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Last year, I made quilts for several family members as gifts. The reactions were varied as well, although I wasn't there when any of them actually opened them. However, on Christmas Day when I went to my parents' house, neither of them said a word about theirs. :( They won't be getting another since I guess it's not their thing.
This year, I gave my quilt that I entered in the guild's bi-annual quilt show (which won 1st place) to my in-laws. When we went to their house yesterday on Christmas Day, I was cleaning up some dishes in their kitchen when my MIL told me to come with her. She took me back to their bedroom and showed me that quilt she had already put on their bed. She said she couldn't wait to get it on her bed when she opened it. :) She then hugged me good and went and called others in the family back to look at it. Yes, I see more quilts in her future. :D |
I hope that some year I'll be able to give quilts as gifts.
But my dad gave my mom one about 40 years ago and she put it in the closet - she did not want the kids to get it dirty and know it's the grandkids. I told her what good is it in the closet - USE IT! She knows that I useally give homemade gifts and if they are not used - no more homemade gifts and she really likes the towels with the top I make her. |
I gave a Christmas quilt to my BIL (not my favorite guy) and made it with fabrics I knew he would appreciate. When he opened it on Christmas day at my home, he wrapped it around himself and left immediately. It took him 2 days to return and he tearfully told me how much he liked it. He is not a person to show emotions easily, but I certainly didn't expect him to walk out on Christmas day! It's still being using today. You can't always go by the immediate reaction. If you enjoyed making the quilts, then they have already done their job. Lena1952
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I began seriously quilting after I retired and my grandchildren were all quite small. I decided I would make each one a quilt when he/she turned 14. They all knew this and each one really looked forward to their quilt. It was like a 'growing up' gift for each one and they are all much-loved and well-used. We have 9 grandchildren. Now they each look forward to their wedding quilt with enthusiasm, and have also gotten 'drag to the beach' quilts in between. I have just about saturated the family with quilts!
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I gave my 15 year old and 12 year old granddaughters their grown up quilts as Christmas presents. I just wanted to see their reaction, as neither of these quilts are ones that a teener would go for. It was a hoot, I loved the look on their faces and how they struggled to act inthused about them. I did explain later that these quilts will mean more to them in 10 or 20 years. And that they should keep them stored in the pillow case they came in. And, if they think of it, to take them out once a year and refold. As I am 70, I felt I had to give them their grown up quilts now. Who knows how long these tired old eyes will be able to see all those small stitches. Then I gave my two daughters each a quilt derived from the Quilts of Gee's Bend. One daughter is going to hang hers over their bed and the other daughter was kind of quiet about it. But I loved doing them and giving them.
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I made a embroidered and quilted flannel quilt for my daughter for Christmas with the color scheme of her home and though I wasn't there when she opened the box, she seemed appreciative on the phone and even realized and mentioned that it matched her color scheme. I have made fleece throws for my grandsons in the past and they have been loved and used.
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Speaking of quilts although not a Christmas gift, my little grandson who is now 4 years old is very attached still to his quilted blankie that was made for him. The third satin binding is going on in a bright lime green to go with all the quilted frogs. My daughter has dubbed the quilt PRECIOUS like in the movie Lord of the Rings. Manys the night my SIL has gone out into the cold to come to grannies to get that blanket. He has already laid claim to one patriotic quilt he calls the one with the stars. Oh that every recipient could be so appreciative!
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My kids got afghans for Christmas this year - I finished the older one's three days before Christmas! Well, since the weather was getting ready to take a turn for the cold, DH and I decided to give them their afghans a couple days early to help keep them warm. Nic - the 8 yr old - looked at his like "What is this?" Colton, the 5 yr old, pulled his out of the bag and said "Awww". At first I was afraid they wouldnt like them at all, but the next day, Colton brought his out with him and wrapped up himself, his brother, and his daddy with it to "keep them warm". He loves that thing. Haven't decided yet if the other hasn't done that with his because he doesn't appreciate it as much, or because either Colton or Daddy's afghan is already on the sofa. :-D
On a similar note, when I gave their Daddy (my DH) his afghan, he certainly appreciated the work that went into it - he watched me make it, after all. But then it pretty much got put in the closet. Didn't think much about it then, because it was approaching summer time, but then this year, when it started getting cold, out came the afghan. A few days ago he looked at me and said, "You know, this keeps me a lot warmer than I thought it would." Had me smiling for three days straight. |
Originally Posted by morelcabin
Originally Posted by jgriinke
Here is my Christmas quilt story. I made two lap quilts. One for a man in the family, it had like 50's pinup girls on it with winter stuff - skis, snowshoes, and stuff like that. The other was for a woman in the family. Kind of neutral - greens, browns and mild teals. Well, we draw numbers to see who goes first, then do the choosing thing. #1 goes, then #2, if #2 wants what #1 has, then #1 picks again and so on.
