I am at the point that if I need a gift, I automatically start thinking of what I can make them. Going to the store and just buying something seems like cheating to me now. Lucky for me the people in my life seem to really appreciate the work that goes into things, or at least are gracious enough to act like they do

Quilting is creating, I firmly believe the urge to create was placed in humanity with divine purpose. The act of creation, eventhe simplicity of a blanket grounds my soul (until the bobbin acts up). Giving a gift I created is a gift from the best part of me.

Also, so many cheap textile sold now are made by virtual slave laborers in eastern countries, most of them women and children. Within my limited means, I try to avoid the exploitation of humanity where I can.

Creative hobbies fulfill several needs, some within ourselves: the need to create, to work with our hands, to do something for someone else, to express love, or friendship, or that you care even if you don't know the recipient, the need to spend our free time doing something worthwhile, productive, useful, and beautiful. The upside to spending time creatively is there is a tangible item as a result. We use our words to tell someone we love them, or we care about them; but we use our hands, our time, our creativity to show them. ​ Win, win!

So interesting to read all the comments about quilting. Want to share something too. I retired 4 years ago and a retirement party or get together was given me. Guess what gift I remember the most? One was a quilt made by a co-worker and another made me a small needle, thread, etc holder. Every time I use or see either one of these items I think of that gift and the person that made and gave it to me - wonderful memories. What can take the place of that?

I have read this countless times and it bears repeating. This blog is truly wonderful! I really value and appreciate each and every one of your answers. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of who we are and why we do what we do. Sanity! Creativity! Outlet! LOVE! THANK YOU ALL for responding. Fizzle

Quilting is a form of art..it let your creative side out..fulfills the need to create something..same as being a painter..writer..designer..some people .just have that little urge to create..for myself ..if I don't do that..I get down and restless..besides the best feeling is knowing u made something out of nothing..

Creating something makes us whole. It can make you feel confident, happy and peaceful. It gives the soul a ticket to ride! Do you get this feeling when you buy something? Of course, Sewing is my passion!

I sew because I like to sew. I like creating something. I like taking a piece of fabric and making it into something to wear, to sleep under, etc. Your sister doesn't understand and probably never will. Just tell her you sew because you like to sew.

Chalk up their lack of knowledge to disinterest and not caring about what you do. It is always easy to pooh-pooh others' hobbies or interests when you haven't a clue as to what is involved in the creation of something unique. Enjoy the process and don't worry about the snarky comments. The best revenge is to show them how to quilt and THEN they will understand just what is involved in the process.

It's a creative endeavor. No one can explain their creative impulse to those who don't have them. Whether you paint or sculpt or sing or play an instrument or make art in any form, it's because you are creative and have an actual NEED and drive to do it.

There are people who will never get it, but it's because they don't have creative DNA. Personally, I'd feel sympathy for them because they don't have it, and wouldn't feel the need to explain that I do.

Fizzle, I feel most gifts are personal (at least for my friends and family). So when I sew or quilt for them, they know I have put "TIME" "THOUGHT" "ENERGY" and most of all "LOVE" into my gift for them. I can always get a gift card like a candy bar at the check out of ANY store (no thought has to be given), like a lot of people I had an "emergency stash" of 2 or 3 gift cards (have them because they where purchased as a fundraiser and at a discount for a friends kids school). They have bailed me out when I needed to give something to someone that wasn't in my close circle, so I forgot about needing a gift (my bad). During the holidays, my friends and family know that I will make a "big purchase" to give to someone and everyone else gets homemade. I have to be careful with my money (husband is retired and not well, so I'm only able to work a very part time job - like so many others money is tight), so the person or family getting the "BIG" gift is different each year. I also think our machines are our friends (and family too), so we love to work with them and share them too. Just my thoughts.

Why do you care what someone says? You can buy food in a restaurant, why does she cook? That list could go on and on ad on. You do, because you can!! I keep thinking what a valuable asset I will be when the zombies come!!!! The village will have to protect me LOL!!

Face it, quilters take perfectly good fabreic, cut it up, sew it back together and say we made something!! LOL, we are a wacky bunch, all taken together but always with love!!

I haven't read through all of the responses but when you make a quilt each seam and color choice is a hug or a prayer for that persons well being. We all have our strengths and skills ours just happens to be sewing and we love the creative avenues that open to us through quilting. My grand mother was a quilter, my mother collected fabric, notions, buttons, thread, cook books. Me I love to sew and share that love with others. So anyone can go out and buy a blanket or a throw, but it won't have that gift of love that is sewn in and therefore it is just a blanket. I didn't get to spend much time with my grandma but I knew the love she had for me every time I wrapped myself in the quilt that she had sewn for me.

