So, I love quilting, dah!! it doesn't matter if I have someone to give it to, if I need it or even like it very much I just love quilting. My daughter who is my best friend and a wonderful friend at that, told me the other day, (at least this is what I heard) that it was all kind of a waste, I don't have anymore people to give them to and what is she going to do with them when I am gone. I have too many to display and they aren't good enough to give as works of art (my thoughts). So now I am working on a child's quilt with no one to give it to. I bought the expensive fabric that was made for the pattern (American Jane) and I just feel stupid working on something just to be quilting. I have no idea what to do with it but it has been so so expensive to make that I want it to go to someone who will appreciate it. I told her I can donate them but she seemed to think there is an over abundance of quilts and no one really wants them. I make her sound like an ogre and she really isn't, she just doesn't get it, Anyway now I feel bad about all the money and time I have spent just to appease my addiction when no one has any use for my work. I may not finish the child's quilt and just move on to something I intend to use as a gift, I think the intended recipient will appreciate it but now I am rethinking the whole idea of quilting as just plan selfish and self serving. So I've rambled on a long time with this, I just feel bad and I need some moral support to justify my need to continue what I love.

Oh my, I really disagree with your daughter!
And I disagree with you about being selfish, self-serving etc.
You are SUPPOSED to love what you are doing!!
That's the point, isn't it???
I don't get her logic at all, sorry!!

Keep doing what you love!!!!!!! :D

You're right, she doesn't get it. There are plenty of folks who love quilts and would take them or buy them even if she wouldn't.

Why not have a quilt garage sale and recoup some money on the onew you've made...at least get enough money to buy more fabric even if you don't get paid for your time. or check out the non-profits in town - they frequently need items for fund-raisers and quilts are always a big hit in that area.

If you do what you love, those who love you will love what you do, so don't give up now. (and that wasn't meant as a slam at your daughter....but there are others out there. Chin up and keep that machine operating! Remember that you're not just feeding your addiction, you're keeping the economy moving as well.

It sounds like there is more to this story than you are sharing here. Unless your quilting habit is getting you into debt, causing you to neglect your friends, skip meals, or filling up your house to an unreasonable degree, I'd keep right on!

Ignore your daughter. I have many quilts as well with no one in mind & no relatives to give them to. Someday you find someone who will appreciate them. When my sister lost her battle with colon cancer, we gave some the the local hospice. Just give your daughter instructions to donate them & not throw them out.

You are truely gifted. What about Project Linus? They sent a ton of light weight quilts to Haiti (sp?? please forgive). They also supply quilts to the childrens section of hospitals. Then there are the hospic, chemo, and foster children. Just start thinking out side of the box. Project Linus is on line. You can find a group that way. For the other two mentioned talk to some one at the hospital or try a few churches. Someone is always going through some hard time and could use one. Don't let this gift slide away. Also if you were not quilting what else would you do for theraphy? K

Oops. When I post from my phone, pressing return causes the message to submit.......

I'm sending a message of encouragement by the boatload!!!! Everyone needs a creative outlet, a hobby, a way to spend spare time..... so many people enjoy tv - I think it is a waste of time - some men golf and/or hunt - I don't enjoy that - lots of folks like to run - I really don't get that! - some people cook and bake - I don't like to cook, but love to eat! :D some people spend time at bars - that is more expensive that quilting! my DH likes to ride his motorcycle - I'll go sometimes....My point is this - if you enjoy it, do it! Why not?!!! It is your money - your time - YOUR HOBBY - are you hurting anyone by quilting? NO, of course not. Would you be unhappy if you stopped quilting? SOOOO .... quilt and be happy!

First of all please explain to your DD and BFF that it brings you pleasure and therefore is not a waste of time. If she still doesn't get it, maybe explain in terms of food. We prefer to eat stuff that we like the flavor of. Otherwise we would just eat for only sustenance. Does this make sense? If eating certain things simply bring us pleasure as well as nutrition, well then, why aren't we all eating gruel with tofu (or something equally void of flavor but nutritious) for every meal? If a thing brings us pleasure or a measure of happiness it is NOT, IMHO a waste of time (nor money).

Quilting is my passion as well and I would not give it up because someone, even someone I loved dearly, thought it was a waste of time and money. Something that brings pleasure, contentment, a sense of self worth and accomplishment does indeed have value and is not a waste of time.

