are on it and it has a white background found I cherish this quilt and wonder WHY is was sent to a second had shope. There is a date of 1986 so it is 20 yrs no spots or damage. Was it just packed away for 23 yrs, I will never know however I can tell you it is loved and respected now. Also, I hope Janeen took pictues of her quilt! I love my quilt journal. It means a lot to me and I see the quilts and time I want and they are in perfect condition. Just enjoy the process and the end results.!