sewsewquilter

I am with the others that think a thank you gift is not called for each time. She might a person who likes to share without anything in return. Maybe a happy day gift when she least aspects, but not each time. I know I like to share when I can without getting anything in return but a smile on the persons face.

wvdek

Graciously accept the gifts. When you have a few spare minutes make her a key fob, some pot holders, a bookmark, or a prayer shawl.
Could be she has had the fabric around or someone is giving it to her and she would rather you have it. Make some prayer shawl quilts and have them blessed in church and that way she will burst with love for the gift you are both giving to someone in need. .

BellaBoo

I would not feel obligated to make her anything from the fabric. Every now and then I would bake her a pie, cookies, or buy box of flavored tea bags, coffee, something to show you are thinking of her being so nice. Don't start with the Christmas gifts, then she will feel obligated.

redquilter

I think a simple, heartfelt, "thank you" is all that is required. If she's giving you the fabric - she obviously wants you to have it, so don't feel you have to make something as a return gift. This can go on forever and you'll just feel more and more resentful. That's silly. As some of the others said - a small token at holiday time is fine. Or how about bringing her some homemade cookies next time you make a batch? Does she live alone? Maybe you could invite her for dinner, or lunch, or afternoon tea. Do you have a flower garden? Cut her bouquet of flowers - or buy a small African Violet. There are a lot of things you can do to show your appreciation that don't involve your sewing machine and limited time there.

lovetoquilt

My husband is also a Pastor of a Church. A lot of times members have been cleaning out and when they find out I quilt they will give me fabric or sewing supplies. I really don't think they expect you to make them something when they do this. You are actually doing them a favor by taking the stuff they don't want any more. As a Pastor's wife we do a lot for Church members. I know I visit with my husband, go to hospitals and sit for hours when a Church member is have surgery and a lot of other things. I truly believe the lady doesn't want any thing from you. I had a lady give me over 200 yards of fabric. She had purchased a trunk load of fabric when a lqs went out of business. When we pastored at her church she was in her 80's and she knew she would never be able to use all of that fabric. She was so happy when she found out I was a quilter and she asked me if I would take some of it from her and I did. I also have a man in our Church now who will bring me fabric to Church if he finds any at a yard sale. He just wants to do something nice for his Pastors wife. Just accept it and give a genuine "thank you". And if you are like me you will probably end up making things and giving them away to people in need. I feel like this. God is blessing me so I can bless someone else.

chamby

When she gives me fabric she does hint around for me to make something for her. I like the idea of making her a birthday or Christmas gift. I always thank her for the gifts of fabric and supplies. Thanks for your opinions.
Chamby

bearisgray

Aaaahhh - I see, says the blind man - - - that does make it more awkward - - -

I admit that when I give something to someone, I do enjoy receiving a "thank you" and I do enjoy seeing the items being used.

Most of the time, other than a "thank you", I really and truly do not expect anything back - if people feel they MUST do something, a "pass it forward" to someone else would be nice.

And if something I'm offering really is NOT wanted, I would like to have the person say something like "thank you for thinking of me, but maybe someone else would have a better use for it" - none of us need more clutter in our lives.

BellaBoo

The next time she offers say I'd love to accept but I won't be able to make you anything from your fabric so if you rather give it to someone who can then I'll understand. I try and get out of these type situations as fast and nice as I can. It never lets up if you let it drag on.

quiltmom04

From what you've said, it doesn't sound like you had any agreement, spoken or not, with this woman to make something for her from her fabric. Perhaps she doesn't even expect this. I have a close friend who was a pastor's wife, and I know how you have to walk on eggshells. I would suggest talking to this woman and express your appreciation, but explain your time contstraints with making things for her, and that you will have to decline the fabric. Suggest others who might use it. Hopefully it will turn out that all this was a misunderstanding, and she'll be happy to have you use the fabric any way you like!

craftmama

I think you should graciously accept the gift and send her a nice thoughtful card. Sometimes people just wanna hear thank you.