I gave quilts as gifts for the first time this year (outside my kids). They were lap quilts I made while learning to FM (and I thought they were pretty). I gave to 3 SILs and 2 nieces. I was really surprised by the reactions to these quilts. First SIL, was really excited and happy (no surprise), second SIL was happy (she is quiet), 3rd SIL took tissue off of package and put bag between couch and wall. First niece (who is in art school) pulled hers out and said "that's pretty" and put it down. Second niece was overwhelmed (this was the surprise). Her husband came to me later and whispered in my ear "You have just made Annette's day. No really you have just made Annette's day." Totally different reactions from nieces. And the 3rd SIL came to me later to thank me, I said there is also doggies quilts in that bag. That got her excited, she pulled the bag out and pulled the doggie quilts out and showed her husband, never pulling out the big quilt. But it's okay, I did it because I wanted to and that's what matters. Annette's response was enough. Will they get another quilt? Well, maybe some of them.

You did a wonderful thing and it is true you never quite know what the reactions will be.

I agree. It's a good thing we love what we do, because you never know how all the work is going to be received.

Here is my reaction story: Made all 5 grandchildren quilts. My son's child was so excited to get a San Deigo chargers quilt that we could not get a clear picture of him. He is 9 years old and loves the Chargers, he hooped and hollered and jumped up and down and made his bed with it right away. My daughter's son,(who is 7 and my little "ange") and his step-siblings thought they were getting pillows because I wrapped the quilts in matching pillow cases. They didn't even bother to take them out till thier mom told them to. Then none of these 3 beautiful quilts were unfolded and admired. I did hear one of them say "oh, its a quilt inside, thanks". It will be awhile before they get another one. It is more rewarding to quilt for our vets!

Give them all a chance...see what they do with them...you might be surprised yet again. When my MIL gave my husband his quilt many years ago, I really didn't have much to say and really wasn't impressed with it. But it came home and spent 15 years on our bed, and now is on the company bed. I grew to really love that quilt, and it is in almost as good condition today as it was the day she made it, except a little faded. Some other family members seemed thrilled but put them in closets for the rest of thier lives...and others wore them out within 5 years and threw them away...
So you never know!

I agree that you need to wait a bit to judge the true reaction. With kids you can understand, they think toys are all they want. My son was about 18 or so and I made a quilt for his bed. One cold day we were watching TV in the Living Room and he was complaining about the cold. My suggestion - go get your quilt. He gave me that teenager are you crazy look and said, "No way, you made that for me and my bed and if I bring it out here I might not get it back!" Even funnier he, his Dad and I were the only ones that lived there so I'm not sure who was going to steal it! He never seemed to excited when he got it, but it turned into a treasure.

I guess we can only control how we feel making them and gifting them. Just try to hold on to that feeling and don't stress about the other. :-)

I agree. They can never take away the love and thoughts that were entwined with the quilts you made. These kind of gifts are unique - the ones you make with your hands. I believe they will eventually understand and appreciate your beautiful work.

I totally agree, give it some time.

I find there are always mixed reactions with the girls, we are such unpredictable creatures. When I got married 32 years ago, we received a handmade, full size shocking hot pink/brown quilt as a wedding gift from my husband's aunt and her daughter. I was appreciative but it was hard to warm up to. I grew to love that quilt, and used it until it was so worn out that no amount of repairing could salvage it. I managed to save the original label and a few scraps of it and still miss the darn thing.

I gave my son a fleece/flannel quilt for Christmas. I got the usual "thanks mom". I just went looking for it, I was a little chilly and wanted to see how warm it would be, found my son wrapped up in it, napping. Guess he likes it!

My great neice is 16 and visited us just before Christmas. She wants to learn to sew but lives several hours from me. I showed her my quilt pile and she said she really liked the black and white one. I gave it to her, not knowing if she was just being polite or if she really liked it. Her mother called me the next day to tell me her daughter hugged and petted that quilt all the way home. She put it right on her bed and is planning to spend some time with me next summer to learn to make her own. That is the best kind of reaction for me!

I never would expect a thrilled reaction from kids that young unless it was a toy they wanted. It doesn't mean they don't like it, though. Kids usually have so many packages to open, half the time they don't even look at what is inside. Think back, would you have been excited to get a pillowcase and quilt for Xmas? Most kids don't even get excited about new clothes.

Often times the reaction is not what you expect, and sometimes the recipient just blows you out of the water. I never though my boys could care less about what I make. Until I made a couple of quilts to give away. Then my 17 year old asked if he could have a quilt someday, one of the good ones that I hand quilt. (and believe me you should be on a fast horse when you examine my hand quilting).

My 31 year old neice got her quilt yesterday. (yellow and grey and black log cabin) I just deleted (from here) the whole reason I hated making it and why I procrastinated working on it.

