Donating a less than perfect quilt.
 

My niece was diagnosed with three brain aneurysms, she has had the surgery to fix the largest and is scheduled for surgery to repair the other two. Sadly her mother died from this when she was young. Their community is sponsoring a benefit for her and I was asked to donate a quilt. The only one I have completed right now and that can get there in time is one that I made for myself as a "couch quilt". It isn't perfect, not all the points match and there are a few mistakes in it. It isn't horrible by any means, just something I never intended for public view and I'm just not sure it is appropriate for a donation. Any advice?

Most people (non-quilters) would not see the 'imperfetions'. If that is what you have and can give, then go ahead. I'm guessing this will be for an auction? If so, those who love it will bid on it.

I would send it. The community will be generous and probably just needs avenues or donation points. Your quilt will not be scrutinized, but instead they will be grateful for the gift and remember you as the loving aunt who donated the beautiful quilt for the fundraiser. The focus will be on your niece and her needs.

Honestly don't think anyone would be upset that the points don't match on the quilt. Guess your other option would be to make a simple pattern (thinking rail fence) and machine quilt it. If I was your neighbor, I'd sure help you make it!

Hope the surgery for your niece is successful. ((hugs & prayers))

Exactly what they said! It's the thought that counts. Points schmoints. I would help you, too if you were my neighbor.

i agree with the other posters... we are all more critical of our work than other folks.

Hoping the surgery for your niece is successful. I agree that we are more critical of our work than most other folks. We are all confident that the quilt is beautiful and whoever wins will be ecstatic. Besides that it is for a very good cause and time is of the essence.

I would donate it, we are own worst critics. your niece is in my prayers - I hope all goes well.

I would donate it anyway, I am sure it is fine!!! Wish I was closer I sure would help out!!!

My aunt gave me a quilt, the points dont match, but I still sleep under it almost every night, and love it. It is the thought that counts

When you tuck into it, do you look at the points or feel the warmth & beauty of it? So will whoever bids & wins it! Give it with blessings toward the buyer and prayers for your niece! So much love swirling around, no one will be looking at the points but the love that made the quilt and donated it. Your heart is in the right place, I say: Go for it! And paryaers for your niece's good health.

Thank you all! I just mailed it out and your responses brought to tears to my eyes! Thank you for the prayers!

I'm sure your quilt woiuld be most appreciated and welcomed. Besides, we are own worst critics when it comes to the things we do...

Most people don't even know that 'points' thing. They look at the whole picture. I'd donate it.

It will be just as warm and cozy as the most perfect quilt! Send it!

I would send it like some one said the non quilters would not see the imperfections.and besides it is the thought that counts not the perfect or non perfect.I am truely sorry to hear about you neice.

Send it!
It is the thought that counts.

No quilt is perfect. A quilt that I was ashamed to enter in a quilt show took best in class. Many times we are our own harshest critics. While a few people may think we have stacks ready to donate, people with more awareness understand the reality. A lovingly made quilt is a fine donation. The community is coming together with love. Your quilt will be just right. Donate with a hug for your niece from all of us.

BTW, I had 3 ordinary flimsies which someone else LAed for last fall for a local benefit. They were very well received.

I agree that people that love quilts will not look at all the points but how generous you have been! My sister had three brain aneurisms and had open surgery for two then later had the coiling on the other and she is doing great ! Scary waiting for results I know about. It also runs in our family, two others so we have all been checked. Praying all goes well!

I agree, someone will jump on the chance to have a homemade quilt, the thought will be behind why and who they purchased the quilt for too.

It was made with love and for a hearfelt reason, that's what really matters. Remember, only God is perfect.

It is the thouht and effort. No one would be that critical - it isn't a contest. You are generous to give it. I pray your niece will be alright

I don't think less than perfect is important. But I don't think I'd donate a used quilt, and from your original message, I can't tell whether you were pulling the quilt off the couch or not.

Let me give a different view. How would you feel if you won a "less than perfrect" quilt in raffle. When I say "less than perfect" I mean one with obvious errors in it's construction. You see, my view differs from other who have said "its the thought that counts.

I don't think I would donate a quilt I made for me. I would donate money if the people asking would not give me enough time to make a new quilt. Just my opinion.

I have made many quilts and given many away. I don't consider all of mine perfect. Just made with love. It is the thought that counts.

I agree with everyone else. We are such critics of our own work. Where others see the beauty of it, we look for the imperfections. I think people will be generous in their bidding because you made it for your niece and she is who the fundraiser is for. My prayers are with your niece.

I think your a sweetheart and the quilt will just be so loved by whoever gets it. I hope everything goes well with your niece, that is what really is important.

It comes from your heart and nothing is perfect. My prayers go out to your niece for a sucessful surgery.

My prayers go out to your niece and entire family! I agree...no quilt is perfect and if it was....who would want it?

It must be a very nice, cozy quilt, or it wouldn't be designated for the couch in your living room. None of mine are perfect. I haven't kept any yet. I think if people want perfect, Wal-Mart sells Made in China assembly-line quilts which are probably a lot closer to perfect. Anyone would appreciate the hours of work that goes into a quilt, and any non-quilter will marvel that you are willing to donate all that effort. It will be a welcome addition. Besides, I'm sure it's pretty close to perfect in anyone else's eyes! I hope it goes well for your neice.

I agree most non quilter's would not notice and it is still a kind thought. Jenny Doan does have a quick big block quilt which was recently posted on the board. 9 blocks would make a king size quilt. The block is I tthink 24 inches a very big star, if you added some border's that might work.

Prayer's for your niece.

The only person who is really going to notice the fact teat teh points don't match is you, s I would go ahead and donate it. It's going for a good cause.

My prayers are also going out to your niece and her family.

I guess my question is- Has the quilt been used on your couch already? If it has been, I would say "no". I would not want to win a "used"quilt.
If it has been sitting on a shelf waiting to be used that's different.
personally I donate my best or not at all.

I myself, have never seen a "perfect" quilt, much less ever made one!

Hi... when is the benefit?.. I actually have a quilt I can donate to the benefit if I know when the benefit is. It is finished and about the size of a twin bed. Your welcome to it if you want it.. just pm me the address of where to send it to and I will get it in the mail tomarrow .. Good luck with the benefit and I will keep your neice in my prayers

Hugsssssssss Joyce
ps.. I'm in Sioux City Iowa.. so not far from you

Decide ahead of time it's YOUR DONATION and any quilt police can take a flying leap. Then send it. I did a personal sized quilt---long way for perfect--and figured if it brought in 75-100 dollars I'd have made a good donation. It brought in $240. I was shocked.

And kiddo/lung transplant recipient last spring is doing great and will be swimming in the local high school swimming sectionals tomorrow night! Not fast----------but he is breathing well.