Well, my brother(crazy in a good way) of course wanted the girly one(flannel), and the war was on. My niece who loves to downhill ski wanted it because of the skiing stuff on it, then my Mother wanted it because it was nice and soft. It was just a hoot. Then the other one was opened and it started all over again. The back of the woman's one was hydrangeas. My SIL loves those flowers, so she wanted that one. She did like the front. It was just too funny. Then my Mom wanted the womans one. This went on for the longest time. Well, my brother was thrilled - they ended up with both quilts. He was like a little kid. So was my SIL. It made it worth the work that I put into them. I was lucky that they were wanted by everyone this year. Sometimes you just don't know. I guess I will do this again next year, but I WILL start them much sooner. Hey, if I start looking at my stash and patterns, I could have them done in no time..... ;-) |
I sent my latest scrappy log cabin quilt to my SIL. We had been out of touch for a very long time, and just recently reconnected. Her reaction was huge and joyous. I know that she will enjoy and treasure that quilt, and I'm happy just knowing that she has it.
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I gave a lap quilt to my brothers girlfriend, I recieved a thank you card in the mail how beautiful it was. I was happy she like it, it was my first quilt ever. Second one was my daughter and I hadn't got to finish putting the binding on. She said Mom I love it and I know you worked on this for many months (QUEEN SIZE) and I happy you did this for us.
We open packages xmas eve which are the ones for my daughter and her family. As we were having desert my daughter said mom where is the quilt you made for AJ 5yr old Grandson)?? I worked late into the nights to finish his, and when finished I hide it so he wouldn't find it. Well I hide it so well I could find it. After they all left, I walked room to room trying to find it. My husband said JAN , it's in your closet on the top shelf on top of a rubbermaid container, did you think Aj was going to climb a ladder to snoop??? Next day at my daughtss house I gave him his gift, till we turned it around and held it up high and he saw the disel train and steam train, he yelled TRAINS!!!!!! he put it onthe floor and laid right on it looking at the trains on it. It was so will worth it to make that for him. My oldest brother was there with his wife and they said they were really impressed ,it's really very nice. So I can say that the quilts were a hit. Next xmas more for the rest of family. |
I have learned over the years that it is very difficult for someone who does not do any hand work to really appreciate all the time, effort, and money that goes into making something. That is one reason why I do not like to give away my quilts. My dear husband knows what is involved.
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Originally Posted by hopetoquilt
I gave a quilt to my mother in law. She opened the box, lifted it up slightly, and said, "oh, I love it." Then she shoved it back in the box and pushed it away. Oh well. Her loss. You would think that after 15-20 hours of labor that she could actually open it up.
How frustrating for you and after all the thought and labor you put into that quilt. I can identify with the feelings you must have experienced because I too went down that road. I gave a quilt to a friend and the response was "I'm not into quilts" and with that comment handed the quilt back to me. However, that was the only time and I have and will continue to make and give away quilts as gifts or as I call them the "just because" quilts. "Just because" I want to! |
I have a question that sort of goes with this thread...I've started a quilt for my newest niece. When I saw my brother and his wife at my dad's, I mentioned that I was making a quilt for their newest granddaughter. My sil said she didn't need one, that she had already made her one. So do I finish it and send it anyway or finish it and put with my QFK quilts? I thought about sending my niece a picture of it and asking her if she wants it.
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Originally Posted by libertykm
Over 17 years ago I made a baby quilt for my nephews son. It was my very first quilt and had many mistakes in it. It was received with many thanks and I forgot about it for several years. One day his mother mentioned that her son loved that quilt and carried it around all the time. Now 17 years later we were at their house after Thanksgiving dinner and she suggested that he go get that quilt to show me. He brought it out and it was in rags. I could tell by the look on his face that it was loved for many, many years and was in that condition because of his love for it. I can't tell you how wonderful I felt seeing that quilt again.
