It's hard to understand how people can be so unappreciative and hurtful. But the key is to not take it personally. They aren't trying to hurt you, they just don't have the sense to know what they've been given. They certainly don't have a clue what you put into the project, and they are wired differently than those of us who appreciate a handmade item for what it is.

There's an easy fix: do your best work and donate what you can afford to those who do appreciate the gift. I make little tiny shirts for babies in a NICU in the city. I realized what a difference it makes to the parents to see their baby in clothing when my own children gave birth to a preemie last year. It's not difficult to find a place as there are so many, just make sure it's something close to your heart and don't look back.

I like your attitude!
Many people get so carried away with their hobby(machine emb., quilting,crafts etc.)they forget not everyone's taste is like that. It's not always a matter of not appreciating the work or thought that went into the gift. It's just being overdone. I know people that do emb. that think every gift they give has to be embellished in some way. It gets ridiculous!
If I give you a gift, it's because I WANT to give you a gift. What you do with it after that is your business. you owe me nothing!

Sometimes I think people are so spoiled and ungrateful if the gift is not the latest gizmo that is advertised. Give me a handmade gift any day especially if it is made by my DGC or nieces. If it comes from someone else and not to my taste, I will later "gift" it to someone else who it might fit better. For example, I received a frilly apron handmade by a guest who came to visit from out of state with my best friend. Just not my style but I will find someone who appreciates it and it will go to a new home.

JanieW- what a great post!! :D

I have a totally different opinion and I expressed it on the other post.

I have three daughters, two of them love handmade stuff and do their own in various ways, but they have enough quilting for now.. the younger daughter has always hated handmade stuff even as a child, and will not let her children have anything hand made either , she doesn't know why!! The son has even made his own stuff here, sewing of all sorts and she is pleased but they will never go on show. I do not get offended by this it is just the way she is. So I make quilts and hangings I like and hope eventually someone will want them because for me the pleasure lies in the making. When I am gone I won't care what happens will I.

Amen Janie! You have a good heart. :)

AMEN. These groups are always so appreciative, and do not worry about colors, patterns, etc. but are so thankful that someone, anyone, thought enough about them to make the quilt........I know you will receive so much more in blessings from doing this than you ever expected.

What a wonderful way to express your creativity and help needy ones at the same time!

My sister and I regift all the time I had rather they gift the item I made if they don't want it than to just trash my hard work . She makes Pot holder crochets them by hand and gives me pot holder for christmas I give them to the girls I work with as they love them and love to cook . I gave her stockings this year and she gave them to a need children Org to fill for the less fortunate and we know we do this and every year we do it again