jfowles

So, I love quilting, dah!! it doesn't matter if I have someone to give it to, if I need it or even like it very much I just love quilting. My daughter who is my best friend and a wonderful friend at that, told me the other day, (at least this is what I heard) that it was all kind of a waste, I don't have anymore people to give them to and what is she going to do with them when I am gone. I have too many to display and they aren't good enough to give as works of art (my thoughts). So now I am working on a child's quilt with no one to give it to. I bought the expensive fabric that was made for the pattern (American Jane) and I just feel stupid working on something just to be quilting. I have no idea what to do with it but it has been so so expensive to make that I want it to go to someone who will appreciate it. I told her I can donate them but she seemed to think there is an over abundance of quilts and no one really wants them. I make her sound like an ogre and she really isn't, she just doesn't get it, Anyway now I feel bad about all the money and time I have spent just to appease my addiction when no one has any use for my work. I may not finish the child's quilt and just move on to something I intend to use as a gift, I think the intended recipient will appreciate it but now I am rethinking the whole idea of quilting as just plan selfish and self serving. So I've rambled on a long time with this, I just feel bad and I need some moral support to justify my need to continue what I love.

sueisallaboutquilts

Oh my, I really disagree with your daughter!
And I disagree with you about being selfish, self-serving etc.
You are SUPPOSED to love what you are doing!!
That's the point, isn't it???
I don't get her logic at all, sorry!!

Keep doing what you love!!!!!!! :D

ktbb

You're right, she doesn't get it. There are plenty of folks who love quilts and would take them or buy them even if she wouldn't.

Why not have a quilt garage sale and recoup some money on the onew you've made...at least get enough money to buy more fabric even if you don't get paid for your time. or check out the non-profits in town - they frequently need items for fund-raisers and quilts are always a big hit in that area.

If you do what you love, those who love you will love what you do, so don't give up now. (and that wasn't meant as a slam at your daughter....but there are others out there. Chin up and keep that machine operating! Remember that you're not just feeding your addiction, you're keeping the economy moving as well.

noveltyjunkie

It sounds like there is more to this story than you are sharing here. Unless your quilting habit is getting you into debt, causing you to neglect your friends, skip meals, or filling up your house to an unreasonable degree, I'd keep right on!

donnajean

Ignore your daughter. I have many quilts as well with no one in mind & no relatives to give them to. Someday you find someone who will appreciate them. When my sister lost her battle with colon cancer, we gave some the the local hospice. Just give your daughter instructions to donate them & not throw them out.

nuttyhurricane

You are truely gifted. What about Project Linus? They sent a ton of light weight quilts to Haiti (sp?? please forgive). They also supply quilts to the childrens section of hospitals. Then there are the hospic, chemo, and foster children. Just start thinking out side of the box. Project Linus is on line. You can find a group that way. For the other two mentioned talk to some one at the hospital or try a few churches. Someone is always going through some hard time and could use one. Don't let this gift slide away. Also if you were not quilting what else would you do for theraphy? K

noveltyjunkie

Oops. When I post from my phone, pressing return causes the message to submit.......

Bottle Blonde

I'm sending a message of encouragement by the boatload!!!! Everyone needs a creative outlet, a hobby, a way to spend spare time..... so many people enjoy tv - I think it is a waste of time - some men golf and/or hunt - I don't enjoy that - lots of folks like to run - I really don't get that! - some people cook and bake - I don't like to cook, but love to eat! :D some people spend time at bars - that is more expensive that quilting! my DH likes to ride his motorcycle - I'll go sometimes....My point is this - if you enjoy it, do it! Why not?!!! It is your money - your time - YOUR HOBBY - are you hurting anyone by quilting? NO, of course not. Would you be unhappy if you stopped quilting? SOOOO .... quilt and be happy!

feline fanatic

First of all please explain to your DD and BFF that it brings you pleasure and therefore is not a waste of time. If she still doesn't get it, maybe explain in terms of food. We prefer to eat stuff that we like the flavor of. Otherwise we would just eat for only sustenance. Does this make sense? If eating certain things simply bring us pleasure as well as nutrition, well then, why aren't we all eating gruel with tofu (or something equally void of flavor but nutritious) for every meal? If a thing brings us pleasure or a measure of happiness it is NOT, IMHO a waste of time (nor money).

Quilting is my passion as well and I would not give it up because someone, even someone I loved dearly, thought it was a waste of time and money. Something that brings pleasure, contentment, a sense of self worth and accomplishment does indeed have value and is not a waste of time.

As far as there being a "glut" of quilts in the charity market, I sincerely doubt this. There are calls everywhere for quilt donations. Quilts for Kids, Quilts of Valor, our very own Green Fairy collects quilts every year for orphans in Romania and all it takes is a look at her blog to see how much they are needed and appreciated. Homeless shelters, Churches, Guilds, Women's shelters and countless other organizations can all attest to there being a need. You can also give quilts to friends.

noveltyjunkie

I don't think this is realistic at all. Some of my husband's hobbies bug me, but I can see they give him pleasure so I keep silent. Just because he gets excited about stripping old engines does not require me to do the same!