Quilt as wedding gift?
 

Do people give quilts as wedding gifts? I have a wedding in August that I have thought of making a quilt as a wedding gift. It has been a long time since I've been to a wedding and not sure what people expect these days.

thanks.

I made a quilt for my niece for her wedding and she seemed appreciative but I got the feeling that it just wasn't her decor to have quilts around. She is a more modern gal. I have made a couple of baby quilts for nieces and nephews but no thank you's or any acknowledgement so I just decided not to make quilts for anyone except immediate family and only if they ask for one. I will be watching this post to see what everyone else says. Lately I have just been giving a check and let them buy what they would like.

Hi,

Yes, quilts are a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Just a suggestion to write a note to include with the gift. Include fabric selection and color choices along with information about the pattern. Relate the quilt to the bride and groom in your note/letter.

It can become one of their most treasured memories.

I personally think it would make a lovely gift, although it really depends on the recipient. I do like to give a hand made gift and usually give a knit afghan. I've seen discussions about invitations that specify only gifts from the registry. I think that specific reference was for a baby shower.

For one wedding gift I checked the registry and they had a casserole carrier on it, so I made them one instead of purchasing it (well, I had to purchase fabric).

Could you check with the bride or grooms' parents to try to get an idea of how receptive they might be?

I think you should ask the parents of couple if a quilt would be something they would like/appreciate. We have always given a check as a wedding gift. I think maybe the geographical site, small town, large city, etc., might also determine the way to go.....Quilts, as other handmade things are not always appreciated as the giver would want.

I agree with Geri. I think sometimes we make the quilt we would like ourselves. With the last 2 baby quilts I made an effort to find out the theme/color preferences of the recipient and both were overjoyed-they were simple "brick" quilts with a little applique but even the attendees at the shower loved them because they fit the colors/theme. Not like just the some pink and blue that was popular when I had my first child back in the dark ages, as much as I love that.

I've made 2 quilts for wedding gifts. One was made using the bride's wedding colors as I also found out their new bedroom colors were the same. The other one was a last minute wedding gift as the wedding was a spur of a moment. Had this quilt laying around waiting for a purpose so got it quilted and bound just in time to give as a gift.

I have given quilts as Christmas, wedding and for new babies. People seem to appreciate them . I do try to get ideas of color. I have made lap quilts for all the kids at church ( we do have a small church ) and found out what they like or are interested in. The kids love them.

I would check with the couple first, also suggest if they are not a "quilt on the bed" type, maybe a smaller one for the sofa when watching TV.

I have given about 8 full size quilts as wedding presents.

Yes! I gave my niece a quilt for her wedding gift. I asked her mom what her preferences would be (modern, vintage, etc.) and just did what I thought she might like. I don't have a large budget for gifts as such, so what I would give in cash looks small compared to what I give as a quilt with material cost + the time I spend making it.

It would make a lovely gift but only if I found out first if the person wants one. Many people don't like them.

Another idea is a picnic quilt. Pack it in a basket with some inexpensive melamine tableware.

You could also do a Christmas themed table runner and place mats and include a lovely note that you hope to help them start a family tradition with this set or something to that effect.

Watson

Since our son and DIL use a ratty old quilt with colors from the 80’s (mauve and country blue), I offered to make a new king size quilt in her choice of colors for them but she said no, so that’s that.

what a brilliant idea. Ready permission to use it hard. Forts and campouts and sleeping on the floor when company takes someones bed... My immediate family also thinks of quilts as "thank you for the blanket." not their fault. I don't want any sporting equipment or game apps they might be mad about.

for younger newlyweds just getting established I get a toolbox and put nail packet, hammer 2 big and 2 small of both kinds of screwdrivers, , measuring tape, short level, scissors...that is what I get thanked for later.

I gave too many quilts that I think were not appreciated. I tend to give a good cookbook or a nice picture frame or album.

The wedding gift I still have and remember the giver is a SOLID wood cutting board. Have no fabric items from wedding gifts. I did receive things not on my registry. Most of those didn't fit my choices & exchanged all I could.

Being a quilter and 2D visual artist, I like to give something I made. I do some investigating as to their style and color preferences. And give something that isn't intended to be a focal point (bed spread, large wall hanging). I like the picnic idea. Also a table covering might be nice. The casserole carrier sounds good. Add some hot pads or insulated table runner.

As much as we love quilts and appreciate the work and artistry involved, not everyone has the same appreciation. If you know the newlyweds would love to have a quilt, it is a wonderful gift.

I like the idea of a fun quilt for lying under the stars on a peaceful night looking for shooting stars or can be taken on a picnic and not have to worry about it not being tough enough. I would never make a paper pieced quilt for anyone until I know that the people will value the quilt and use it tenderly.

For a first quilt for a couple, I like this label. http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...m-t242040.html

I love this label that I referenced in post #20 and I did change it a little. I hope SlightlyOffQuilter doesn't mind.

Please don't put me in the closet,
or save me just for guests.
I am just a simple covering,
to be used like all the rest.

You see I was not made,
to be a work of art.
I was made to keep you warm you see,
made with love right from the start.

My creator made me sturdy,
so I could take all the abuse,
that she hopes will come to me,
from years of daily use.

Take me on a picnic
Or let’s lay out and look for shooting stars.
Let the baby play on me
With dolls or trucks or cars.

Put me in the washer,
just keep the cycle gentle.
Then toss me in the dryer,
it won't be detrimental.

