I made a churn dash quilt out of old shirts for my son. I loved that quilt. I was a little hurt when I visited and he opened up the trunk of his car to get something out, and there is was! He and his girlfriend (now wife) were using it as a picnic quilt. I got over it tho, and figure if that is how they enjoy it, no harm in that.

When the first Wizard of Oz fabrics came out I made a quilt from the free pattern & had it quilted. My mother in law saw it when I was putting the binding on & flipped. Just loved the movie & the quilt was wonderful. Other things she has seen just got 'Oh that's nice'. Since she is difficult to buy for I wrapped it & gave it to her for Mother's Day. She seemed excited but no one has seen it since. That was 7 yrs. ago. Have not & will not make anything for her again. Told my DH that when she passes I want that quilt back. That is the only thing I want from her.

Most people will tell me what they want in a "gift" quilt, and when they do, they go to the bottom of my list. What part of "gift" do people not understand? There is a lot of money that goes into making a quilt, and when I gift one, my hope is that it will be used, and loved, and loved and used. Washed and dried and done again and again. The ones that go into a closet are the ones that break b\my heart. If I gift it and they use it till it needs replaced, I will gladly try to fit that one into my latest list of projects

I try making one for whichever family member. If it is not appreciated or acknowledged I don't bother with any others. I made a wedding quilt for my GS - my husband gave it to them while I was in another room - GS thanked me and his wife never said a word one way or the other. What my DH was thinking of I haven't figured out yet. There is a GGS in the works now and I am making self binding receiving blankets. IF I make a baby quilt, it will be for my own satisfaction as obviously the mother could not care less about "home made" (I prefer crafted) quilts. Discouraging.

does seem like fewer people say thank you any more--my DIL almost never says thank you and when she did recently when my DH helped them with some expenses, she texted 3 thank yous to him--he saved the texts since they are so rare from her!

I have made quilts where they are used and washed with love. I don't think people in general in UK understand the time and effort and cost.
i have made quilts or bags for quilters. They have asked me to make these items. As the quilt they buy the pattern ( if needed) and fabric. I sew and quilt. Just made a quilt for a friend's father. Rang with thanks as soon as they received it. They are delighted.