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