As far as there being a "glut" of quilts in the charity market, I sincerely doubt this. There are calls everywhere for quilt donations. Quilts for Kids, Quilts of Valor, our very own Green Fairy collects quilts every year for orphans in Romania and all it takes is a look at her blog to see how much they are needed and appreciated. Homeless shelters, Churches, Guilds, Women's shelters and countless other organizations can all attest to there being a need. You can also give quilts to friends.

I don't think this is realistic at all. Some of my husband's hobbies bug me, but I can see they give him pleasure so I keep silent. Just because he gets excited about stripping old engines does not require me to do the same!

You need to quilt. It's your outlet. It's necessary to your mental well being. Just because your daughter doesn't want your quilts now, doesn't mean she won't want them later, when you can either no longer make them or are gone.
The others have valid suggestions. Quilts 4 Kids, Project Linus, Quilts of Valor would ALL appreciate your donations...and so would *I*!! :lol: That's it...just send those quilts to me...I will love them and take good care of them, and I don't care how many there are! ;) :)

Your daughter truly doesn't get it at all. Don't let her discourage her.

You LOVE to quilt......reading between the lines, it is just so obvious.

I for one give most of my quilts away and when I run out of relatives, special organizations will get my quilts.

Just remembered if you are covered with a hand made quilt, you are covered with LOVE and I can think of a lot of people in the world who need a little love in their life.

Keep sewing! Please!

Here is another option for someone right here on the board. A woman, Jan, asked for quilts for her SIL in Afghanistan and other soldiers there. Here is the link, with dimensions, etc. They are extremely pleased to receive them.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-67645-1.htm

Check to see if there are any group homes in your area. These young adults love to receive things like quilts.
Check with your local fire dept. See if they will accept quilts to give to fire or accident survivors. There are a lot of people out there who would love to know that someone cares. DON'T GIVE UP what you love to do.

If this is the case, cut back and take care of what needs to be taken care of.

If it's just that your daughter does not get it - then continue on - I don't get Playing Golf - but my DH seems to enjoy it -

I definitely don't get smoking and recreational drugs.

Yes, quilting can be a VERY expensive pastime/hobby - but if you can afford it, why not?

Last time I looked, it's still a legal activity (in spite of rumors of "the quilt police")

I agree with everyone else and I say she doesn't get it either. On another note, there are always people who are in need of warmth and comfort, so why not make quilts for the needy or other charitable organizations?

what seems silly and pointless to others, doesn't matter if you are doing something to please yourself and fill your days. our kids don't have to agree with us, just as we don't have to agree with them.

You know your story could have been written by me. Same idea, I love making quilts but how many can we use. I have made tablerunners,wallhangings everthing I could think of and now I have plenty.
We have an adult care facility in a near by town. These people really have nothing. How about making quilts/lap quilts for them. They will treasure them forever. I know because I have worked with them and they like the fact that some one cares for them.
Keep up your hobby no matter how much others dont "get it".

Sending you {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}] and much encouragement :lol: Children and adults go to bed every night without a blanket , they would love a quilt ! Homeless shelters would love them, I am sure- maybe the childrens area of your local hospital ? And Quilts for Kids is a HUGE project this year :thumbup: And if you contact them they will send you a kit to make one with their fabric and then you can send two back- yours and theirs :lol:

I for one will never be caught up on making quilts and don't even have one for myself :cry:

Keep doing what you love to do - as long as you can do it :lol:

As soon as I finish the quilt I am working on now, I am going to make some quilts for the local hosp. I talked to 2 different hosp. in my area and they are both eager for blankets for their NICU, Pediatric units.
Last year I donated several fleece blankets to the local Cancer treatments center - may or may not do that again this year depending on time.
Just because quilting is not your daughter's "thing" she shouldn't be negative about you doing it. If it makes you happy to do it, it has accomplished what it is supposed to do.
Keep on doing it and enjoy every minute!

I am sure it is cheaper then a psychiatrist. I am not neccesarily saying you would need one but for me quilting is therapy and it sounds like it is for you too.

Maybe find causes or more worthy recipients of your gifts of love. Jan from VA from this quilt board is collecting quilts and tops to send to Afghanistan for the soldiers stationed there to help brigthen their day.

Hugs, Anna

ROFL Thanks for the laugh.

LOL I bet there would be many greatful recipients just on this board me and Charlee included and there are also so many people who do not have a quilt yet not on this baord.

