doglover

That is what my 90 year old neighbor says. She laughs and says she may not be around at Christmas and birthdays so why wait and she gives gifts to people as she finds them.

katyquilter

I made a quilt for my 12 year old grandson (who lives in S. Carolina and we're in MO) as a Christmas gift but when we visited the end of October, I showed him the photos - couldn't wait - I'll be sending it to him soon.

laffygiraffe

I am only 60, and have learned from my 92-year-old neighbor not to wait! She worked on quilts for her customers and not her grandkids, and now---unexpectedly--sorta--and now is in a nursing home and her son is at her house sorting out her lop-sided quilt tops and huge stashes of fabric for yards sales. (I have benefitted greatly from being next door.)

stevendebbie25

Not to wait: Sometimes it's special to do it all on a special holiday, Christmas, Birthday, Baby, Wedding, Reunion. BUT, don't wait too long. How often are we in shock over an unexpected heart attack, a deadly car accident, so many things that take someone we love, very unexpectedly and very fast. We don't get that second chance to say "I love you" or "I'm sorry" or "I made this especially for you, you mean so much". Or what if it's "us" and those left behind, don't know what we were making it for? Who to give it to? That special GD maybe never will know that Gma loved her so much to make this special quilt for her, because Uncle going through the things, donated it all to thrift shops and church. Maybe, when it's done, is the BEST time to give it. You can always say "this is early, for christmas this year" and come Christmas, give a card and photo of you, the quilt, & the receiving in a card, "Hope your enjoying your early christmas gift" to remind them. Maybe even a special bottle of quilter's laundry soap? Or a pillow, dresser scarf, bed scarf, something to go with the quilt come the Christmas time.
The more I've been reading and thinking, life is way too short, you just never know. My totally healthy strong son, army, lost him 3 yrs ago, age 23. You never know. My husband was in a near fatal accident 2 days ago in oil field work, could have been bad, thank the Lord it wasn't.
My mom's health is not good, maybe waiting, will be too late. Thank you posters for this thread and thoughts, as I'm changing my own "giving" scheduled plans. Once done, it's given, and a note card on the holiday if it's an early present.

laffygiraffe

I am so sorry for your loss. I am stunned about someone losing her son. It is so horrible, the English language doesn't even have a word for it!
My healthy, brilliant son, aged 25, is mentally ill and it is a loss every day, not to have him "with" us. He functions, calls, works, but he is not "himself," but an angry, deluded, sometimes dangerous, stranger. He is one of those "street angels, home devils." I miss him.
Send your quilts, cards, photos, hopes and dreams, and never stop, till that first shovel-ful of dirt hits you in the face.

patdesign

My dh cant keep a secret so I usually know long before Christmas what I will get, or not! Me I go nuts too but don't tell. :-D

hannajo

I have yet to experience this type of decision, because I've never finished something early! I'm usually giving the present saying, "I know it's spring, but this was for last Christmas. Enjoy!"

wildyard

I never put a deadline nor an occasion on my quilts. I need that freedom to keep my hobby stress free. So when one is done, and I'm ready to gift it, I can do so right away.

jdavis

I'm like you as far as gifting; but I don't have any gift quilts ready for anybody!!!

Va Quilter

I agree with your thinking~sad to say that someone could die in between waiting for the said bd or christmas presents,etc..
That's what I usually do,give when it's done!