For me, sometimes I will just make a quilt. I don't know who it is for.

I have made quilts and given them to the elderly people in my area, or made a baby quilts and someone I know becomes pregnant and I give them the quilt.

Now, if someone asks for a quilt, or hints they would like something homemade, I do tend to find out what their colors are or what room they will put it in so I can match somewhat of the decore.

I don't like making quilts and they not get used. I like to quilt, and I like to give. I try very hard to give a gift I know will be used.

If I know someone is not going to use something I make, I won't give it to them. That is common sense. But, I hope that I am always a giver of my work and can only hope the person that gets it appreciates it.

I love homemade gifts. I don't think I could ever be unhappy with a gift. That is just me and I like me! LOL

(Playing devil's advocate here--yes, I make things for people, and am just as dissapointed as everyone else when they are not appreciated, but in the recipients mind...)

Yes, thank you so much for this quilt, that i think has the ugliest brown fabric in the world. I don't want to look at it, it clashes with mycurtains, and oh yea it has golf balls on it, but I appreciate that you spent hours working on something I will never ever want to look at again. Are you going to ask me in a year if I still like it?

Nah, I'm a "give and let live" kind of girl. I would hope when I asked you next year you'd be more specific about your gift list, though. LOL

I do always indicate when I give any gift that if they don't like it, I'll replace it. When I give a handmade gift I include in that offer where I'd like the item to go if it doesn't suit them, in part so they know I'm serious.

Ugly brown fabric with golf balls........... hahahahahaah :D
You are a hoot!

recieving is more of a challange to character than giving ---when someone reaches out to you with a gift accept the love first then the gift should realy not matter---thank you is very easy to say-- i got a pet rock for xmas the love + the pride shining from my gransons eyes is making me tear up as i write this --what a special gift i got

I see all points of view here....all I can add is that ultimately it depends on the person you want to give the gift of a quilt to. I am just as guilty as the next quilter who would appreciate "oohs" and "ahs". But I'm learning that's not always going to happen. Such is life!

I think we're kindred spirits.

A couple years ago I was treated to a number of handmade gifts that were really thoughtful and nicely done, just not 'me'. However I'm not about to tell the little sweethearts that made the duct tape coasters and the slit leather drink holder that I have no use for them!

I agree with Alimaui.

A few years ago, I was given 6x6 fabric squares. I was not enthused with the pattern or colors. But, I was thankful and put them away. About six months ago, My DD and I were going through some of my things and found the patches. She absolutely loved them. Hmmm, what am I missing here? I realized that they were given to me by someone we both love and those patches represented her. So, I gave my DD a couple of them and I am now in the process of creating a quilt with those patches - I love them, now. I believe time will tell. Quilt what you want with your heart's content. Give it freely and pray it will be used or preserved wisely.