cathyvv

Yes, Yes, and more Yes! Use them. So what if someone spills on them or they fade? Those spills are memories of good times and happiness - unless you make a "federal case" out of them!

I use the quilt that my Grandmother made - actually she made the top - my mom inherited it and stuck it in a drawer for 40 years. When cleaning out her room, with her watching every move I made, I discovered it and she told me she inherited it and didn't know what to do with it. I said, "I'll take it!"

I knew nothing about quilting at the time. Didn't want to let it out of my sight, so I rented time on a long arm, and about 3 hours later, it was quilted. Now I know I did a terrible job of the quilting, but right then I was so proud to have done it - and still am. Even with my terrible quilting, it looks better on the bed than it did stuffed in a drawer!

The quilt is used by my 'grands' when they come over. My niece and I pick our favorite fabrics from it - it's a scrappy lemoyne star. The grand boys all liked hearing the quilts story and use it, too.

So use the quilts and make some memories. If you don't, then someone else will but you won't be there to enjoy them.

cathyvv

You are so right!

cathyvv

You're right about the first quilt. It is hard to think about it ever getting a spill on it. But you are using it - as a piece of art in your home. People will see it and associate it with you and the good times they have had with you!

mckwilter

I not only have quilts I have made but quilts I have won in auctions. They all get used. We have two couches and a recliner in the living room and the couches have 2 quilts and the recliner has one at all times.

JudyTheSewer

Yep, just like my china, crystal, living room furniture, etc.. If I can't use it and enjoy it with family and friends then I don't want it. The "stuff" doesn't matter - the fun times and memories do. I also collect sewing machines with the intent to use them rather than just display them. I won't stress if a quilt gets a stain or it rips or fades out - it all will add to its history and charm! But, I don't want my items dis-respected or abused.

nannyrick

If you don't use them, nobody will see them. Go for it!!! I don't think you will be sorry.

nanac

What!?! Not lay on the quilts, because the seams could split? Some of my happiest memories was when I would go to visit my Grandma, we would pull out all the quilts, and make a "pallet" on the floor to sleep on. My kids used to use my quilts to sleep on out in the yard every summer, or make play "forts" or tents. IMHO, if you take the tie to make them, you should take the time to use them.

amh

Use them. When I was growing up you couldn't use "nice" things, you saved them. That is a hard concept to shake, and it has taken me several decades to do it. Now, I believe that I deserve nice things. I use them. I use my good dishes, I use my good cultlery, I use my crystal wine glasses, etc. I deserve to use these things. What would I be I saving them for anyway.

With regard to the quilts, I actually go so far as to sleep under any quilt I'm going to give away. I tell them that I've tested it and it is warm and cosy.

I also write the following poem in the card of every baby quilt that I give away, just so mom and dad know that I want it used. To me there is no better feeling that a kid dragging that quilt around the yard, or wherever.



This quilt is made of cloth and thread
to place upon your little bed.
It's not an heirloom - just to keep,
but to lay upon as you count sheep.
Or perhaps the floor's the perfect place
for a doll and teddy picnic space.
This quilt can be anything you dream-
from Superman's cape to the rope of a queen.
Pretend it's a raft adrift at sea,
or just cuddle up when you watch TV.
So use it up and wear it out-
I promise I won't yell or pout.
Just tell me when it's days are through,
and I'll make another, just for you.


I have not yet found a good poem to include in the larger quilts I give away, but if anyone has one, I'm interested.

Hope this helps.

Jbug

I agree with the others -- to be valued and loved it must be seen and used. My mother is getting way up in age and has started sorting out stuff to get rid of or divide between us kids. There have been a few items she highly treasured that none of us cared about, mostly because they were so carefully put away that we didn't even know they existed. It was the things that was part of our life and our memories that we treasured. Have your quilts out where you and others can have the pleasure of seeing them, especially after the labor of making them..

barny

I use everything I have. No use saving it for someone to throw out. We cover, sit, lay or whatever.