I love my quilts but I do think they are to be used. When I was growing up (decades ago) our quilts were used on the bed in winter, pulled off to be forts during the day, and taken into the desert for picnics during the summer. Quilts were included in bed-rolls for camping and deer hunting. I still know how to make a quilt bed-roll that is as warm and comfortable as any sleeping bag. I made a red/white/blue quilt specifically to be taken to picnics. DH was horrified when I loaned it to DD to take to the park for DGD to sit/play on. He doesn't understand that quilts are to be used. Oh, and we used them for packing blankets (not for rocks though) because we wouldn't trust our valuables packed in anything less! LOL

I suspect those quilts (cheap prints or rescued from thrift stores) were being used because someone paid big money to have lichen-encrusted rocks carefully moved from their natural habitat to the yard of a very expensive home that was getting "natural" landscape. Lichen, that green crust on rocks, takes thousands of years to grow. That truck driver was carefully protecting part of our past.

Remember that when we gift a quilt, the new owner will use them as they are now their quilts. If I see one of my quilts or other item I spent time making not being use as it was made for, I don't give them any more of my hand made items. They lost my items in the future, since they did not respect my gift. The gift representive my time and creativity.

The thought of quilts being used as padding made me flinch, let's hope they were mass produced quilts. The majority of my quilts are made to be loved and used, such as baby quilts. I know that my son used his quilt in many ways, although every time he left and came home again, the quilt came with him. However, although I don't consider my quilts heirloom quality, I do make quilts for our family reunions, often in memory of one of my siblings that has passed away. Imagine my surprise when I got a Christmas letter from one of my nephews, with a picture of him lying on the floor with his dog, both on the quilt. I was very upset, although I know once they leave my hands, they technically aren't mind, but since all my family members look forward to winning those quilts, I thought they would be more careful with them. Oh well.

I had to read some of the comments and I guess I have one question zooming large in my mind: how much money do these quilts cost that people do not mind if dogs lay on them etc ? I can give you some prices for the last quilts I have made: my DD daughters quilt for her 20th was over $200, my DGS quilt is about $140, my DH batik quilt is about $150, my DGD about $150, my DS quilt was about $100, my other DS was $175. I am giving my DD a lap quilt that was cheap, about $35. Now when I figure out the time made for these quilts: wow, don't even want to go there !!! When I see quilts on tables at flea markets etc and they are in good condition, I ask the sellers at that booth why they are destroying their quilts. I do not say it that way, I just let them know in a kind way that the quilts are very important and have even offered to buy them. I did buy one for $20 once. I do know your pain Peckish and will go into mourning by eating an extra helping at breakfast !

This happened to me one time a long time ago. I hand knitted a sweater for my godchild and saw it hanging on a nail in the garage. Last time I ever made him a sweater.

I can't help with the fact that they used quilts to protect the boulders, but maybe I can shed some light on the boulders. A lot of landscapers here are using fake boulders. They are chicken wire shapes that are covered with cement or plaster and painted to look like stone. They are VERY realistic, and I could see the tie down straps on a Semi cutting gouges into them. Hope this eases some of the pain

I shed a tear for the quilt used as a cover, then ate a chocolate candy bar, and now must work on my own quilt.... Hugs

I've seen this a number of times, hurts me too to see ... a few years ago I spotted one in my neighborhood hanging off the side of a pick up truck, I felt bold and asked the guys if I could buy it from them before it got ruined. A scrappy nine patch, still in good shape.
They said I could HAVE it, they were done ... so I went home with a rescued quilt, all it needed was washing !

My grandmother believed her quilts were for beds only, and you did not play on the beds. She did however make us a quilt with big squares of old pants tacked together for the beach and camping. Good memories.

When I give quilts to others, I tell them I expect them to use them and use them hard - they are not works of art, but items of comfort and joy. Of the many baby quilts I've made and given over the past 15 years, only the newest ones (this year's) are still in pristine condition. It warms my heart when my quilts are "loved".

I'd join you in a cookie, but I am back on Atkins, so I'll have to have a few cucumber slices instead! Cheers!

Anita