We laughed at the condition of the quilt after all these years. This wasn't a misused quilt, it was a quilt that was loved by a young boy (now a young man). I have made quilts now for all my grandchildren and have gotten great responses from them. I only hope that in many, many years theirs looks the same as Joeys. If they do, I will know that they were loved and appreciated. |
I made two flannel Brickyard rag quilts for Christmas giving - one for my son, one for my significant other. They were not difficult to make but the flannel was expensive! My son was running his hands over the pieces and looking at the rag edges. Then he started asking questions about the construction and he kept saying "thank you mom"....My "S.O." was very surprised as he knew about my son's quilt but not about his own! My son asked if I wanted some old flannel sheets to use for quilts - you bet!!!!! It was all worth it - esp. when my daughter said "when do I get one?"
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Originally Posted by Carron
Originally Posted by hopetoquilt
I gave a quilt to my mother in law. She opened the box, lifted it up slightly, and said, "oh, I love it." Then she shoved it back in the box and pushed it away. Oh well. Her loss. You would think that after 15-20 hours of labor that she could actually open it up.
How frustrating for you and after all the thought and labor you put into that quilt. I can identify with the feelings you must have experienced because I too went down that road. I gave a quilt to a friend and the response was "I'm not into quilts" and with that comment handed the quilt back to me. However, that was the only time and I have and will continue to make and give away quilts as gifts or as I call them the "just because" quilts. "Just because" I want to! I made two quilts and took them to Sweden for friends and a relative. The cousin said "Oh it is very beautiful" and into the closet it went. The friends were so excited about theirs. It was kept in the living room and admired and used. I'd make them another in a New York minute. The cousin just says it is too nice to be used. |
Originally Posted by Carron
Originally Posted by hopetoquilt
I gave a quilt to my mother in law. She opened the box, lifted it up slightly, and said, "oh, I love it." Then she shoved it back in the box and pushed it away. Oh well. Her loss. You would think that after 15-20 hours of labor that she could actually open it up.
How frustrating for you and after all the thought and labor you put into that quilt. I can identify with the feelings you must have experienced because I too went down that road. I gave a quilt to a friend and the response was "I'm not into quilts" and with that comment handed the quilt back to me. However, that was the only time and I have and will continue to make and give away quilts as gifts or as I call them the "just because" quilts. "Just because" I want to! I made two quilts and took them to Sweden for friends and a relative. The cousin said "Oh it is very beautiful" and into the closet it went. The friends were so excited about theirs. It was kept in the living room and admired and used. I'd make them another in a New York minute. The cousin just says it is too nice to be used. |
Originally Posted by bj
I have a question that sort of goes with this thread...I've started a quilt for my newest niece. When I saw my brother and his wife at my dad's, I mentioned that I was making a quilt for their newest granddaughter. My sil said she didn't need one, that she had already made her one. So do I finish it and send it anyway or finish it and put with my QFK quilts? I thought about sending my niece a picture of it and asking her if she wants it.
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Originally Posted by bj
I have a question that sort of goes with this thread...I've started a quilt for my newest niece. When I saw my brother and his wife at my dad's, I mentioned that I was making a quilt for their newest granddaughter. My sil said she didn't need one, that she had already made her one. So do I finish it and send it anyway or finish it and put with my QFK quilts? I thought about sending my niece a picture of it and asking her if she wants it.
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The first gift opened was the lap quilt I gave my daughters MIL and she started crying. The last gift was the king colorwash trip for my daughter. She was very happy and when she found the label, she started crying too. My conclusion is that they were very appreciated and will enjoy them for a long time. That's what makes the heart feel good.
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Like most quilters I've received mixed reactions to my quilt gifts.
Worst was next door neighbors to the small quilts I made her new born daughter and 3 year old son, "Oh" was all she said before she closed the box. Best would be my dearest friend who keeps the quilt I made her called Mother's Love on display, and in use, in her living room, I appliqued all her grandkid's handprints on the back. All my grandchildren have recieved at least one quilt from me, a baby or young child one and high school graduation calls for a lap quilt to take to college with them. 3 oldest DGDs are married or have their own places so bedsized scappy quilts are in the making for them with no completion date in sight right now. Oh, one of my DIL always turned me down when I asked her if she would like a couch or bed quilt. Well, a few months ago she surprised me with a request for a bed quilt. She's looking at patterns right now and will pay for the fabrics. I love to quilt and make lots of gifts to give away to veterans and other groups but do hope to receive positive reactions from family and friends. May in Jersey |
I know how you feel. A few weeks ago I posted a pic of the quilt I spent months on for my mom's b'day. When I gave to her she thanked me and oohéd a little, but not quite the reaction i had hoped for. (my sibs give them trips to Paris, Cabo, etc.). When family was all there a few days later, she had it out on display, but grand kids from cross-country napping on sofa could not wrap up in it- afghans for them. Yesterday- christmas- she asked me why i didn't put a label on it- that I need to be labeling all of my beautiful work. Shock! So you never know how anyone REALLY feels. Just give with the same love you made it with!
