Originally Posted by JanieW
I hope this the right section for this topic.
I've been reading a lot of threads where some of us have been hurt or disappointed by the reaction of some recipients to our home made gifts.
That happened to me a few years ago and I was actually humiliated in front of other people by the reaction to my gift. It was a real wake up call to me that not everyone wants or likes quilted articles . It's not even about not appreciating the work or effort or expense. We like what we like.
I am addicted to quilting/fabric/sewing. I decided not to be bitter about ungrateful people, but to share my skills with those who can benefit. I satisfy my addiction by making quilts for the preemies at our hospital and quilts for the children at the women's shelter. I use my best fabric for these donated quilts. I only ever buy my supplies on sale and I buy with these quilts in mind. The recipients are not fussy, the hospital staff is so grateful whenever I show up.
Don't get me wrong, I also sew for my kids and my grandkids, but they have input into what they are getting so I know they want it and will like it.
So for those of you who have been hurt by less than enthusiastic responses, think about sewing your hearts out for babies or kids or seniors that need it. You'll feel good, trust me.
I keep seeing over and over on different threads the reference to home made gifts. I think this is, in part, at the heart of where the problem in not being appreciated lies. Some people see our quilts as home made. We (and others who appreciate our gifts) see them as 'hand' made.
I used to be an eductor for Pfaff and always tried to stress the little tricks used to change something that looked like 'loving hands at home' to a 'one-of-a-kind designer original'. But part of that is changing our attitude as well as others.
In our society of 'throw away' furniture, vehicles, clothing, electronics, etc, we have forgotten the value of something that is 'hand' made.
We can begin to change this by starting to educate others about the fine art of hand made items. But first, let's change the way WE see our 'home' made gifts. We are fiber artists!
(Although I will confess compared to some of the foks on this Board my quilting is more like matchbox houses with curley-que smoke coming from the chimney than art quilts, LOL.)
Stand proud!
Peggy