My daughter mentioned the same thing!!! I told her it was a LOT cheaper than a mental hospital. She said she didn't know what to do with them if I died...I said "Craigslist". She said it "costs sooooo much"....I told her I spend a LOT less per month than she does on her cigarettes. She got the hint.......... :mrgreen:

There are so many needed people out there to donate these beautiful quilts too....just to name a few......nursing homes (some of these poor dear souls are put in there and foresaken by their family) homeless shelters or abused women shelters. How about xmas programs for the needed, or Red Cross programs that help displaced folks from fire etc....or orphan homes.....God will bless you for your donations.

I

I disagree with your D it makes you happy to make them sooooo do it give the quilts to the battered and abused home there is always a need there as most women come with the clothes on their back.

Your daughter is wrong. We all need some sort of hobby or something we love to do. I have done crocheting, I have a needle point that I work on from time to time.
I just picked up on quilting and I love it. It's a challenge, it's relaxing and I love to see the finished product.
Your quilts will be treasured always.
I've worked in Nursing Homes and places like that, whom would love a donation of quilts for their seniors and the ill. Childerns hospitals, there are tons of places to donate some of your work if you so desired.
Keep up your work, and do what you enjoy doing.

First.....It is okay to do something you love. We don't have to be always serving someone else. We can do things that we enjoy just for the fun of enjoyment. If the cost doesn't bother you, then it shouldn't bother your daughter. If you are like me, I encourage my family to follow their interests in life as long as they can do so without taking away from someone else. My family encourages me to do the same thing.

Second....someone will come along for you to give that quilt to at the right time. If you don't have room to hold it for now, then maybe it can be taken to a children's hospital or to a shelter for homeless families. There are a lot of homeless families and I'm sure that they would love to receive a quilt. How about making them for children who are up for adoption or in foster care.

Stay with doing something you love. It is a great stress releaser. By the way, you didn't mention how old your daughter was in your original post (I haven't read all of the posts yet). We change as we grow older and the things that I didn't think were important when I was younger have now become important. (The quilt that my grandmother gave me is one of those things.) One day, your daughter may have a different outlook about quilts and may appeciate all of the quilts that you made.

My mom said to me one day: So let me get this straight. You take pieces of fabric from a bolt, cut them up and sew them back together? YES mother - that's it in a nutshell. Her answer "I don't get it!"

I said to my mother: So let me get this straight. You take a poem that someone else had written, learn it by heart and present it at gatherings? Yes daughter that's what I do. My answer "I don't get that either!"

We agree to disagree. I am amazed at her memory skills and creativity with words. She is amazed at my quilting and shows everyone the quilt I made her.

I think it is very thoughtless of your daughter to talk you out of quilting when you clearly enjoy it as much. Tell her you have no intention of checking out quite yet and that you plan to make provisions in your will for the stash. Until then, she needs to back off.

okay now i do not understand this....You are doing something YOU love to do and whether or not it can go to someone is not the point. Does an artist sell or give all his paintings away? I got into quilting just by accident. Went to a fabirc shop to see what was there and fell in love with all the material. since then I have spent thousands of dollars . have quite the stash built up and love my time in my sewing room. TO me I call it therapy.. cheaper than therapy. I could be sitting on the couch watching tv every night and drinkin wine or sewing the quilts that probably no one would want. but it makes me feel good

To an extent, I do understand what your daughter is saying...but it only applies if A) you're going into debt and/or not paying bills because you're spending on quilting supplies, and/or B)you can't walk in your house because of the quilts/stash/machines/etc. everywhere and/or C) You're not eating, sleeping or participating in life's many other activities and joys

If money is an issue, I'm certain you'd find many people who would buy your quilts - you can fund your "habit" ;) buy posting them for sale on craigslist or something like it. Who knows, you might just find yourself in business!

If only space is the issue, you can donate to a worthy cause (there are SO MANY!).

One of my daughters doesn't like quilted items either. I am fortunate enough to be able to watch her two boys 3 days a week and the oldest one loves my quilts. He is only 3, but he has to have a different one to take his nap under everyday. He likes to have one for each holiday. Now he is able to help sew a simple 10 minute table runner and we have so much fun looking at the quilts together. I am sure that there is someone around you that will enjoy the quilts. I use good fabric, too because I could easily afford it before I retired. It's a little different now and I do buy some less expensive goods. Do what makes YOU happy.

