I made my first quilt about 20 years ago. It started out on my bed, then folded up, and now it is used everyday as a cuddle up on the couch or take to the park quilt. I also made a small throw size one about 10 years ago, it has gone through 3 kids. My littlest one has deemed it her "favorite blankie". Most of the others I have made have been given as gifts.
Both of these quilts are worn down, holes in them, batting falling out, binding worn to nothing. Basically they are both irrepairable.
I have had many people encourage me to try to patch them and they seem disappointed that they are in such shape.
My opinion however is, I love that fact that they have been used so hard. They are not worn or ratty to me. They have just been loved to pieces. And even if they are tossed away next week, I am happier than if they sat on a shelf for 10 or 20 years. Wall hanging types excluded of course.
So my question to you all is, do you stow away your quilts or do you welcome them being loved to pieces?