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.

I usually only make quilts for family and friends-they are quilt worthy. Except my DIL-she has no appreciation for things unless they come with a designer label. My grandkids appreciate my work more and love their quilts to death. DIL let dog use one when dog was sick. Oh well, someone said when you give a gift, it's given away--I'm not that philosophical or forgiving.

I loved that episode of Seinfeld and my friends and I will still use that phrase if a cute guy walks by (yes we are dirty old women LOL)

I have not been quilting for years, but enough that I have been asked to make a quilt for others and for auctions for charity. If I can do, I will. It makes me proud that others think my work is great. However I think if I found a quilt in the kitty litter that would make me lose a friend. Maybe I have just been lucky in that the people who have asked for a quilt to be made know how much work it takes. But if I had to add to an application I would ask, will you sell this in a yard sale. Marilu-Mi

When I give a quilt away, I always tell the recipient that it is a functional quilt. I don't expect to see it folded up on a closet shelf being 'saved'. I tell them to take it to the lake and on picnics, cuddle on the couch with it, lay on the floor with it, just enjoy it - it's washable. And, since I am an animal person, I let my dogs near my quilts. I have made several quilts especially for my dogs.

I would be disappointed if I saw someone using it to change the oil in their car, though.

What a great idea!!!
Might even have a few business cards made up, with such questions on it, that I could just hand over to the 'askee' with a smile on my face! Don't have to say a negative word to them; let them come to their own conclusion that they probably are not even close to 'worthy', LOL!
LOVE IT!

Jan in VA

I enjoy just making quilts. I enjoy the cutting, piecing, playing with colors (at which I am not very good, but DH helps), quilting, binding (not so much). I do it because I love it. I'm not overly good at it, I would say I'm an average sewer. My quilts are not perfect, but I have loved making each and every one of the. A large number of my quilts go to people (mostly where I work) who are facing hard times in their lives. Someone will say "did you hear so & so's house burned, or he/she has cancer, etc. Or the chaplain will mention someone with a particular need. So I make a quilt to go to dialysis, chemo, or where ever. I also get boxes of fabric from people at work, some of it can be used, some cannot, but the intention is good. I have always gotten thank-you notes, but rarely know the fate of the quilt itself. I'm not sure how I would feel if I knew one of my quilts were being abused.

Now, that said. One of my favorite quilts is one my mother made when she was 16. It was made by hand from feed and flour sacks. It has been used for picnics, naps, tents, sleep overs and just about anything else you can imagine. Some one who were to walk into my house and see this quilt would think "how could she possibly treat this quilt like that". It has holes worn in it and the binding is practically thread bare, but it is so full of good memories they seem to ooze out when I see it. I hope all my quilts are abused in such a manner.

This thread is too funny! Thursday, I picked up my very first quilt from the long armer. She too used the phase quilt worthy!! I laughed, because I feel the same way. I agonize over each and every stitch, the fabric, the color choice, the sewing. It's truly made with blood, sweat and tears. I love making them, but some people truly do not understand that you put a piece of yourself in your projects. I'm making quilts for my granddaughters for Christmas this year, one done, one started and two more after that. I know they will love and cherish them. I want them to be used, and loved.

I loved that episode of Sienfield ... and had adopted a "are you quilt worthy?" type screenng process of my own. Thanks for giving it a title and a context reference.

i guess i don't fit in - i make quilts for my pets every year.

i don't see anything wrong with my friends asking me to make a quilt for their pets.

I give my quilts to many people. I don't check up on them because the quilting is my therapy.Making it has helped me. What they do with it after I give it to them is their problem.When I give I let go. It is now theirs. I have my rewards from the making. Maybe this doesn't make sense but its a whole lot cheaper than going to a psychiatrist.

When I give a quilt away, I always hope that they will have a great appreciation for them, but I have to admit, I like the idea of questioning them to see if they are "quilt worthy" first. If not, I feel obligated to educate them in the best way I can about the work and time that goes into them... why they should care about taking care of them, etc. Then I just hope for the best! My dogs, though, get to sleep on old blankets....and an old couch cushion... check my avatar. lol.

You sound like me. I have only been quilting a little over a year and have made and given away 5 quilts to family members I have 4 more sandwiched and ready to quilt for 2 Dec b'days and 2 Nov b'days. Going to start tomorrow on a marathon quilting .

Yes, I too evaluate my relationships on quilt-worthiness. Not sure what the criteria are - they are a bit subjective, however, when a person is ON the list - that's a good thing. Recently, I had a falling out with a person who has been in my life for a long time and the way I realized it, was that she is no longer on the quilt-worthy list. What's worse, she will never be able to get on there.

As for myself, I enjoy the process of quilting whether for me or for others. So having a quilt is not as important - but I do have a cuddle quilt that has been loved almost to death.

I have 2 nieces & 1 nephew getting married next summer & I have been thinking about making them each a quilt...then I thought I really don't know their taste or if it was something they would use & I would want it to be used. So I guess I really am trying to determine if they are quilt worthy! I have also been toying with the idea of making them quilted Christmas tree skirts. I thought that is something they would actually use every year. Still undecided.

Something to think about. I have made baby quilts for people who have asked, because I wanted to. I don't make for anyone out of obligation. I can't imagine anyone I know who would treat a quilt the way you have described. Maybe it has to do with growing up without money and appreciating what we have!!!

After all these years all I have is a wallhanging and a lap quilt! But you know what they say, 'tis better to give than receive! :-D

I have a closet full of quilts I have made because I loved a pattern, created one on my own or just wanted to use the fabrics. Some I hang up on the walls and change with the seasons. At Christmas time I hang them and everybodies bed in my house are covered with one along with the couches. I have made quilts for people too as gifts and for PTA raffles. Once I give a quilt away or sell it, I hope that it is lovingly cared for. I just got to quilt!

The people who ask for a quilt and I think are not quilt worthy I tell them that Wal-Mart has some very beautiful ones for sale that would better fit their need....May sound qurle why just my oppinion ...

That's why I have such a hard time thinking about giving them away!

If you don't think someone is 'worthy' of receiving your gift, whatever it is, why on Earth would you give it to them in the first place? Once you do give something away, it is none of your business what they do with it. The only exceptions are live animals and daughters!

I remember that Seinfeld episode! :lol: You make a very good point. Not everyone is quilt worthy. Most people don't understand the amount of time, energy and effort that is required to make a quilt. I made several baby quilts for an auction and later discovered one being used as a cover for a hamster cage. :( Since then I have only made quilts for immediate family members. I have had people ask me to make them a quilt, but I always decline.

Sons too! don't mess with my boys. :wink:

My 13yr old grandaughter has just spent the weekend with us complete with her original cot quilt I made when she was born!! It was a Noahs Ark panel it has been so loved and been to so many places there is hardly any of the original print left to see!!! I have made her three quilts since(when she has changed her favourite colours!!) but the threadbare cot quilt wins every time!!Iam so happy with this as I make quilts to be loved and used not hung on walls or o nly touched wearing white gloves!!

Amen and God Bless! Hilary

I think we as quilters just automatically think of making quilts when someone has a baby, a wedding, a death, a hard time, b days and anything else that life has to offer. When you think of all the chances that we have to make quilts for others, it would change my entire outlook if I HAD to do it. So I like this thread because it makes me realize that not everyone loves quilts like I do. So it would not be worth my time to make them one. They don't appreciate it and would not love it. So why put all the money, time, effort, (did I say money?) into a quilt that the other person does not appreciate. When I can go and spend 20 on flowers that they would like a lot better than something that has cost me a lot more than 100 and is not in there taste. So when we say "quilt worthy" to me it makes sense. Thanks for the thread. :)

I have been quilting for about 6 years and have given many away. One of my first quilts was for my daughter's high school production of Joseph, and I made a Magic Trip Around the World, but called it Joseph's quilt of many colors and it was raffled on the last night of production. I was happy that it was the most desired item in the raffle. Many people have asked me to make them a quilt and paid for them, but I know I didn't charge enough. No one understands but the quilter the amount of time it takes.

One of my questions would be, What has this person done for me unselfishly and not expecting something in return. I have a family member (in-law) who had received a nice hand crocheted baby blanket. It wasn't her taste, immediately after sending a thank you she took the blanket to Good Will. I was speechless, and never forgot that. Now we all know what went into that baby blanket and while it may not have been her taste, it could at least have draped over a chair for decoration. Anyhow, when it comes time to do Christmas sewing I battle with myself as to what to make for this person that won't end up being trashed or given away.

I think I would give anyone questionable something small to start with, and see what they do with it, before I made them something big.

I have a devorced male neighbor that found out I sew and crochet and asked me to make him 3 doileys, table mats,lap quilt, couch pillows and hem his drapes. I don't mind doing it for him as I can use the money but he wants it all right now and doesn't want to spend much! His daughter after listening to our converstaion his daughter turned and called him an old lady and scolded him for being cheap and told him how much time that goes into doing and making these items!

This past year a co worker asked me to make a quilt for her new german shepard puppy that was chewing up everything that she put in his cage. I gracefully reminded her that in a couple of years the piranah dog would settle down and then I could make something nice for her cage, but until then something cheap from the good will would probably be best. Don't get me wrong I offered to make her a simple blanket with his name embroidered on the corner, she understood. To me it makes about as much sense giving a 5 year old little girl my fine jewlery and expecting her to cherish it and take good care of it.

OK..on this subject I may make some enemies...I make my quilts to be used and loved...I do a great job..not always perfect but they always look good...when I decide to make a quilt for someone whether it be family or friend I keep in mind their lifestyle...I already know them..I know if they have cats and dogs and kids and so on..I know if they are allowed to get on the furniture etc...I don't judge them by that...I might not make them a beautiful Jenny Haskins quilt if they have cats to claw at it...instead I might make a beautiful Kansas Trouble pieced quilt..darker colors might not show the animal hair...There is nothing that upsets me more as to walk into a family members house and find out the quilts I have made them are tucked away in a closet for safe keeping....who is going to care if they still look perfect 50 years down the road..take it out..use it...drag it whereever you like to be..when you wear it out I owuld love to make you a new one...because I love you and thats how I show the hours I was thinking of you as I stitched each stitch...
I recently made a beautiful baby quilt..sent it to GA for my dh nieces shower...she absolutely loves it..called me up that night and kept saying she had never seen something so pretty...my mil informed me the other day that they decided to hang it in the baby's room because it was too pretty to let a baby spit up on....although the thought is nice...I made it to be used not hung...so you see what I am talking about...I always include a note about the hours I prayed over a quilt while stitching it for this person...or the reason I picked certain colors..they know the time and love..I tell them..but I also tell them to use it everyday as a reminder of my love...I will not be here forever..but my quilts for them will live on even if they become rags..they will remember the love that went into them....ok I am off my podium now....just how I feel...everyone I love is quilt worthy....they are worthy of my love which makes them worthy of my quilts...blessings