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Originally Posted by deBRAT
I have gifted many quilts over the years with a wide variety of reactions.
the most hurtful one is my youngest son does not want a quilt and so i have honored his wishes. however, this year is the year i will make one for him and put it in a box with his name on it for after i pass. just in case he might want one then. my brother dutifully held his up for pictures at christmas some 10 or so years ago. best memory of a quilt given? my dh saying to my brother as an aside, "you are one lucky guy a LOT of work goes into one of those" dh also does not want a quilt. go figure, eh? oh and that LOT of work was plain ole 9 patches with black that seemed to take forever. it was about 7 feet long and 68" wide and considered a lap quilt :) A few yrs back i made quilts for each member of dh's family for their birthdays (so it spread out the gift giving) as I announced this at christmas that year at my parent's house dh asked" does that include spouses of family?" I said sure! I had completely forgotten that his nephew's wifes b'day was in January and I had less than two weeks to figure out, make and ship the first b'day present that year! i do not quilt as much anymore but i hope to begin to get back into the swing of it again. right now i'm making those criss cross potholders and they go together so fast and are so appreciated that i'm making a LOT of them to be able to just hand out when I want, PLUS use up some of my huge stash. Have a wonderful New years, denise/deBRAT in extremely windy tampa bay florida |
Originally Posted by sherriequilts
Originally Posted by libertykm
Over 17 years ago I made a baby quilt for my nephews son. It was my very first quilt and had many mistakes in it. It was received with many thanks and I forgot about it for several years. One day his mother mentioned that her son loved that quilt and carried it around all the time. Now 17 years later we were at their house after Thanksgiving dinner and she suggested that he go get that quilt to show me. He brought it out and it was in rags. I could tell by the look on his face that it was loved for many, many years and was in that condition because of his love for it. I can't tell you how wonderful I felt seeing that quilt again.
We laughed at the condition of the quilt after all these years. This wasn't a misused quilt, it was a quilt that was loved by a young boy (now a young man). I have made quilts now for all my grandchildren and have gotten great responses from them. I only hope that in many, many years theirs looks the same as Joeys. If they do, I will know that they were loved and appreciated. |
Originally Posted by bj
I have a question that sort of goes with this thread...I've started a quilt for my newest niece. When I saw my brother and his wife at my dad's, I mentioned that I was making a quilt for their newest granddaughter. My sil said she didn't need one, that she had already made her one. So do I finish it and send it anyway or finish it and put with my QFK quilts? I thought about sending my niece a picture of it and asking her if she wants it.
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Originally Posted by damaquilts
Well I made quilts for people a long time ago. One was appreciated one was probably used for a rag. So I didn't make anymore for them . Made quilts for my nephews at my brothers request . One nephew thanked me again yesterday I gave it like 3 or 4 years ago. The other has yet to say anything about the ones I sent for him his daughter and new twin sons. So. I no longer really make quilts for anyone. I will make one for the humane society to raffle off. I stopped making for the auction. I want to see how this goes. I just want to make what I enjoy so I will make and let them pile up and let them all sort it out when I am gone. LOL
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Originally Posted by bj
I have a question that sort of goes with this thread...I've started a quilt for my newest niece. When I saw my brother and his wife at my dad's, I mentioned that I was making a quilt for their newest granddaughter. My sil said she didn't need one, that she had already made her one. So do I finish it and send it anyway or finish it and put with my QFK quilts? I thought about sending my niece a picture of it and asking her if she wants it.
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Before I read all the pages, I have to say I have 2 nieces (one belongs to my sister, one to my brother), I don't think they will get another quilt from me. One was enough, as neither one has called to say thank you.
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I always think it is interesting that you can't predict reactions. Sometimes you can, of course, but often, you are surprised. It may be sexist of me, but I always love it when the men you would least expect to like a quilt, are really moved by them. Warms your heart, you know?
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DGS, 7, liked his spiderman scrappy quilt & pillowcase and has been sleeping with it here while visiting.