I had a simple thank you and my other neices urged her to open it up. they all oood and ahaaad. I finished it just to keep family peace. So she wouldnt be slighted and ever say everyone else got one from me/ I just distanced my self from this quilt, from the work I did and gave it up. I wont ever ask how it is or if she used it. I know unlike my other quilts this one was made without love


i procrastinated and disliked

[quote=great aunt jacqui]My 31 year old neice got her quilt yesterday. (yellow and grey and black log cabin) I just deleted (from here) the whole reason I hated making it and why I procrastinated working on it.


Family peace is important so kudos to you for hanging in there and preserving it. Now it's time to do something fun and enjoyable to the MAX!

I made throw-size quilts for my dad and step-mom last year for Christmas. Poured my heart and soul into them. They have been woodcrafters for over 30 years, so my thought was-they will really appreciate these...they definitely know the value of homemade...wrong. Dad called and said "Thanks for the little blankets, they are nice". I just about had to scrape myself off the floor. A few months later, I explained why I had taken so long to choose the patterns and the fabrics that I did for each quilt and still think it fell on deaf ears!
But, I don't let that stop me from giving them as gifts!

Sometimes quilts become more special with time!

Some people just don't understand the time and thought that goes into a quilt....I mailed my new GD her quilt 14 yrs. ago....Called my daughter and she told me that her husband had the quilt in the dirst with GD on it.....I was so mad!

A few years ago I made all three of my grand kids a quilt. The two older boys were playing baseball (the oldest, now in college still plays). I made the boys large quilts for their beds of baseball characters embroidered on the plain blocks which took a long time. I think they are still in their mother's closet. The little girl loves horses, so I made her the same only with all kinds of horses embroidered on the plain blocks. Well, hers is in her closet. They will have to ask for a quilt before they ever get another one from me. Had I known, I would not have put all that time and effort in those quilts. So much for kids liking quilts....lol

there you go, I would also think twice before making the less appreciative something again. You did a wonderful thing.

I did not get a good response from my MIL when I made her the quilt (that is my avatar). However, when my husband's ex-wife... (who has been his ex for about 20 years), mailed her a store-bought quilt this year, she ooooh and aaaaahed over the quilt. I guarantee she won't be getting a hand-made one from me any time in the future!

Do you think they are in the closet because they didn't like them or because they are not allowed to use them because they are so nice? I know people that put them away because they don't want to risk something happening to them. It's really a shame.

I gave one to my boss...with his college school colors. I even put some iron on patches so it was very personalized. I spent about 9 months on it and sent it around his birthday and waited to hear from him.

Nothing..I kept waiting..nothing. So I emailed him, "uhh did you get it?" He replies: "oh yes, it was very thoughtful". I'm like okay. He is a man of so many words and an artist and a lover of all things art, we talk all the time, sooo WTF!?

Fast forward a few weeks. He is giving an interview and I see the quilt lying on the back of his couch nicely folded. A few clips in (footage shot the next day) I saw it bundled up on the couch (like it was used). I was SO happy.

You just never know how they're gonna react. But I do know he loves it. Even if he never said so.

A few years ago I had some trouble with my car. My husband's Uncle is quite the mechanic and he agreed to look at it. Unfortunately, the car was unrepairable. It meant a lot to me that he took time out of his busy schedule to look at it. I decided to make him a Harley Davidson quilt for Christmas. I was literally late to Christmas dinner because I was still sewing the binding on.

He was sincerely touched that I made it for him. He LOVED it.

As long as I live I doubt I'll ever be more satisfied with a home for my quilt. I'm told he shows it off to anyone he has over and he bought a top of the line front load washer just so he could wash it safely.

One unexpected reaction like that will make up for any cavalier ones I ever get.

Just after I started quilting, my sister showed a real interest in ones I had made for my kids.

As I only make for those that are genuinely interested, I made her a 'basket' quilt, tied, and in country colours as she had just bought an old farmhouse. She said it was very nice and I never saw it again??? This was about 9 years ago.
She has just bought herself a brand new car and we met up for me to see it.....and there on the back seat, faded and washed to within an inch was the very same quilt. My heart just flipped...just goes to show you never know.

PS just so mum didn't feel left out (she doesn't really like stuff 'like that') I made her one using a 'cheater panel', not so much work but kept the peace.

Keep doing what you want. My mother's reaction to a stained glass piece I made (cost almost as much as a queen quilt) disappointed me so much that I quit doing SG for a long time. DON'T let that happen to you. I've learned to not give my mother anything!!!!! Sounds cold, huh....LOL Well, it was HER decision --- said about 2 weeks later that she has so much stuff, she felt we shouldn't give gifts to adults any more. It was like a double-slap in the face.......

