Baby shower for our Granddaughter. Gender of baby was unknown so gifts were such, nice, but not too interesting. She opened each gift and set aside, not even passed around. Her husband has a hobby so I made an appliqué quilt relating to it in non gender colors. I worked 10 days on it. This gift bag was the last thing passed to her. She pulled tissue away and peeked in the bag. I’ve never seen it since. She’ll get a quilt for any future babies but it will be something simple.

This was not a quilt but when I was tole painting I painted a wood foot stool for my Dad... he was a very proud Canadian so I painted red trilliums on the stool and was so proud of it. The next time I visited him he had his urinal on it. I was really upset but did not say anything ☹️

Have you ever received an unrequested piece of hand made art from a relative or friend? They maybe proud of it, but it may be hideous to you. If the recipient has never shown an interest in your quilts, I doubt they would appreciate one.

I know when "ceramics" was a thing (going to a class and painting and glazing pre-cast pieces that were then fired) I lived in fear that someone would give one to me. I never saw one I liked. Fortunately no one ever gave me one!!

I see quilting as a form of art. I have never yet made a quilted item. However, when I chat to people I know, about making a quilt, their eyes glaze over, they are not impressed. They look upon quilting as a nice little hobby. I also paint in acrylics. I have had much more respect for my painting from family and friends. I have been advised to sell my art work. Is it possible that people do not understand that quilters are creating a piece of art?

Yes.

Slightly off topic - I have watched fork lift operators buzzing around a dock in an intricate dance - I consider their skill to be an art form, too. Or an electrician or a plumber that makes the work look "nice" along with being "functional".

For some reason,needlework seldom gets the prices that other forms of art do.

It's their job to keep up. They can read a quilt magazine while in the bathroom if time is that short.

I'm inclined to agree. Any business - if you don't keep up with what's new, you're going to be left behind at some point. Someone else will be up to date and have fresh new items in the shop, and that's where the customers will go.

My Grandma made many hand sewn quilts. I have some and my cousins and siblings have some. My brothers ex-wife knew I was coming to get Grandmas quilt she didn't want, so she "accidentally" put it in the dog house. I retrieved it, washed it and cherish it.

I think the point is well made here. I would just add don't surprise anyone with a quilt as a gift if you are not quite sure if they will appreciate your quilt. Ask them if they would like a quilt. Also be honest and tell them, " Don't say yes, if you don't mean it. I would rather get you something else if my quilt is not going to be loved. " Believe me it works! I paint in acrylics and I refuse to gift a painting to someone who does not want my painting. I tell them that it hurts me for them to take one of my paintings when I can get them something else and give one of my paintings to someone who absolutely loves it!