I have read a lot of posts about how certain people have NO IDEA and NO appreciation for the quilts that we make. I figured something out last Christmas, to save myself some heartache.
I made 8 or 9 fleece blankets (I sewed the edges though, I didn't tie them) and gave them as gifts. I made one for my Step-dad, and he loved it, he was very appreciative. He is someone that will get a quilt from me some day, I know it will be worth the effort, and he will appreciate what I've made.
I made one for my Dad and Step-Mom, and they did not have the same reaction. It was kind of like, "Oh...this will be nice to keep us warm in the car...." Totally didn't get that I took time to MAKE them something! :lol: Clearly NOT someone that I will make a quilt for. I love them dearly, of course, but I know they just wouldn't "get" how much work goes into a quilt.
Anyways, I gave all the blankets out as gifts, and I know who will eventually get one of my quilts, based on how they reacted to the fleece blankets.... I'm glad I didn't take the time/money/effort to make a quilt for all these people!

Long story short!! :lol: :lol: (sorry I tend to ramble)
If you aren't sure if a person will appreciate a quilt, maybe think of a smaller, not so time-intensive project to make them. Like a tote, or an easy blanket, or something along those lines. Then you will know who is "quilt-worthy" :D

(I meant nothing negative by this post, I don't mean to say that people aren't worth my time, obviously! But it has saved me some hurt feelings, just thought I would pass it along) :-D

Thanks for listening! You guys are the best!

Heather, I don't think this post is negative at all! I think it's realistic and smart!! :D

I completely understand what you mean. I made a quilt for my DH and he just loved it. Well he showed it to his parents and his dad wouldn't even look at it, he just snubbed his nose at it. So Cali will freeze over before I make him anything. FIL has the attitude I got money so I can afford to go out and buy whatever i wants so we don't give him gifts.

You are so right. A very dear friend of mine was in the hospital so I took her one of my prettiest lap quilts. She seemed pleased and thanked me. Later when I visited her at home she was wrapped up in a rather dingy cheap blanket. I asked why she wasn't using the quilt and she said. That thing was too heavy for me to carry out of the hospital so I gave it to one of the nurses who helped me.
I have never made another thing for her. She is still my dear friend but she just didn't get it. She later asked me where I had purchased it,(it had my label on it). I told her I had made it from scratch. She asked if I would make one for her to give to her husbands nurse. I explained they take me 6-8 weeks to make and I generally get $300.00 for that size. WHAAAT? Yes mam. She thought I had just picked it up somewhere on the way to the hospital because "it didn't look homemade"....Oh well, live and learn!

Yes, that is a good way to tell for you. Thanks for sharing with us. You know others don't appreciate our quilting as they have no idea the time and money to make a quilt

Have a great day!

Craftybear

I learned the hard way myself. I gave a quilt to a friend , and a few months later it was being used in the dog bed. Not that I do not love dogs. I do! but not even my dog has a quilt I made!
Sometimes .. they appreciate cookies !

I completely agree , some people are more into quilts then others and some people they just don't enjoy them like we do. It is not to there taste. Quilting is very expensive and even though we enjoy making things it is just not feasible for me to make everyone I know a quilt.

That is a lovely way to discover how people feel

OMG this story takes the cake!! :(

I like what you did ! What a GREAT way to discover who will appreciate your time/ work and effort :thumbup: THANKS for sharing :lol: