I have made quilts for years,and all were gifts. Some I know are used and some are stored. I gave them as a gift, their choice as to how they use them.

I make quilts as gifts for three reasons: I like to quilt, I like to give gifts that are appreciated, and yes, I like it when my work is admired. If I don't feel the gift of a quilt will be appreciated, and that a gift card or a shower curtain would be more appropriate/appreciated, I give that. Because no matter how much I like to make things, I know that when I give a gift, it is not for me but for the recipient. However, I'd be lying if I said I get as much enjoyment out of that, because I really do love it when my work is admired. It's not the reason I make things or give them, but it's a nice perk. I was really disappointed when I couldn't finish my sister's baby quilt in time to give it at her shower, because while I still finished it and gave it to her, and I'm happy that she really liked it and used it, I missed out on a great audience for the quilt I worked hard on. It's a fleeting reward, and not a make-or-break thing, though. I give quilted gifts even if I know I won't be there to see the reaction.

My nephew is a Univ of Michigan fan. I made him a quilt when he was young. I was down visiting a couple of years later and it was shoved in the back of his closet. He was too you to understand. I hope that now he is older he appreciates it.

I don't know a lot about how the people use my quilts I give to them but my little granddaughter, just last week, had her Christmas quilt spread over the carpet in her bedroom playing with her toys. I think she likes it!!

Think I might be a little weird.. I've been making quilts for select people.. and I don't need to get anything out of it.. I just see a need that they might have.. Okay.. So what am I talking about? I made a quilt for a 5yo daughter of an employee of mine.. The child is a beautiful child.. The mother on the other hand has major ADHD issues, and is extremely self centered. The child knows her mom has a problem.. Both were in love with the quilt, and I know it will be respected, and cherished..
I just started five quilts for myself, and staff.. I'm using my scraps,, and making the same quilt for all.. Planning on making the label with the name of the quilts " The sisterhood of the quilt". I'm planning on having a party, where they will have to write on the labels something nice about the recipient of the quilt.. It's going to be a bonding party.. Is it needed.. Yup.. Do I expect to get anything out of it? I don't care.. I don't need it..
Barri

And then on the humerous side.....while my Dad was in the hospital recovering from major heart surgery, I asked him if he would like for me to make him a quilt. His reply:
"No, quilts are for old people"! Since he is "only" 84 I guess I will have to wait for awhile to make him a quilt when he gets "old".

I have a sister in law who most would consider to be the rudest, most in grateful person on the planet. She never EVER thanks anyone for gifts, we never know if she liked something and would throw out gifts given to her kids if she didn't like them. Out of respect for my brother I would never ignore her birthday or Christmas. Over the years I have come to know that if I give her a gift that I am proud to give someone then I am okay with the universal karma and she can take a flying leap.

I to have been let down at gift opening time, but later on I find out different. I made a rail quilt out of scraps and gave it to one of my dear friends. I knew at the time I gave it that he liked the gift but I just didn't get the feeling that he was over Moyer. However, he came camping with us and guess what blanket he brought to sleep in the trailer. My quilt! It made me happy to think that he thought enough of the gift to be using it.

Yes. A high compliment to your friendship and his fond feelings for the quilt.

I too have given gifts and wondered if the hand work was appreciated only later to receive a very touching handwritten thank you note. You just never know.