Finish it for them. They may have been disappointed that they did not receive a finished gift (even if they understood the circumstances). Often when a person receives an unfinished gift (even if the giver intends to finish it), there can be hard feelings of unworthiness.

I made 12 large lap quilts for friends and family children for Christmas. All the children old enough to appreciate them were very vocal about their quilt, except for a 15 yr old girl.(employee's daughter) Her mother actually picked out the fabric and the design. I gave to mom to give to daughter and had to ask if she liked it. Yes, she did. The daughter came in with her mother to my work today and I didn't even get a thank you from her. I have one on my design wall right now for her brother, who works part time with us, and I don't know if I want to make it or not.

15 year olds are notorious for this kind of behavior - she may love it, but find it hard to express thanks.

Then, too, her Mom picked out the colors and so on, so the quilt might be what Mom THINKS she likes, not what SHE likes. Mom's are notorious for that kind of behavior! (LOL)

Before making her brother a quilt, ask him if he wants you to and what he'd like. You have a much better chance of making a quilt he likes since you know him.

Once , I made a wall hanging for my SIL ..... I went to her house to feed cat while she was on vacation .... found it IN the cat box ..... could have been one of the kids , granted , but she got beef sticks from then on ..... I never said a word to her , and now we dont get along so much .......just different people !!

You made it with love; you gifted it with love; and you will complete it with love. They know that (smile); what else is there. You are very fortunate to having in-laws who do understand the work (you said you had made other things she loved) that you put into your gifts. Rejoice in having them :-).

You never know how people will react to a gift. You made it for them and yes, their reaction is disappointing. But it is not done and there is a big difference between a quilt top and a finished quilt. I would get the quilt done and give it to them. Take some pics of the quilt that you have made and enjoy it for yourself. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done and be sure and post the pics on this board for more love and hugs. If their response to the finished quilt is not what you would like, make sure you give them no more quilted items. It's just them, not YOU. Hugs to you.

I have has a similar reaction several times. It has made me very reluctant to give quilts as gifts. Lately I have been offering to make quilts if they select the fabric and pattern. Then they have input, and if they don't like the results, well, it is what they picked out. So far (based on 7 quilts) this has worked well for me. Plus, they certainly appreciate the money involved, when they bought the fabric. :) Well, okay, I bought the fabric for two of them. One was for my SIL, and the other was for a life-time friend. The others were quilts for friends from work, friends, but not run-around-with friends.

sometimes, I've shown someone a top and received a mediocre response. THen, when they see the finished quilt, they can't believe it was the one they saw partly done. So, I am agreeing with those wise women before me. I say finish it and gift it. You imbued it with love for them and it--the quilt-- won't feel right being not with them IMHO

They may have been very disappointed that it was not done and they could not take it home. If you think about it, you open this lovely gift only to find it incomplete and now you have to wait even longer to enjoy it. Would bum me out. I think the only solution is, hurry up and finish it so they can take possession!

I have had varied responses to my quilted gifts over the years. It can be hurtful to realize the person you took time out to make this gift for may not have any idea the time , money , and effort that goes into the gift. If I were you I would try to finish and deliver the gift. If you don't get the reaction you are expecting at that point - it may be time to cross them off the list for homemade gifts in future. It would be their loss not yours - chalk it up to experience. Would love to see a pic posted if have one! Try not to let this one experience discourage you!!