zennia

Sure it is. I have shelves full of tops that I have made. You can still display them. Its all in how you fold them. I like whoever-sorry forgot name- suggested just putting a hem around them. I also use mine for tableclothes and shower curtains. It's yours to have fun with.
praying for you and husband that God see you both through this hard time.

CanadianGirl

It took a while for me to quilt my own creations...I was in the same position as you: loved making the tops, was frustrated by sandwiching and quilting, didn't have the money to send them out...the basting spray plus safety pins every 12" is the way to go. Also, the fusible batting is a great product. Start with a wall hanging and move up. I do twin size quite easily now but only because I was forced outside my comfort zone with my first twin project (I was TEACHING a beginner's course - taking over for a last minute cancellation of another teacher - and she had given the option of lap to twin size, so I had to be able to quilt a twin size!) It can be done but with your husband being sick, don't put added pressure on yourself to do something you don't enjoy. Do what helps you cope. I find the process of creating an escape from everyday pressures...run with that.

quiltapillow

Just a suggestion--talk to a quilter or LQS and see if someone might trade the quilting for a finished top or come to an agreement on a pattern and cost of fabric and your work for putting the top together AND their quilting w/batting. It does not hurt to inquire. Who know you might find a best friend who likes to quilt or has a quilting machine and would rather not piece quilts? The main thing is to enjoy what you do. I just found out my grands wanted pillowcases of their favoriate things and had not considered pillowcases. Life is a Wonder. I wish your DH the best of recovery.

maviskw

I don't understand why everyone says you can't gift a quilt top that is not finished. Especially to family. You don't talk much about your family, but I'm sure there must be someone you consider family. Give each one a top with a note explaining about the quilting. They can find someone to finish it. Maybe some would be able to finish it themselves, and find that they love doing that. I would love to receive an unfinished quilt top. I don't think you should give them to charity if there are family available that might want them.

MargeD

It is absolutely OK to just do quilt tops, especially with DH's encouragement. You are going through a rough time right now and you need a distraction to help you get through it. It is also a distraction with something to show for the time you spend quilting. Maybe you can find a quilt class to attend, join a quilt guild to find someone that would be willing to share with you the love of quilting. I don't think there is a "rule" that you have to make a "finished" quilt for every quilt top you make. Do what makes you happy right now,it's so important that you have an outlet. I know, because my DH is disabled, cannot drive, and I just spent nearly half of this year in rehab after neck surgery for a ruptured disk that made me a quadriplegic for a few months. To be able to quilt again, really made me a "happy camper (or quilter)" and other people have noticed the change in my disposition, as well as my progress in learning to walk, as I only need a cane now to get around, not a walker, and I feel like I have been "reborn". Life is to short to have regrets, spend the time with your DH, spend it doing what you love and it will all work out. May God bless you and give you hope for the future. I do hope your husband gets better.

Grandma Mary

I'm with you! I enjoy everything up to making the quilt sandwich. