what do you do with your creations?
 

I'm new here. My name is Marcia and I was recently left a really nice Janome machine, fabric, and notions by a dear aunt's passing. While I miss her a lot, I know that she would be tickled to see that her bequest is getting me into quilting!

As I'm making room for all the supplies and contemplating projects, a question has occurred to me... What can I do with the quilts I produce if I really get into this hobby? I mean... I'm 56 years old. My home is decorated and I have many quilts already from Aunti (that she made when alive and left after passing).

I have grown children and grandchildren, but having watched Aunti, I know that quilts aren't always the thing to give to them...

So, I'm wondering... Can you sell them online for anything like materials' costs... never mind your time... or get involved with charity groups? (I live on an isolated farm, so no local guilds for me...) I don't want what I make to just sit in storage... So, what have you done?

Do tell!

I have not had very much luck in selling my quilts online. The hobby of quilting will be expensive but very worthwhile. There are many charity groups that love quilts. Can't think of any at the moment. You might have to mail them if you are in an isolated farm. Good luck and have fun.

I gift to family and friends, give to charities like Linus and quilts of valor, there are others also, this is just two that come to mind. I also sell quite a few that are commissioned, online, and different venues in my area.

I am slowly working my way through relatives (my children, parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, etc). I do also do charity baby quilts for a local pregnancy center.

I suspect when each of my three kiddos marry that I will make them a larger quilt (they each have more of a lap/twin/snuggle quilt now).

I hope to produce one or two that actually are put into charity auctions this year. But it takes the charity giving me plenty of advanced notice.

In the future, I would love to make some and sell them, but I am not sure people will pay what the supplies are worth (much less any extra for time). I would need to make close to $500 per quilt. Right now, I don't have the time or energy to do so with a different full time job.

Lap quilts for nursing homes, and shelters, Some area hospice have a use for them, look for a guild near you, I'm sure they could point you in the right direction. Our local guild also supply some to the city police. they carry them in the patrol cars and wrap children in them when they have to remove them from bad situations. My friend belongs to a group of ladies who make quilts for disaster victims.

I think it is rare to be able to sell a quilt for a price that would recover your costs. I think most of us make quilts for gifts and for charity. There are lots of charities that like them. If you have a local quilt guild group, they can give you suggestions for local charities. I donate to our local senior centers (lap quilt size) and the Justice Center which is a non profit agency that cares for minor children who have been removed from their homes. Check with any veterans organizations you have locally for possibilities. We also have DVIS (shelters for women and children of domestic violence) who love quilts and household items. Many churches have an emergency closet for folks in need or who have lost everything in fires or other disasters and they like quilts. There are just so many non profit organizations that need items like quilts. If you have a local United Way office they can give you information too. Many make baby quilts for local hospitals too.

Wow! These are a lot of great ideas! Thanks!

I wondered the same thing since I have made quilts for my family and a few friends. I know they probably don't want too many quilts but I do think they will cherish them and use them. I am sure your children and grandchildren would love to have a quilt that you made. Now I quilt for Linuis group they give quilts to children. I also make quilts to donate to that same charity. There are many charities that would love to get quilts. Wounded warriors is one also Quilt of Valor is another. I have given quilts to VA hospital they appreciated them.

Make them and inspiration will come! Just do it and you will be amazed at how they can find homes. Charities are always a good place to start, also making raffle quilts for causes dear to you....the list is endless.

So many places accept and appreciate gift quilts... The senior center, area long term care facilities, emergency shelters, hospice House, hospitals, locally. Then there are all the large, national organizations - St.Jude's, project Linus, Downy Quilts for Kids, Quilts of Valor, Shriners, The American Legion, the Lions, the VFW, Cancer centers, the list just goes on & on.