Keep quilting because it is your passion. If your passion comes from the heart it is worth more than gold. I for one have seen people so excited when they purchase a quilt. It doesn't matter if your daughter does not understand now, but she will someday when all that is left is your quilts - and you are in heaven sewing with real gold thread, 100,000,000 percent cotton, silk, etc., and the best batting ever! I have donated to a hospital, a Children ICU, in Southern California. They ask for pillows that have a small pocket on them. When the child dies, the hospital gives the parent(s) a pillow with a note inside the pillow. Included in the note is the child's hand print. I didn't have much fabric, but I had/have enough for pillows. My Mama has always said that when you give a gift, give with your whole heart. The happiness it gave you is the reward. And, don't worry about what happens after, that is no longer your responsibility. Enjoy your rewards, enjoy your passion because your earned it. God bless

I agree with all above so many Great thoughts, Agree to Disagree on this, it's your thing we all need to do our own thing at times, if it's a high dollar Quilt without a home can always add a post it when you put it away, letting others know what was going on at the time, or make a diary with pictures, of what was going on at the time, maybe later will get it.(or not) your choice, your life etc. All should be able to do whatever, I don't get what many others do, seems like a waste to me, many seem to absolutely no point to it, but were all different thats OK !!
Leave instructins with your Daughter on what to happen if somthing happens to you.
Always someone who find a good from these useful, nonargueing, don't talk back, can't call back, challenging at times to yourself, Eye Candy, useful, warm, pretty, ETC. Happy Quilting !! :)

I will quilt for as long as it is enjoyable to me, and I am physically able to do it :D Many don't understand why I do, or necessarily appreciated quilts, but they respect my love of quilting, and the happiness, peace and comfort that it gives me :D:D:D

I can find many places that would love receiving one of my quilts, humble as they are :D Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Foster Care, Homeless/Shelters, Group Homes, Families who have lost their homes due to fires/floods/other disasters, the list goes on...
So I will always be able to find homes for my quilts, and that makes me very happy, and my children too as they won't have a roomful to figure out what to do with, once I am gone LOL although they do "know" who to call/where to take them :D:D:D

So, quilt to your hearts content, keep some, give some, and if DD doesn't want to deal with them once you are gone? Designate that job to someone else in your will :wink: :D:D:D

Yikes! Can you arrange to do a "show and tell" at different institutions that interest you -- maybe schools? And/or talk to the principal to find out if there are disadvantaged kids who would appreciate wrapping themselves in your love. There are *so* many people who would truly appreciate your work!!! But you are cut off from them!

You don't have to personally know each person to whom you give a quilt, but I think it's better to know something about them (even if they remain anonymous) than to simply give quilts blindly to an institution. I feel those of us who create need some personal ties to those to whom we give.

Another possibility is to associate yourself with a home for battered women and their children. There is a great deal of secrecy involved with these homes, but if you can find someone in charge of one -- again, you can get stories about who needs a quilt and maybe who appreciates a quilt you have been given. I know that the children in these hospices have often had very hard lives; a quilt of their own to snuggle in can be a *huge* comfort.

There are people out there who [b]need[b] your quilts. You just have to find a way to connect with them!

There is never enough quilts. Whether for yourself or for others or for charity. Hang them on the wall. Hang them on the porch. Hang them as shower curtains. Cover tables with them. Wrap gifts in them. Cover couches with them.

There is never a reason NOT to do something you love so much.

If you told that person not to do (...insert here whatever it is that she loves, up to and including raising her dear children as there are "already so many extra children in the world"...), what in the world do you imagine she would say to that!
Someone who loves you will be happy if you are happy.

I make quilts because I want to.
Enough of a reason for me.
Enough said!
.

It's obvious that your daughter has NO idea of the love, creativity and money that goes into making a quilt. Please finish your Jane quilt and give it to someone that you know will appreciate it. There are all kinds of charities that would love to have quilts, quilted or tied, expensive fabric or not to be given to their clients. I've given to foster kids, fire and police department, homeless shelters, etc. I know one quilter who does tons of quilts and donates them to a home where the clients have AIDS. Please don't stop quilting because of what your daughter says. If YOU enjoy it, keep doing it.

there are lots of places that want quilts, local womens shelters, inquire with fire and police to see if they need one to carry in there trunks, eve animal shelters can use some pillow cases stuffed with scraps for the animals. dont' get discouraged, keep on quilting.