Maybe the old saying "It's the thought that counts" applies here, that you thought enough of your friend that you wanted to make them something, something that is a part of you. Anyone can go buy a gift, but not everyone can make a truly special and unique gift themselves. I love to sew quilts and gifts for my friends and family, because they know I took the time to do that, just for them.

My response to people saying that to me has been "It keeps me from being boring. People that have no creative interests are boring to be around."

Faykilgore said it all. Sure you can buy a blanket, a quilt, a lap throw, a crib blanket or a wall hanging; but none of them would have a little piece of you in them. I sew because it makes me happy. I make things for my friends and family because I love them and I'm giving them a part of me each time. My sister doesn't understand why I spend so much time on creating a quilt, but she respects my choice and loves the things I make for her. My DH is completely supportive, but he doesn't understand why I get so excited when I see a pattern that delights me for to him a quilt is a quilt is a quilt. He will never understand "stash", but he is the most wonderful color consultant I could ever want. So keep on sewing and creating, some day your friends and family might get it.

Oh, you are so right. Watching repeats of SVU, Criminal Minds, etc. does not expand one's mind.

Many people, even those we love, will never "get it". That's fine-- they don't have to. You don't have to have the approval of others to have fun doing what makes you happy and gives you satisfaction. I would find a very simplistic reply for them, and not waste any more time thinking about it.

You have plenty of friends who DO 'get it', right here! We've got your back!

I agree with everything said on this topic. Why do I quilt....because I need to. I do other creative things as well, why?? Why did Picasso paint, why does any artist do what they do, because to be creative is our heritage. Everyone is born with the creative gene. A toddler smearing spaghetti sauce around the tray of the high chair is being creative. Some have the artistic impulse squashed out. Too sad for them, you don't need a reason to do what you do in the sewing room. Just take joy in the fact that you have not had your inner artist weeded out. I had a lady once tell me this at a craft fair. She picked up a quilted item, sniffed and said..." this is too expensive, I could buy it for a lot less at Walmart." I replied, " No you can't it is a one of kind, unique, and there are none like it at any retail store." I told her I refused to sell to her, she walked off in a huff, I collected my stuff and went home. I decided that life was too short to expose myself to such ignorance and I really did not need the money that much. This is one decision I am very happy I made. To this day I do not sell any of my work. If I give a gift to someone, it is because we have to have some kind of personal connection, whereas if sell you something all you need is money. I prefer to have the personal connection.

Do they garden? Why? creating things from seeds or ideas

My answer to anyone who ask such a thing would be that it is my art I love doing and get so much pleasure from it. That when I give a gift I want the person I am giving it to know I am giving it with a lot of thought and love and what better way than to make something with your own hands and time to show you care.

I sew for the same reason that painters paint, composers compose, and teacher teach, because I have to. Period. When Frank Lloyd Wright starts making tract housing, I will do alterations! I hate alterations. Not real fond of repairs, either, but as long as it is not a jeans zipper, I might do it....lol!

I agree with Quilting Haven, you can go buy a cheap throw or quilt; but making a quilt and giving it to someone special means that you have taken the time to make something special just for you. My Mom taught me to sew while I was in Grade School, easy aprons for starters, then after taking Home Ec. in high school I made all of my clothes for years and years. I stopped for a while, but started again after I had kids and made lots of clothes for my daughter, although before she was out of grade school, unless I let her pick the fabric and pattern, she wouldn't wear it (very picky I know, but that's the way it was). When I started quilting, the first and only quilt that I hand quilted was for her; but after developing carpal tunnel syndrome I learned to machine quilt and I've never looked back. I've lost count of the number of baby quilts, lap quilts, bed quilts, wall hangings, table runners, placemats, etc. that I have made to either sell or give away; but quilting brings balance and serenity into my life. When I can't quilt I get very cranky and my husband will "suggest" that I start making a quilt. Most people have something that they like to do, you like to sew and never apologize for it, it's part of who you are.

The reply " I'll remember that if I get the inspiration to make you a THROW"
I believe our energy, thoughts and love get interwoven in the fibers of what we make. that feeling comes through when in use. Can a patient draw strength from a donated quilt? I believe it happens!