My new friend (I sort of adopted her) struggles with health and finance issues. I noticed she didn't have a bedspread on her bed. She is appreciative of help but to make it easier to accept I made her a scrappy quilt and pillow cases. She was so appreciative and loved it because she knows the time involved. She does lovely knitting and had made potholders and a beautiful scarf for me. Made me feel good. I made a large crib size quilt for my GD's second birhtday. She immediately flopped down on it and snuggled in it. I think she likes it!!! Also made a twin size for when she gets into a larger bed. |
I made two quilts this year and got so-so reactions for both of them. My sister and my niece both got quilts from me this year. My niece opened it and smiled halfway and said that it might match her room once it's painted. She wasn't overly excited but she wasn't rude, either. I gave my sister a large D9P quilt in the 3 colors she told me when I asked her months ago what 3 colors she would want to us to decorate her living room. (Burgundy, cream & black) She didn't even unfold the quilt to see what it looked like. I've learned my lesson about sewing for those who don't appreciate it!
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I think you have the right attitude about it. People feel differently about traditional and home-made items. Some will appreciate the effort and love the item even if they really don't like the color or the style because they love the fact that it came from your heart. Others just won't like it no matter what you do because they don't really understand the emotion that goes into such a gift. On the other hand, they may "warm up" (pun intended) to the quilt once they've had it around for a while and used it. Quilters can't be thin-skinned about gifts given because people are so different in their tastes and desires. I think it's important to use the information you gain from these experiences, however, before deciding to invest time, effort, money, and heart into another home-made gift for the same person. Most of my family is gone--I'm the youngest in my family. I just wish I had learned to quilt when I was younger because I so wish I could give a quilt to my mother and my brother. Would they have liked it? I'll never know. But I sure would have liked the chance to find out. My new DIL seems to love all the hand-made things I give her, no matter how funky. She's a treasure, for sure.
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Quilts are like magic spells or prayers. I would not make one for someone who did not want one, but whether it is appreciated or not, love sent out is never misplaced... even if the kids would prefer toys. :)
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last year I made two quilts, for my two eldest nephews (10 and 8). They seemed to really like them, but yesterday when we visited their homes, both boys in talking about their favorite gifts this year, started their story with, "Well last year my favorite gift was the quilt you made..." The 8 year old refused to let his mom take his off his bed and put his Christmas bedcover on! And when he was opening his gift this year he said, "I wonder what Aunt Lori made this year?" Justin Beiber was a hit but I think he was disappointed it wasn't handmade!
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Originally Posted by brushandthimble
Before I read all the pages, I have to say I have 2 nieces (one belongs to my sister, one to my brother), I don't think they will get another quilt from me. One was enough, as neither one has called to say thank you.
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I didnt make a quilt this year for my 11 year old GS, so while I was there he came out of his room with an arm load of t-shirts and handed to me.I said what are thes?He said those are for my quilt your going to make me.LOL, He loves for me to make him quilts.That really warms my heart.
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Hi! I got the response that I expected! I made a storybook quilt for my sister's grandson(6mos old) and I had to ask the mother(she's the DIL) if I could show it to the other members of the family. I'm the only quilter in the family though my mother and sister did and do sew some. I did have to ask "permission" to show it off! The baby's mother later said how much she appreciated the quilt but I believe her like I believe the moon's made of cheese!
I made the quilt because I wanted to, knowing that this was the response I would get. It was fun working on it, I learned how to do the flanged binding and did outline free motion quilting around the figures in the blocks. I feel like it was more about learning new techniques than giving a gift. I have to agree that charity quilting is alot more rewarding. I sew for Threads of Love, making items that can be used by premature infants. I'll make quilts for my grandchildren because my daughter does understand, the rest of the family will get something purchased. What's so funny, its actually cheaper to be buy something than to make a quilt, considering everything involved. So going to make an effort to make this a Merry Christmas and move on! Maybe 2011 will be better! Chris |
Two years ago I came home from a retreat all fired up about the "French Roses" pattern. I showed it to my oldest granddaughter (then 15) and announced I would make her one! She was totally underwhelmed! Until I mentioned that she could pick out the fabric! WOW -cool, great! And we were off and running. Now I have made 3 of them and each GD picked out her own fabrics and helped with the cutting and construction. All in all, very nice experiences.
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My daughter is now 50 and a prize winning quilter. At the age of 19 my mother gave her a lone star quilt that my grandmother had made. I had wanted that quilt since I was 6 years old, but it bypassed me. However, the last time I saw the quilt my 19 year old daughter had it in the trunk of her car with an old battery sitting on top of it. In the 31 years since then her attitude has changed regarding quilts and quilting. I'd say that is true of a lot of young people that you give a quilt to now.
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