I like to have a person in mind when I start a project. I try to fit the quilt to the person.

Now, every quilt I make is for a purpose because I give them all away. Making charity quilts for my quilt guild lets me try many different patterns with all different types of fabric (my own). I try new patterns and techniques with almost every quilt I make, and then the quilts get to go to a new home. In the past, the quilts I've made "just because" are still UFO's! If they don't have a home to go to, they don't seem to get done.

Look...I know we quilters are generous people, sometimes to a fault. We give our time, our creative energy, our effort, our patience, our everything to every quilt we create....regardless of where it ends up.

So I can't help but wonder why is it so wrong to just make a quilt for ourselves??

I have made quilts because I just liked the pattern, I wanted to play with a certain color combination, or I just wanted a new cover for my bed.

These, and many more, are all valid reasons for quilting for ourselves....and I for one, no longer feel guilty if I am not planning to give my current project away.

Maybe I'm just too self-centered???

I'm hooked on quilting, I love it, I am taking baby steps in learning from this group.
I currently have an idea of a family member that I intend to give the quilt to.

Quilting is my creative outlet. That is my reason. I work very hard all week and on the weekend I relax by quilting. I forget about all the stress of the week and lose myself in my quilting. I really don't care if what I am working on has a purpose. I just love to create.

I like crazy quilting a project as a gift for someone...but then I like doing things I get to keep. My goal with my crazy quilting is to try new stitches and learn new tricks with each project.
It's my therapy!

Do we need a reason to sing, to play golf, to put a jigsaw puzzle together, to go for a walk, to play with the dog or pet the cat? Watching the sun rise and set, looking at the stars twinkle, identifying cloud pictures in the sky, basking in the moonlight--none of that has definable purpose.

Some people make quilts for the joy of the making--and that is reason enough.

I am with you. I need a reason. If there isn't a reason the thing will probably sit as an unfinished top for years. Found one last fall, i never completed. Why? because it was too small for me, wouldn't fit on a bed, so didn't bother. Right now Im telling myself I "need" a queen size quilt for my bed. Don't have one, so That is one thing i am working on now.Being on this board helps me to see it is ok to sew for fun, not just for purpose. Been doing the doll quilt swap, and table runner swaps. Don't need to do those, no purpose really other than to just have fun. And knowing someone else is enjoying my work too, is just wonderful.

Amen. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Many of my quilts have a purpose, but I don't think I need one. Just the feel of fabric and the therapy of quilting

No most of my friends are like that. Maybe it is the people on this list. LOL When I am happy I need to quilt, when I am sad I need to quilt, I dream quilting, when I am upset I need to quilt....Compulsive?

I want to learn more and more. Thats a good reason. Im sure there is lots of family you could make for, or friends. Or maybe Yourself. Now those are great reasons.

Not at all.

I make one because I like the pattern. New things are fun, and this is my hobby. It keeps me sane.

My reason for making most quilts is because I like them or I want to see if I cam do it.

I need a reason for each project. I'm that way with my cross stitch, too.

For me it's about the process, the picking out the fabric, the pattern, the hum of the sewing machine, etc. There is always someone, somewhere that can use a quilt, from family, friends to a charity. I also know that quilting is a universal language and have met so many people going to shows, quilt shops or just hand working on something that "I
quilt, therefore I am"

Brenda

I started out only making quilts I had a purpose for. Then it just turned in to just making them. I have a hard time parting with them. I have a huge list of quilts in my head I need to make. I too will probably have to start selling them on etsy or something to support my addiction.

I enjoy the creative process. Love doing crafty things! I tend to give most of them away, so now am trying to make some for me! :)

Well, my whole purpose in making a quilt is occasionally for a specific reason (i.e. birthday, baby, wedding, etc) but mostly it's because I am a quilter and that is what I do!

I don't need a reason to make a quilt. I think it is fun and it is a great hobby.

I do both. Having a purpose puts the pressure (needed) to complete a quilt on schedule. Just making it because it's so pretty works for me as well though.

I always like to learn a new technique, so I do a project for this purpose. Then I like to perfect it and get 'good' at it. It never bores me, but I usually move onto another technique or tool after a while. I don't need a purpose as I like to play. Sort of like playing with mud pies when I was a kid.

I always have a reson even if it is just cause I want to. :lol:

I like to make them because I'm inspired by a pattern, or a picture posted on this forum, or sometimes just an idea in my head. It totally relaxes and de-stresses me so that's why I make them, even with no purpose.

When I first started quilting I was that way and now I make them because I saw a pattern or fabric I liked. Of course I'm still making them for family and friends and wishing I had more time for quilts for just me.

Ruby the Quilter

I agree, I do a lot of charity quilts and get a great deal of satisfaction from it. I get scraps from a LQS to use and get to try out patterns I might not otherwise do. Some quilts I do just for myself because I love the fabric or the pattern too.

My youngest has made two quilts and they are different. She says she is going to make a different one each time. There will be not two alike. Not pattern either. I have been looking at all the free pattern downloads they have and have been putting them on my computer so she can pick and choose when she comes home the next time.

I have been quilting for 22 years and I am finally making some wallhangings and quilts just for me or because I want to learn a new technique. :thumbup:

My creative urges were stifled for 29 years while I worked and raised my kids. Now I can't get enough of learning and creating things.

I started quilting as a hobby....I finish one and can't wait to go onto the next project....it is addicting to me....I love to see the finished item!!

I agree with this....I get so excited about particular fabrics that that just call to me to make a quilt. Unless it is a requested quilt or ones for my family....I never have a problem just making them for the love/joy of making them. :-D

me too.

My mind sends me quilt patterns in my sleep. I quilt for cancer patients, Charities, a person who may just need to know someone loves you. My family and nieces and nephews, and my 4 grandchildren comes first. We make quilts for nursing homes, Dialysis centers,Head start children. It will also be a wonderful gift from our country to you, ie; foreign ex. students. There are many reasons to make a quilt. Oh yes they make wonderful baby shower gifts, and wedding gifts. I usually have a persone I am makeing the quilt for in mind.

Most of the quilts I make are for charity. But the I'm the one who receives the most because I get to spend time with good friends and I get to try out new colors or methods, and perfect some old ones! Win-win!

Right now I have a list a mile long, but each for a specific purpose. Not sure I could enjoy it as much either without an end purpose....but then again I'm pretty good at coming up with excuses ... um purposes...for the project I want to try next. I know lots and lots of people who don't quilt or sew, and they all have birthdays, Christmas, Easter......etc.

I think there are process people and project people. i am a process person and the process means a lot to me although I do like the finished project. On the other hand, my friend likes to end up with the project and that is the entire motivation to start. she like to sew, but the end is always in sight.

i used to be that way because i had so many quilts lined up to make , and they all had a pupose , or a person they were for but i justed finished one that i made and it was just one that i felt like making to try out differant techniques and this quilt will be mine!!!!

I'm sure you're not the only one who needs a specific purpose but for me, just because I love the fabric, or want to try a new technique, or am intrigued by a pattern is enough "purpose".

I do some with a purpose in mind and some I do because I love to quilt and some I do just in case I need one for someone.