leighgirlly

I am making a quilt as a gift for the first time and have a few questions about how to give it.
First, what would be a nice way to wrap it? I am considering sewing a pillowcase for it to be stored in when not in use. Are there any other ways to wrap it?
Second, should I give detergent with it? I definitely want to print cleaning instructions to put with the quilt but I didn't know if I should include detergent as well.
Third, I am actually making two of the same kind of quilt. I am giving one to each of my sister-in-laws. We are all at the time in our lives that we are having babies and I found a wonderful quilt that I know they would love. The problem is that one of them takes horrible care of everything she owns. You can't walk through her house because it is so messy. Normally, when I give gifts, I give them with just the thought that I hope they enjoy it but I become attached to my quilts and I want it to be taken care of. I know it is slightly ridiculous but that is how I feel. What should I do? Has anyone else ever had this fear and what did you do?
Thank you in advance.

lfstamper

A gift has no strings! I do understand your concerns so u will have to follow your heart on what to do. Good luck!

nativetexan

maybe a pillowcase you can put it in that matches. or a tote bag. I usually tell people most quilts only need to be soaked, spun out and soaked again, then spun and dried a bit in the dryer. Agitation is not a quilts friend and unless it's seriously dirty, it shouldn't need it.

Barbshobbies

I know how you feel about your quilts, I don`t see why you can`t tie a informational card to the ribbon. But it should be put on both quilts as not to hurt feelings. Now non-quilters may want to know what the quilt is made of and how to take care of them. Not every quilt is made of the same material and can be cleaned the same way! Don`t be surprised if they are not taken care of the same way, but you tried.

Kathy T.

I put a color-catcher in a small (sandwich-size) zip lock bag with a printed suggestion of how to wash and safety pin it to the quilt. With the washing instructions, I put a sentence that they are to use the quilt and if it falls apart as the child grows, I will make them another. Then I give the quilt with love and let it go! You can always make one for yourself, too ...

Painiacs

What a wonderful gift, we all get attached chef to our quilts but you have to just give it and let it go I know how difficult it can be when the recipient is messy , I have family members that are not just messy but slobs but if I give a gift t t that's it , it's their's......

quiltstringz

I agree it is your choice but once you give it, it is theirs. I don't think it is necessary to include detergent but I definitely would gift a few color catchers - not everyone has those on hand.

Snooze2978

I like to make a pillow case using the leftover fabrics from the quilt. So when they're not using the quilt, they do have a good place to store it. As to cleaning items, you might want to add a color catcher sheet along with the cleaning instructions. As to how the quilt will be taken care of, well that's in the hands of the recipent and God. I find once I give a quilt as a gift its out of my hands what they do with it afterwards. I decided not to fret over it as I know I have no control over what happens with it anyway. They will know you gave them something of yourself in this quilt..........LOVE.

madamekelly

When making quilts for what I call "Not Housekeepers" I whip out my cotton/ polyester or all polyester fabric for their quilt. It will survive better than an all cotton quilt, IMHO. Bigger blocks, more quilting, etc.

IBQUILTIN

A gift is a gift is a gift. If you include washing instructions, it should help, but you can't walk a mile in her shoes. She will appreciate the wonderful gift, give herself an "I really want to take care of this", then move on with life as usual. It hurts sometimes to see our hard work and love mistreated, but life is like that sometimes. You just have to let it go.