Mkotch

Thank you all for your warm thoughts. They were inspiring to read and, I suspect, will sustain quite a few of us who sometimes worry about a growing stack of quilts in their homes.

quilterpurpledog

I quilt because I love to quilt. I have given quilts to family members with mixed reception. But, they will never be able to say that I did not make one or more than one for each one. They may not appreciate them now, but, perhaps as they mature, after I am gone, they will remember that that these were made for them with love. If not, I won't know or care what they did with them. I also make quilts for an organization in our community. And, just like family, I have no idea what the recipient thinks.

Karamarie

I'm sorry for whatever life has handed you but don't give up on your passion for quilting. We all need at least one thing we truly enjoy. Like others have suggested, there are many different causes to donate to. Hang in there and keep quilting.

Reba'squilts

I quilt for my family and make some charity quilts. And a friend or two now and then! I know some of my quilts are cherished and some not. I have a couple of leftover fabric quilts that we cover up with while watching a tv show at night. My plan is to make quilts for two of our bedrooms to use as bedspreads. I have the fabrics but no patterns ...yet! When I am no longer on this earth it will not matter if my quilts are precious to someone or not. Hopefully the memory of who I am will stay with the special people in my life. I have only been quilting for a few years and love it, so I think a number of quilts that will be gifted in the future! Enjoy your craft. Don't worry about where they will be years from now!

SSStitches

Quilting is my "me" time. Since retirement I need to be busy, so it's with something I really enjoy. I have started making baby quilts each year for a local non profit's fundraising auction. Enjoy yourself!

EmiliasNana

Hang in there. If you love to quilt, it will help sustain you through your family crisis and beyond. I have made quilts for all my family, including grand children, and will continue to do so as needed, or as I feel the need. I love making baby and kid quilts and use them to practice new patterns and free motion quilting, then donate to the church for the needy. I sew for the hospital, I sew for Sadie's Dream for a Cure and I make receiving blankets for the new babies in our church. Another worthy charity was mentioned here the other day: Days for Girls. I offered to make fidget mats for my mom's assisted living/nursing home and may start bereavement gowns for preemies. There are so many deserving charities that I am always torn on who to sew for next. I feel so blessed and find the more I give, the more I get back. Do whatever you need to, to keep your emotional head above water. Life is too short to worry about where my quilts will end up when I am gone. Enjoy the process if that's what makes you happy and good luck. Sending prayers and {{{{quilty hugs}}}}

joe'smom

'Why bother?" -- because you love it! That's the only reason you need. I think it's an added bonus that the thing we love to do results in something that has a practical use. But even if it didn't, the act of creating is worthwhile in itself. I quilt in the hope that the quilt will be loved by someone, but that's not what motivates me to quilt. The motivation is the joy of quilting, of creating something beautiful through such an enjoyable and satisfying process.

I sympathize with the 'family drama' -- what a loaded phrase, and one I can really relate to. Try to let go of the quilts you've already given to family, give to charities or friends in the meantime, and possibly the family situation will improve in the future.

Snooze2978

I go thru the "winter time blues" just about every winter it seems. I also wonder if the quilts I've made for others are worth it. But then I realized that once that quilt leaves my hands its no longer my problem. Right now I'm making a quilt for every couple, single person and child in my small congregation. I try to make them in colors and style to suit the person and worry they won't like it or won't want it. Now I just try not to worry about those things and keep going. Some of them have sent me little "thank you notes" which tug at my heart and tell me I'm doing okay and it keeps me going. I know some folks will not appreciate the hard work that went into their quilt but I try to remember those nice notes given to me from others.

I enjoy making quilts for others, it gives me pleasure to be able to give something of myself to another person. In this day and age when the world seems to have become so selfish its nice to be able to do something for another person without expecting anything in return.

trolleystation

Donate your quilts. Quilt, happily, knowing that someone who appreciates your time, effort and talents is getting your quilts. That is what I do.

Jo Anne B.

My grandmother was a handquilter and the mother of 16,(8 boys, 8 girls, my mom was #8) my grandma's word was she quilted to keep her sanity. So there you go! It's a passion and a road to sanity.
Since there is some truth to "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone" Maybe then your quilts will become treasured.
My suggestion: Make em with pride, with your head held high, don't ever let anyone steal your joy.