All I can add to what has already been said here is....Quilt On, Sister!

Your daughter sounds alot like mine several years ago. I had so many quilts that I could never use them all. She set me up with an Etsy shop and now I sell them to keep me in fabric. I give alot of them away to my church and relatives too. Lap quilts are greatly appreciated at rest homes for the wheelchair bound too. There are all kinds of charities that would love to get them! NO quilt is ever a waste!!

You know as I get older I make things to have in reserve. I have hand knit cotton washcloths and lovely soaps to go with, pretty fingerless gloves, pretty pillow slips with crocheted edges. I know there will be a time I cannot do my handwork but I will be able to give it. Last week I gave a pillow and lovely pillow slip to my Physical Therapist on the last day of therapy as she was such an inspiring help to me. She loved it and will use it when she goes on the 60 mile walk for breast cancer next weekend. Earlier I gave her a pair of hand knit socks when I first learned of her plans for walking. So you never can tell when your work will delight someone. Another therapist had a birthday on my day and I gave her a small gift of washcloth and soap. She was so surprised and happy. Both items were ready to give, no stress except for selecting the right one for the person. Quilting will soon be in the lineup!I am just a rank beginner but it is such fun I won't stop.

I sincerely hope you are feeling very encouraged--I just read through ALL the responses and certainly agree--you should keep on doing what you love and DO NOT FEEL GUILTY about it.
I used to spend hours and hours reading--no one really benefited except me and the author/book store. My quilts go to so many places and many people benefit. When you find an outlet yours will too. I wonder if you have thought about checking with your the local quilting guild--our guild gives quilts to several "causes".
Above all, keep on doing what you love to do.

There are so many places to give quilts like women's shelters, day care centers, police, fire dept., sheriff's dept, nursing homes, oncology departments at your hospital for chemo patients. Any place that could use quilts would appreciate your efforts.

Don't stop doing what you love to do. So much good can come from this.

Sometimes our offsprings don't get the joy we render from our hobby, be it quilting , woodcrafting, doll making etc.
It's a passion inside of us,which makes us happy. Somethings not perfect but we tried our best and that is what counts. Over the years my Daughter has come to realize this is what makes my day.She also knows what's coming her way for xmas. Enjoy your quilting, hopefully one day the light bulb will go on for your Daughter too. God Bless. You got alot of people telling you where your quilts will bring a smile & warmth and great appreication . Go to a childs cancer ward in the hospital and ask if you could donate to a child a quilt. I'll be here and so will all the other quilters to cheer you on.

I don't have any family to give to actually, BUT there are people in nursing homes, thehospital probably needs quilts for the children whohave been taken from the meth homes and I love that idea of having a "quilt / garage sale". Or - put up asign that you have quilts for sale, or an ad in the paper.....My dear, I'm sure there are lots of people who would love to have a quilt - with the winters beginning.

I just read this entire thread and agree you should continue to quilt as long as you can. Donating your quilts can be very rewarding. Giving them for charity raffles is another way to pass them on and certainly the recipient will appreciate having the quilt, esp. as they bought the raffle tickets! Selling them (be sure you price them appropriately) can keep you in more fabric and supplies! If you have created a quilt that you put a lot of time and $$ into and are especially pleased with, hang it on your wall for a while just to enjoy. You can always pass it on to an especially deserving person when you find them, perhaps you could have a writing contest at a school or ?? and choose the recipient that way. Might even make a new friend that way (and teach them to quilt too!). Your daughter will ocme around to appreciate your takent some day. In the meantime, keep on quilting!

My quilt guild gives quilts to the county childrens' shelter. They love having something to call their own. Also, we give them to the local battered women's shelter. They leave sometimes with nothing but clothes on their back. They would cherish a quilt. Keep quilting - it is your hobby and love. Don't let anyone discourage you.

Wow!!! This is my first reply and I'm new, love getting my morning fix looking at all the beautiful quilts on this site. I agree your daughter doesn't get it and shouldn't degrade something you love so much. I lost my Mom (who taught me to sew) in April and my 97 year old father took care of her until the day she died refussing to put her in a nursing home. He had a stroke 4 weeks ago and now doesn't even remember being married to her for 65 years. Today I'm transferring him to another nursing home ( 2 hrs.away) because once they stop theorpy we have to pay $8,000.00 a month. He doesn't qualify for aid. Sewing in my release. Don't you dare stop something your find joy in. I'd love to see your quilts when I have my morning coffiee. If you were close to me I take you to a quilting store for your next quilt. God Bless Donna

What does your daughter do in her spare time?

There are plenty of places that would love to be on the receiving end of your quilts. Our Rescue Mission opened a new women's/children's shelter last fall, and a few local churches made quilts for all the beds there.

