TanyaL

[QUOTE=Candace;5446621] About 90% of the quilts I see, I'd not display in my home but find another way to use. QUOTE]
I think that is probably true for most of us. Our taste is so individual. It's nice to hear that so many of you would not have your feelings hurt.

LynnVT

Sometimes people might fold the design inward thinking they are "saving" it from damage. I agree it's easy to be hurt when someone stashes a quilt away that you have made for them. But for me, knowing my grandchildren all loved their baby quilts because their mothers used them, washed them, held them snuggled in them, that's all that really matters. Just as we have to let our children go and live their own lives, we have to let our quilts go and not be hurt. One daughter lives with black labs who sleep on the bed, and though I made her quilt in colors with that in mind, I know the wear and tear ruined it. But she loved it while it lasted. Now she has a wall quilt I made for her that used to hang in her office. She recently lost that job (very unfair situation, traumatic to her), and when I last visited she said she is going to hang it in her hallway where it will be seen from the dining room. I've learned not to surprise people much with quilts, and to ask what people like when I do make one. As someone said, you can't expect everyone to love your designs and your colors. And you can't always expect people to appreciate how much love, and energy and $$$ goes into a quilt. Be happy that you enjoyed the process.

cad_queen_2000

The only time I get cheesed off about the quilts I give away, are when I see them laying in the dirt under the back porch, or nailed up in the window, used as a curtain, burned in a bonfire or when I find out they sold the quilt. Other than that, I have no say once they leave my home. (the previous mentioned people have never received another quilt from me.)

Tartan

I want my quilts to be used but not I'll used, if that makes sense. If I saw one on the floor for the dog to use, or under the car to catch oil drips, I would consider that I'll used and they wouldn't get another and yes, that would hurt my feelings.
If they used it for a child's indoor fort, going on a picnic, in the bed of a truck for the fireworks display, I would be pleased that they are using it.

Tashana

I know that many of us cannot understand this but some people just do not like quilts. I have a friend who will not have one in her house, and that is fine. I do not give large quilts to anybody who is not family and whome I can not "pester" if they do not use it. My mother in law is an amazing person with many hobbies but the best one is cross stitch and hand embroidery. She gifted me some gorgeous pieces and none are on the wall yet. It is not because I do not like them, i think they are amazing, they are just not my style. I will frame them and probably hang them in my guest room, but i do not want to hurt her feelings because I know how much work and effort goes in making one of her pieces.

Gramie bj

A gift is just that. A gift. I do not loan my gifts. once they are gifted they are out of my hands. I have no say in who does what with them. I consider them like my children. I raised then with love. Sent them out into the world with love. They have all grown and given love back to me and the world around them. Some times I want to say something when I see some of the things they do, LOL but I did my best niot to, they are all grown up living there lives as they see fit. So my quilts have a life of there own to thrive or fale, So far the people that have entered into the lives of my kids and quilts have for the most part ben good to and for them.

carla m

ive given away almost every quilt ive made and everyone is different about their gift my sil is proud and hangs or displays it almost reverently lol. my brother decorates his man cave with it. their daughter uses and launders it often. the other daughter is the same and the only time ive worried was i made a wallhanging for one of the great nieces and i wanted to dabble a bit in applique so i planned it to hang up and not be laundered much well ally had different ideas and she thought her doll needed a quilt so its been washed alot as she drags her dolly everywhere im holding my breath that it stays together lol.
carla

IrishNY

Your question is "are your feelings hurt?" and the answer is "probably". Doesn't mean I can't get over it, nor would I ever say a word to the receiver about it. We put a great deal of money, time and thought into quilts. How could we not become emotionally involved with them? In fact, that's the whole point of giving something we made.

I make a quilt with a specific receiver in mind. I think about them while I am making it, so it gives me lots of time to have them in my thoughts. Of course I want them to treasure it, so I am less hurt when someone wants to put it up to save then I am when they put it on the garage floor to lie on when changing the oil in the car, but I still want them to use and love it everyday and feel a little unhappy if they do anything else.

We're human and allowed to feel anyway we want. I don't let those feelings affect my actions however. I just make a note not to give that person another quilt and move on.

MadQuilter

Once I give it away, it is the receiver's to do with as he or she pleases. Of course I would love it if my quilt was front and center - but if it isn't then it isn't. I would be upset if the quilt was disrespected (like the drop cloth under the oil pan) and I would learn quickly to not give that person any more gifts.

hperttula123

It doesn't hurt me feelings at all. If they are using it, that is great. If not, well, it was a gift and we all know we've been given gifts that you just don't care to use. I've been guilty of it too.
I know the quilts I have made for my grandmother, they are hanging up on a quilt rack(right next to my mom's...lol) and they don't get used often. I am glad she likes them and that she proudly displays them.
Here in my house...quilts get used. All of them, but the few I have tucked away that are getting really old and showing wear. My kids drag them with for car rides, sleep with them, use them to drag each other around, they are tents, ect.....they do get used. Everyone uses their quilts differently and different appreciation for them. Some are heirlooms and some don't think that way. I wouldn't let it bother you.