There is a wedding coming up at church. I have known the couple since they were kids. I originally planned to make them a quilt, but finances and time have caused me to rethink my gift.

What I came up with, I think is REALLY cool, but it will be a wall hanging, that will take up a 4 foot square space. Is that too big? I really don't want to reveal what I am planning to them, but also don't want to make something they will shove into the back of the closet and never look at.

Oh, and it really won't work too much smaller.

Do you usually question your gift reciepient's preferences before making a gift?

why don't you make some potholders, placemats etc. for the kitchen

If it is something like that - lots of work, lots of money invested in fabric - I like to ask. It takes the surprise out of it (but the finished product will always be somewhat of a surprise) but it takes so much worry out of the process for me.

If I'm spending that much time and money on a gift, yes, I do, unless I know the person well enough to know the answers to those questions.

Sounds like a nice gift, but I know that I don't have anywhere to hang a four foot quilt on any of my walls. I would be heart broken to not be able to hang it.

i never gift wall hangings without talking with them first.

art is a very personal thing and personal tastes plays a major role.

if you choose not to discuss their desires and taste preferences you can't get upset if they do not hang the wall hanging because it might not be their style or fit in with their furniture.

:thumbup:

I agree with fabric-fancy, especially for an art this big. Not all homes have such large spaces to display it.

Is it possible for you to talk to a sister, mom or a friend and have them fish for information without outing your secret?

I would only do a wall hanging if you were truly close to this person so much that you know their style without ruining the surprise.

Definitely ask and give them an other option like gift certificate. Many opt for the gift certificate but better feel a little sad they do not appreciate a quilted gift before you make it then after. The ones that opt for a quilted gift besure they like the color scheme etc.

The only time I didn't ask advice from a person I made a quilt for, she didn't like the quilt at all. I wish I had included her in on it all along. The finished product would still have been a surprise, and, many times, surprises are overrated.

I would never do a wall hanging unless expressly requested by the recipient.
Actually, since Christmas is coming, now is the time to get real about gifts. Better to spoil the surprise of a gift and ask than spend $$$ and lots of time on something the recipient doesn't want. Remember the gift is for them, not you!

I agree

Maybe give them a certificate for a wallquilt or a tablerunner that you could make after they are married, let them help with the color selection...that way you would know that they would like it and use it. Just a thought...it is wonderful that you are wanting to make a quilt for them.

Would you buy someone a 4ft oil painting for their house? What would you do if someone gave you a 4ft oil painting? A wall hanging is about the same thing. Art is such a personal preference thing as to style, color and size that I would never give someone a gift like this without their prior approval. What if they don't like it? Will you be hurt if they hang it in the garage or if they put it in a garage sale? This is a risky gift.

I like the idea of a gift certificate. You'll be able to gently keep them on track & guide them so they don't go over your budget or beyond your comfort zone.

I'm a quiltmaker and lover of quilts, but please don't make such a large wall hanging for me. Just an idea about how someone else would feel. It would be so sad to do all that work and not have it appreciated.