I have been in the same spot.We now give because we want too. not because they are our family and freinds.Don't give up hope. You made it with love and if they give it away to some one who really likes it more,that is a blessing to. I always add with a gift that they are welcome to share it if it isn't them. That way they can share it with out guilt and instead of being upset i see them sharing my gift of love.
Other wise I seam to bbbb for months on end about all the work of love and how come they did not like it? Giving should never make you feel bad.
Now I will say ..You could adopt us too.
chrissy b

I made "professional totes" for daughters and daughters-in-law for Christmas this year. Three have really loved them and have been excited to start using them. The 4th, I've heard nothing from. Of course, I do realize there has been no time for a Thank you note to get here, but the other distant one made a quick phone call. And I need to learn patience.

i also am sorry that all your had work went unappreciated.

If you feel the need to make something for the gals in the future, make a small cosmetic bag. Just may have a better chance of it being used. Purses are sooo personal. So are totes.Sorry for what you went thru. Know it hurts alot.

I'm so sorry that happened. I used to make things for part of my family and they would say, oh if you didn't have the money to buy us something, you should just say so. Now I make things for people that will enjoy them and buy things for those who don't. Your purses are beautiful and most people would be proud to carry one. If you count up all the desires for them on this site, then you didn't make enough of those gorgeous bags. So don't let those poor people who lack manners ruin your day.

I am sorry this happened to you. But last year my DDIL wanted a purse just like one I had made for myself. So I made her one for Christmas. One day I asked my DGD why her mother wasn't using it, she said she didn't like it because everything fell to the bottom. I have finally decided that a person's purse is like underwear. We all have a certain kind we like and don't want anyone else to buy it for us. So I am not doing purses for anyone any more unless they specifically ask for a certain one. And it is so true they have no idea how much time it takes to make one. It is just another part of a learning curve for us quilters. Yes, it hurts our feelings, but hey now we have more time to do things for ourselves :roll: :lol: ;)

I feel for you, I also have been through that. I now only make presents for those that I know like handcrafted gifts.

Yep, just what I say. It's like trying to buy someone else underwear. I hate the lacey stuff, and don't wear thongs, and...and....

Just another one of life's lessons. I think every artist (and we are that) experiences this at least once with their art. Our ego's become bruised but guess what, we still go on with our art because we know it not only makes us feel good but also that there is someone who will love it. I have had this experience and worse someone who will tell you a "Better" way to do it (and they don't even know what a needle is). I do some watercolors and a non-artist told me what was wrong with my painting PLUS how to correct it; I gotta tell ya, I was angry (told him so years later).
Cheer UP, there are tons of people who appreciate your work.

I am so sorry. I agree that they are thoughtless and rude. I guess they were hoping for quilts ( something big). That would be my last gift to them that I spent so much love and time on. They can give them back to you and I KNOW you can find someone(s) who would love them. Count me in as one of them. I have two sister in laws who would not really appreciate a purse I had made, no matter how gorgeous it would be. It just isn't their style. They would NEVER be rude to me though. I guess it is the character of the gals you gave them to. Don't know the relationships but sure would back down from gifts for them. Just to let you know, we LOVE your purses, sight unseen.