I have put on label the amount of time it took to quilt the project, especially if it is difficult or time consuming--I don't keep track of the piecing time , because I sew & leave so often. It becomes a conversation piece & then people realize the time invested.

I have run into situations where people won't use the quilt because they overrate the craftsmanship. It is a quilt to be used after all (mine are pretty much all utilitarian). But it is up to the recipient to do as they please.

I don't believe a lack of appreciation for the amount of work involved is the issue. I believe it is a lack of manners. Even if you had given them "only" a blanket for a gift, would that not have deserved a thank you as well?

Something for us to remember as we raise the next generation. If we, as parents and family, don't teach basic manners, they won't have any. I never give a gift for the purpose of getting a thank you, but I have to admit it is pretty disappointing and even somewhat irritating when I don't get one! (Honesty at its' best!)

When you give quilts away, there will always be that possibility that they won't be treasured like you want them to be. I have a couple of quilts that I won't let my dogs near. My mom made me one and her only request, no dogs. It goes on our guest bed. I made a quilt out of squares and that is my snuggle quilt with my dogs. I do think quilts should be used and loved. All of the older quilts I have ever seen are really soft from all the use. You shouldn't let your animals have babies on them though!

No thought of returning a Thank You card seems to annoy me the most. Is this typical for quilters who give gifts?[/quote]

You should always send a thank you card, no matter what type of a gift!

I sent my niece a quilt for graduation. Waited and waited for a thank you note. Even asked my brother if she got it. I was getting ready to trace it. My DB finally asked (she was at college) if she had reciecved it. She had already taken it to college, didn't even show it to her parents. Boy was my DB upset my her lack of manners.

You have given these quilts as gifts. In the spirit of giving, its up to the person receiving the quilt as to how they will use them. If you can't turn loose,don't give them away. As far as animals on quilts, my animals are the most important things in my life, they most certainly can be on my quilts always. I make quilts for my animals and for my friends animals and would expect them to do what animals do on any quilt I make them. Sharon L

You have given these quilts as gifts. In the spirit of giving, its up to the person receiving the quilt as to how they will use them. If you can't turn loose,don't give them away. As far as animals on quilts, my animals are the most important things in my life, they most certainly can be on my quilts always. I make quilts for my animals and for my friends animals and would expect them to do what animals do on any quilt I make them. Sharon L

I think most quilters, who put so much time and value (love,because that is what is really in our hearts when we give) into our gifts know the recipients are allowed to do with them what they want. I have realized from this post that not all quilters share the same opinions. While some think it's okay to use them for picnics, animals, ect.. Others may not. This post shows all of us maybe we should rethink a little and maybe both ways!LOL!
The bottom line is to give and let go and realize we may not get a thank you for everything we ever do.

By the way...just curious...do you put the same into a quilt for a pet?

I put the same amount of love into quilts for my dogs, maybe not the more expensive fabric.