I have donated crocheted lap quilts to use in a Silent Auction and it went for $15-$18 dollars. The yarn cost me over $25.00 so I would just rather give them a donation. I donate my lap quilts to the VA and they are happy to receive them.

I think if they sell raffle tickets for it, they bring in more money.

This is an excellent policy. I decided this as well, a few years ago.

I find that it alleviates careless handling of the handmade items also.

I donate each year for the church's Chtistmas bazaar and it is always raffled off. They always get at least what the quilt is worth- so much better than an auction. Others I donate just as gifts usually for children at a medical camp or hospital. They are always well received.

You are not alone. For years I made quilted items for our church fair and while some look forward to seeing what I have made and then puchase them, others look at them, ask if I will lower the price, and I refuse. A church fair or charity auction is just that a way to make money for that organization. When I have made the raffle quilts, however, one of my quilts raised nearly $2,000, and others at least $1,000. I'm not sure why but when people come to a church fair they have the notion that the materials are all donated anyway, so why should we pay more? Don't get discouraged, you know you are doing a good thing by all your efforts, pat yourself on the back and ignore negative comments as much as you can. Good luck and continue to make those items when your heart tells you to make them. God bless.

oh how heartbreaking ! people just dont value people's time and talent.

I make a lot of lap sized quilts for charity. I would rather give a monetary donation to any fund raisers because as others have stated, people don't realize the time and money that goes into them and expect to get them for very little.

I don't donate anything handmade. Most people associate handmade with homemade and expect to pick it up for next to nothing. Not happening for anything I spend my time and fabric on!!!!

Yes, with all that cheap factory made products around, it takes a special group of ppl to appreciate handmade pieces.
I have taken part in my kids' silent auction. I donated a few pieces of Pashmina of regular quality and they fetched good prices. There was a lonely lap quilt there. I think it got $25 at the end of the day.

What a shame that handcrafted items are so under valued. Very discouraging.