My sister was like that also. I was always very crafty, had the home and kids and she was a business
person. To her it was always why don't you just buy it and to me I enjoyed making things.
Sometimes there just isn't an answer. You are just 2 different people

I haven't read all the way through this post so someone probably has already said this. Making a quilt is a creative outlet. You make them for people you love or are important to you. It is way more personal that buying a throw and giving them. I would think the person receiving it would think more often of you when it's a quilt you made versus a throw you bought. I know this is true of my family and friends.

I can't explaine it either but I to love to sew & always have. I sew something almost every day, even if only a few minutes it just makes me happy and relaxed.

In 25 or 50 years a home made quilt, lovingly cared for will have value. A blanket purchased at a store, has no more value than towel.
That's my opinion.

Quilting is a creative outlet. Cooking, cleaning, etc. don't have lasting results but sewing creates something that may outlive its maker. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

We do it because we love it, anyone can go buy it from the shop but what satisfaction do they gain from it? Maybe they are secretly jealous because they can't do it

A bought throw is a bought throw that is made by a stranger. A quilted throw is a throw stitched full of love that is made by someone who really cares about you.

I often wonder this myself. Everyone always says they are too nervous to quilt...well, I am too nervous to just sit and stare at the TV. Don't get me wrong, I like to watch TV, but I am either playing on my computer (Looking at quilts a lot of the time.) Or I have it on while sewing.

One of my sisters ask my mom why cut up fabric just to sew it back together? She said something along the lines of it was a lot cheaper to just go buy a blanket. I forget what my mom's reply was.

Yet this same sister will talk about not having one of mom's quilts. Kind of complaining...why complain if you felt like it was stupid to make quilts in the first place.

Wow. What responses I have always loves to sew since I was very young. When asked why I "have to", I told the gloss they love their video games and Pokemon. DH loves his fishing and books. I love my fabric. Simple as that, they understand now

Thanks Sewbizgirl!

Bless you, Grann as you fight the good fight. I will think of you daily and say a prayer. Though I have never fought this fight, I know what you mean about having quilting to keep you sane while you fight your battle.

And I congratulate you for teaching your daughter that it's not the amount you spend on something, but what it means to you. Your daughter has shown good taste and wisdom in asking you to make her a one-of-a-kind quilt stitched with love.

My love despises yard work with a passion. Just about strokes out at the sight of a weedeater. I however, enjoy the 3 hours riding my mower each week. Gives me lots of time to think and just enjoy being outside. Yes, he would pay someone to do it without even batting an eye, I would not. He would go out a buy a blanket but understands quilting is something I enjoy thoroughly. Of course, I explained it in terms he'd understand: yes, you can buy this top-of-the-line truck with all the bells and whistles but a $500 used car will get you where you're going too. Yes, I can fix you my homemade lasagna that you love but a can of beenie-weenies will fill you up too. He doesn't really question the things I like to do anymore. :D

For every reason stated. Everyone has their special art project. Many ask why because they don't know how and would like to. I was at fabric store the other day and gal wanted to do a craft but wasn't sure what to get into. Told her to start off with a kit and one of the first things would be to start with a beginner's quilt kit (tools). Has the cutting mat, rotary with an extra blade and few other things including pins and a 6x12" ruler. Was also a pillow kit with pattern/instructions. The beginners quilt kit would be useful in many crafts. Just start with kits. There's a niche for everyone.

To be fair, I "don't get" the whole social media craze. I don't see the appeal of Facebook and Twitter. I can kinda see facebook for keeping in touch with loved ones living far away. I never will forget a friend dying in a tragic car accident and some irresponsible person posting it on facebook before the grandmother was notified. She started getting calls before the family could even get to her to break the news. I never will "get" the appeal of posting something like that. So when I get a snide remark about my hobbies I just remember that they have hobbies or interests that I don't "get" either. My sister can't boil water but she's always the first in line to try a new recipe or have a hand out for a homemade pie. I really don't think she's ever picked up a needle and thread in her entire life but I don't make negative remarks about it. Of course, I do tend to feel sorry for those who have never felt the complete and utter joy of finishing a quilt!

My thoughts exactly. Part of making a quilt for someone is thinking of that person while making the quilt. And I believe that all those loving thoughts are quilted into the quilt and become part of the gift. Even though some of the recipients don't "feel" the love, I know that it's there, and maybe someone down the line will feel it.