After reading a post on here yesterday of a quilter that was frustrated by people wanting her to make quilts I started thinking. I too have been in that situation over and over again as I'm sure many of you have also. Hang in there with me I'll get to the point in a little while.
Do any of you remember the Seinfeld episode when Elaines contraception device "The Sponge" was being discontinued? She went on a big search for these things and found a whole case. Thats all she had to last her for what seemed to her forever. So before she would "use" one of these she would ask the other participant if he were "sponge" worthy and why he thought he was.
So this is where I get "Are you quilt worthy?" I spent hours of my life making these quilts, I shed blood, endure shoulder pain, neck pain, butt numbness, crossed eyes from concentrating on every stitch, and many hours researching on "The Quilting Forum" and you want me to just whip one of these babies out of my hindend for you. Most of the time I don't take requests for quilts, I've done 3 upon request outside of my family. One turned out not worthy. I got the quilt back after about 3 months, badly abused by the kitty, and smelling like the liter box. I washed it 3 times before I could begin the repairs. I still have this quilt after 2years and he wont get it back till he's worthy.
I think with owning a "homemade" quilt comes some responsibility. So before making and giving I ask myself is this person quilt worthy? I keep a mental application in my head. If you could give an application what questions would you ask? My first one would be ....Do you think it would be appropiate to line the liter box with my quilt?

Would love to here what you might add to the application.

i am quilt worthy..i just wish i would take the time to make and keep one for myself! someday....

Start small like a wall hanging...after seven years thats all I've made for myself.

I would test their quilt knowledge.
1. How long does it take make an average quilt? (no quilt is avg.)
2. How much does the fabric cost in an average size quilt?
3. How do you care for a quilt?
any wrong answers, they are not quilt worthy!
etc, ect, etc, you get the idea!

First off let me say that my quilts are far from perfect. I put a lot of hard work and love into piecing them but many are tyed not quilted. I make them for people I love and I expect them to use them which sometimes means they are not treated gently. I made my first queen size quilt for my son oldest when he got married. He has since gone through some very rough times including a divorce. When I see that quilt in the back seat of his car I know it's not a matter of him not caring but that he loves that quilt and wants it with him if he may be away from his home over night. I smile every time. He is quilt worthy although others might not see it.

I think that there is a great difference between abuse and kiddy love of a quilt. If a quilt that I made gets ruined while in the care of a person I don't think that I would mind as long as they seemed to really love the quilt that I made for them. There are some people whom I do know that are not quilt worthy and they wont get one, mostly because they would not appreciate the quilt for the love that I put into making the quilt, while far from perfect it is always made with love.
If someone asked me to make them I would have to ask myself if they would really love and appreciate what I was making for them or would it be a thank you for the quilt it is lovely and then off to the closet.

Very well spoken I couldnt have said it better.

I agree, sahm! My neice has a quilt she takes everywhere! Every few monthes I have to 'repair" it for her, which just means adding a few cute chunks of cat fabric. The quilt looks TOTALLY AWEFUL, but SHE loves it!

The only people I make quilts for outside my family are my absolute best friend. My family and best friend KNOW the time I spend and most of them have been with me when I am shopping for fabric.
The others do think you pull them out your hinder and have know idea of the care, love, time and anguish that goes into each and every one.

I totally agree with everything here. I've been asked a few times this past summer to make quilts for others, some of whom I hardly know, but it never felt right.

But, a younger girl, just turning 16, was down in the dumps lately with high school life and my heart went out to her. Her parents have been friends with my father for years, even through their own divorce, and I grew up with her older sister, so I've known her since she came along as a "change of life". Last year I had made her sister a quilt when she was moving South and didn't think of it again. Her sister loves it and cherishes it so I know it's in good hands. Then, when my step-sister's fiancee was killed earlier this month and I started a purple quilt for her, this young girl was so comforting and encouraging. She loves purple (I don't) so she was helpful with the shade selection. I now know what I will be giving her for her sweet 16 later this year. This quilt feels right so I'm sure it will be fine and in good hands.