If the cost of quilting is getting to you, you could put an ad in the paper or your local Craigslist asking for fabric donations to make quilts for charities. There are people out there with stuff they don't want to bother to sell and would gladly donate to someone they know will put it to good use. I did that for the Million pillowcase challenge and received free fabric for that.

You could do a great service without having to fund the whole project yourself. (and make more!!)

I'm so sorry your daughter (obviously) hurt your feelings. First of all, life is too short to live it trying to please others. Let your daughter know that you enjoy your quilting. I think as long as you're not ignoring your family, then you're okay. If you can't display them all, then rotate them. Also, maybe you could make wall-hanging size, or make lap quilts for the nursing homes or cancer hospitals; and Project Linus is always looking for quilts. And don't give up what you love!

oh, my, your daughter just does not get it. Does she have a hobby? I love to make quilts. Gives me the opportunity to try out all kinds of patterns and color combos. Although my favorite are scrap quilts. There is always someone who can use a quilt. I give to Project Linus - and they in turn give them to hospitals, crisis centers, homeless, etc. Please don't quit making quilts. Donate them - gives a real good feeling in your heart.

Does an artist stop painting when they have no place to display the painting. NO! Keep quilting and let her think what she wants.

Quilting is a wonderful hobby. Just think of all the hobbies that have no end result - nothing to show for money spent. Golf comes to mind (I DO golf, but I also quilt). Do what you enjoy - life is not just the destination - it's the JOURNEY and you have every right to enjoy your journey without feeling badly! People each have their own opinions - not neccesarily right or wrong - just their opinion. Hang in there and enjoy!

I think it is great you enjoy the quilting as much as we all do.. At times I slow down and need a kick start.. Personally I think your love for it is wonderful and find it funny your daughter feels like she does.. My youngest son is 31 and he loves all the quilts I have made him and is always hinting at another one or one for special people who have done things good in his life... Keep on quilting!! :D

Do what u love...make yourself happy ....thats what its all about.

I think you ought to print out all these replies and send them to your daughter! Let her see that there lots of needy places that would love your quilts! I agree with what everyone has been saying! Maybe one day she might come around.

How about making smaller or mini quilts. Thats what I have been doing. There are many patterns on line for them. I also make tablerunners,table cloths pot holders etc. I dont need more large projects but I still keep my hobby alive.

I disagree with your daughter as well. This is your hobby and no different than if you loved to golf or something like that. Yes, there's a cost involved, but it's what you love to do. I also agree that you need to keep it within reason and if you're getting into serious debt, it's time to scale back on your golf game, so to speak. Save the quilt.
You know that there will be a special child in your future. You just haven't met him/her yet. But I promise, an opportunity to share this with someone special will come.
Don't give up your hobby - keep quilting - and we'd all love to see pictures of this latest project! Please post!

If it's makes you happy....continue on! But as for charity, there are lots of hospital with needs for children's quilt in the cancer ward or even "for our soldier" or nursing homes. They really brighten up their days and are appreiiative of the gifts. I. too, love to quilt (still newbie at it) but im not going to give it up on someone else's attitude over it. Please keep it up and show us some of your quilts? Maybe you can sell some to us even?

I don't think you are being selfish at all. I believe everybody should have a passion and at least it's productive! I think it would be great to donate, wish I had time to make some to donate!

I think you need to widen your circle and surround yourself with some other quilters. How about a quilting guild or a small group of your own? They along with this board should supply mountains of encouragement and assurance about quilting. A quilt quild will supply friends, support, encouragement, places to donate much desired quilts, education and sharing....I wish for you, more friends and a lifetime of doing what gives you pleasure....quilting!

I know there are already many suggestions on here but I must say that I agree that unless this is keeping your from your family, putting you in debt or something like this then daughter just does not get it.
There are many children in the hospitals with serious and terminal diseases that would love a quilt to hold on to. I have seen little ones on dialysis and suffering from cancer and their families would appreciate someone caring enough to donate a quilt for their child to stay warm. I pray that your daughter someday finds a passion in life and then she will understand.

I don't think you are being selfish. My Mom (also my best friend) feels the same way about my crafting/quilting addictions. She doesn't understand that there are two sides to this need. One side is the joy I get from giving something that I handcrafted to someone as a gift. The entire time I work on the project, I think of them. I know that everything good that I am is poured into the creation of this quilt or afghan. I also know that this gift is special and not mass manufactured. The other side is that I am happy when I craft. It makes me feel better about myself. It also allows me to create something beautiful and useful. It also has helped my mind. Because I craft, I think more creatively and quickly. Sorry to go on so long, the bottom line is, the cost is worth it. Hang onto the quilt, there is someone who will need comfort at some time in the future. When you find that person, even if you did not make that quilt for them, it will seem as if you did. God will direct you because he made you a quilter.