Just remember that our favorite things,
those things that we hold dear,
are not the ones we hide away,
they are the ones that we keep near.

Made with Love for
By:
Pattern name:
Date:

I say do what your heart wants to do! Weddings, showers etc sometimes seem to be a cash grab. I know times have changed. Back in my day there was no registering for wants/needs. We were very appreciative of all gifts we got, and I could probably name at least 20 things we got. (Approaching 43 years). I still have the afghan a co-worker gave us. Any gift given in love should be appreciated!

I have finally realized not everyone likes or wants quilts. I don't get it, it is a concept I don't get. Now I don't offer to make a quilt for just everyone. Now I donate to kids in the foster care system in my county. Whether they like them or not, they will keep them warm. They will have something nice to call their own.

I have gifted newlyweds with a picnic basket and picnic quilt on several occasions. I think picnics can be a romantic and inexpensive "date". These have been well received.

I have made 2 for gifts. I honestly don't care about their decor or if they "want" a quilt. I know that sounds silly, but the ones that I made were for my nephews. So I made the quilts as a gift and so they would have something from their aunt after their crazy aunt is gone. Maybe their kids will like it - maybe it will hit a yard sale who knows.

A quilt is a lovely gift but involves money and a lot of your time. My choice would be to consider how close you are to the recipients. Some would appreciate your efforts, while others would simply consider it a blanket that you might be better--and easier/cheaper--to find in a local store. A purchased blanket can be exchanged if not to the likings of the couple. I would consider if the couple would appreciate, not only the gift, but the time put into creating it.

When I make quilts for gifts, wedding or other, I don't make bed size quilts as those need to be tied to decor. I instead make scrappy quilts with lots of colors in them so they go with anything and they are snuggle size to be used watching TV, in a car or on a picnic etc.

I've given a couple of quilts as wedding gifts. One for my Goddaughter, and one to my aunt, who married a family friend after both their spouses passed away. Both quilts were large throws, designed to snuggle together.

For my Goddaughter, I sent a note explaining the name of the quilt....Chance of rain... and that in life, and marriage, there is a chance of rain- days that are gray and and difficult, but it is rain that keeps things alive, and makes flowers bloom. The same is true for marriage... If you cling to God,and one another during the rain, your love and marriage will blossom. It was very well received... The couple is very spiritual, and the groom's father is a pastor. She loved it.

The quilt for my aunt was a very happy, springy color quilt that made me happy, just like I was so happy for them. They also really loved that quilt.

Quilts as Wedding Gifts
 

We had a trunk show at our guild recently and the speaker showed many of her quilts. One she held up and said she had made it as a wedding gift.....but then didn't get invited to the wedding.

I have given quilts to my son’s friends for their wedding gift. I found out their favorite sports team and they loved them.

Ten years ago I told a good friend that I was going to give her son money for a wedding gift. Her answer was, "That's better than a quilt." I was too shocked to add anything more. So at the reception, guess what? There was an unwraped quilt on the gift table. It made me sad to think someone's work wouldn't be appreciated.

What a great idea!

I think this is a hard call. I like to ask the couple (usually the gal) about colors. I am always happy when I see it used but I don't worry about it. I have had one DIL say she is afraid of it. It goes along with the rest of her attitude. My son loves it even though it resides on the closet shelf. I am a believer that the gift is the choice of the giver rather than the demand of the receiver. I cherish the handmade things I have received over the years-some are tatters,

I am in the process of making one for my grandson's wedding in December. I am using his high school colors (even though he will graduate from college this year) because he and his bride coach at that high school so they will both enjoy the colors. If nothing else, they can stay warm at the ballgames. I am excited about doing this and frightened too because this is only my third quilt.

It takes me a long time to get something made.

If I think the recipients would prefer something other than a quilt - that is what they will get.

I am not in the group that believes in giving (things I consider to be) treasures to the unappreciative.

Yes, I do care about what happens to the quilts I make after they leave my custody. I have a lot of money, time, effort, and thought invested in them.

Yes - I have heard about that what a recipient does with a gift if up to him/her.

I think it is up to me to be aware of what my feelings might be if something I have toiled over will not be appreciated.

That is a good idea!

If they live in a colder area, you might consider using a wool batting. It would be very warm and give a wee bit of protection from snow and possibly rain. I hear that it quilts beautifully but it's more expensive than regular batting.

I must be getting old. That no thank you's or acknowledgment just burns my biscuits! I also prefer not to give cash. Yep, I apparently arrived on the Ark. So, for years I have mostly given postage stamps as a wedding gift. Most wedding invitations are still mailed so that need is immediate. This gift is useful, matches everything, never has to be dusted or cleaned, isn't cash, doesn't have to be displayed whenever I may show up, and is always well received. It also is easy to wrap or ship!

I was wondering about that when the thread started. There is post after post after post here recommending enclosing a card with washing instructions and a couple of color catchers. I've been quilting since dirt was new, but if someone gave me, with all my experience, a quilt with that caveat I'd put it away. I'd be way too scared of ruining it.
Just something to think about from the recipients view point.

When I give a quilt it has already been washed and the only guidance is "treat it like every day clothes, use it and wash it and use it some more.

This thread makes me sad. People who appreciate a quilt should have a quilt made for them. If one is asking if it's a good idea, it is a possibility that it not a good idea. The giver wants to be her efforts to be appreciated and will be hurt if its not. The quilts we make unless a kit are one of a kind, not a dime a dozen. I only make for those who I know like a one of a kind, made with Love.