I had made both of my parents throw quilts last summer. My mom had been bugging one of my great aunts for one. So I was surprised when I gave her the one that I made that she just folded it up and put it away. But then again she did the same thing when I was in high school and I made my first ever quilt which I gave to her for her birthday. She put it in a trunk and it stayed there for 30 years until she gave it back to me never used. (My daughter thinks that quilt is better than sliced bread.) My mom wouldn't let my dad use his throw quilt either until he had to go to the nursing home. So he finally got to use it for 2 months before passing away on Christmas Eve last year. He was so proud of his quilt and told everyone at the nursing home that I had made it just for him. I ended up making him a cushion for his wheelchair too to match. Moms is still unused. She could care less about how hurtful her actions are.

Sherryl
Candlequilter

Sometimes the initial reaction isn't what we want to hear and sometimes it comes back to suprise us as to how they love them. I am blessed with the reactions my kids and grands have always given...they go on about them and use them. To me, thats another blessing

I am looking forward to my fathers reaction when he sees his quilt WHEN IT IS DONE!

For Christmas I made mug rugs and gave Christmas mugs to my parents as gifts. My father says "what's this?" I explain it's a mug rug and what to do with it. He puts it over his chest like it's a blanket! He says it isn't quite big enough, maybe next Christmas. He knows he is getting a bed size quilt as he requested it fit his bed, not his lap!!! I told him to be patient, it took me two + years to quilt his grandsons! LOL It won't take that long for his. It is half way done quilting now.

When I gave my grandmothers their lap quilts they both loved them. One even sent me a thank you card and said that she shows it off to her friends. She still asks me how I got the points to match up so nicely. I told her I didn't make the blocks just put them together. They were from the B&Y swap.

So, good reactions so far!

Kyia

You just have to remember that they ARE kids and if there are toys around, those will get top billing. But I will bet those quilts will go on their beds and be much loved.

Well, my oldest son loved his throw I made him from a Goodwill flannel sheet with a fishing theme and fleece. My gdaughters loved their quilts. The one that I made the Kawasaki green one for (with the pink & black cats on it) loved hers, but never took it out to see the back (or front) that was all pink and green log cabin. When I told her to open it out so she could see the other side she and her mother just gasped. Then my dil, who never seems to be impressed with anything, loudly proclaimed that next year she expects a new quilt for her bed. I made them a fleece and flannel one years ago. So I guess I had better get busy. And my daughter loved her twister table runner, said it will go on the farm table at their farm in the Poconos. All in all it was good.

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 too have gotten great responses from every quilt I have made for people. The gifts I made this Christmas were recieved with great joy...my son and daughter absolutely LOVE thiers. One thing I do however, is personalize every one of them with something that means alot to the recipient, so they can't help but fall in love with them.
When I made my cousins snowmobile quilt a few years ago he was soooo afraid to use it. I finally convinced him that it was made to be used...and now he gets upset if anyone sleeps in his bed when he is not home because his quilt is on it:>) LOL! My neighbor now makes his bed every morning and leaves the door open hoping that anyone who goes to use the washroom can see it when they walk by LOL! Every one of my quilts is very well cared for and loved. My Aunt cried when she saw a pic of hers that I sent her...she has not recieved it yet...I have to mail it out. teehee! I LOVE making people surprises!

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

I was talking to my MIL via phone on Christmas morning and she opened my gift then (it was a table runner made with autumn colors and yoyos as flowers). I heard her opening the papers and then the words "Oh thats nice". Then I said "are you looking at the right side?". Then I knew she turned it over and saw the quilted top. Then her words were "Oh thats beautiful, I love it". Made me feel good. Merry Christmas everyone. Blessing in the new year.

I find the most reward is in making quilts and giving them to people for no reason. They turn out to really appreciate them.
Giving a child a quilt at Christmas or a Birthday, is not a good thing, they would rather enjoy the presents that are toys more.
They will all love the quilts you gave, maybe not today, but they will.

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..... ;-)

That is an swesome idea for that game! Haha...cause you know somebody in the group is going to love it and fight for it and you know it goes to a person who really will love and appreciate it! Love the idea!

Not sure how my quilt gifts were received. I have only made 2 quilts in my life and I gave them to my father and BIL for Christmas. I also sent 3 sets of quilted place mats to the women in the family. While talking to my Dad on the phone on Christmas Day, he said, "You spent a lot of time sewing all of those things." Nothing about the college-theme quilt that I did for him. Oh, well, I did it for love and can't take that back! Haven't heard from BIL yet.

This reaction doesn't surprise me as my family is not "into" homemade gifts. Nevertheless, I am already working on quilts to give as gifts in the near future. I love quilting!

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

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.