AMEN!! to all of the above advice. DO NOT STOP QUILTING. Think of how many folks you can warm up! Quilts & quilting never go out of use. I think it's the grandest hobby ever.
I belong to several groups. We make lap quitls for nursing homes, mental institutions, crisis pregnancy centers, and Ronald McDonald house. I even gave one made as a prayer quilt to a friend who lost her husband and several to grieving families. I prayed for them as I constructed it. I told them that when they wrap up in it to imagine God hugging them. It's such a comfort! It's one thing I can do without even leaving home (except to go buy fabric - it's a dirty job but someone has to do it.haha)

There are tons of people who would love to have your quilts!! Contact a children's foster care agency. I was a foster child and would have loved to have had my own quilt that someone who cared had made! Quilts speak comfort and care. Ask a church Pastor - I'm sure they would know a family who would appreciate a handmade quilt or two. The possibilities of loving homes for your quilts are endless. You keep right on quilting! It is definitely not a waste of time or money!!!

I wouldn't worry about what anyone else thinks about my addiction to quilting. If I want to make a quilt and I don't know what to do with it when I am finished then it is up to me to what I want to do. I like making quilts. I have made several baby quilts and I still have them. I really don't know what to do with them but that didn't stop me from making them. Maybe some day someone will get one of them.

Keep doing what you want to do. If it makes you feel good to make quilts then keep on making them. There are a lot of people out there who don't appreciate anything home made.

I would check with your church, as so many people could
use a nice quilt. If you have that many, give them to some
needy family. In our area that has had so much flooding, lots of people lost every thing. Just think what a blessing
that would be to receive one of your many quilts. Don't ever throw a quilt away. You or your daughter can always find a person who needs it or would just appreciate the gift. Betty Lee

I encourage you to donate the childs quilt you are making to Quilts for Kids. When my daughter was in the hospital she was given a Noah's Ark quilt. She had it on her bed the whole time she was in the hospital. I still have the quilt and I remember how it kept her warm in the hospital. I have often wondered about the woman who made the quilt. I would love to meet her and thank her for her generosity.
I have started making Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy quilts for Quilts for Kids. I hope my quilts will warm a child in the hospital. I am sure some mother will thank you for the quilt her child receives.
Also keep quilting. There doesn't have to be a purpose. I have given away every quilt I have made. The joy for me is in the designing and making of the quilt. Life is short. If it makes you happy, then do it!

I don't think it's ever a waste. There is always SOMEONE who needs, wants, and/or would cherish a quilt. YOU may not consider them 'works of art', but I bet they are! I feel the same way you do....I just LOVE making them, every part of it! It's my 'release' and stress reliever. So if you don't have someone to give them to.....it doesn't matter! Quilt girl, quilt!!!

Please please don't be discouraged...Most of all do it because YOU enjoy it. As for the need of the quilts there is always a never ending need for Lap sized quilts at nursing homes and VA hospitals . They appreciate them so very much. Keep your chin up and keep right on quilting !

Continue with your love for quilting. There is a huge need for quilts of all types. The child quilt you are working on would make a child, sick, lost things due to flood or fire or other catastrophe a warmfeeling of hope and love.

Don't worry about what she is saying too you.

If you enjoy quilting keep it up.


Put it in your will now that your quilts and supplies goes to someone who will enjoy them.

I will take one and I would be proud to own it too.


Life is too short enjoy it when you have it.

How well I know what JFowles enjoys. I am currently working to finish a quilt I started a couple of years ago with no recipient in mind. I just bought musical themed fabrics and put together the top thinking of our community play
house. It has languished in the state of sandwiched and basted waiting for an inspiration. Then a few days ago I learned that the box office lady was in an auto accident and it in the hospital in serious condition. There will be a benefit performance next month for her. TA DA! I shall finish it this month and it will be raffled off for her! One does not always have a plan in mind...Life somehow works everything out.

Would u b sad if u stopped quilting ??? Everyone has a passion as time goes on there will be someone to give them to !!!!

There are so many charities that would be grateful to get them.

I agree with the other posts. Quilting is what you love. If you were an artist, you would still spend money on paints and brushes and paint pictures just because you like them. This is the same with quilting.

If you want them to go to good homes and recoup some money, I bet you could advertise them and people who appreciated quilting would be happy to buy them. Most people don't have a source to buy a quilt, and many have childhood memories of them, as well as appreciating the time and love that goes into them.

Susan

We have madee quilts for children who are whisked out of their home for some reason by the police or Children's services. To receive a quilt when they have nothing else becomes a cherished item they won't let go of. Don't stop.

You could always donate the quilt for a fundraiser. A school or individual that needs surgery etc would greatly benefit from the proceeds generated from the sale of tickets. And the winner gets a wonderful quilt.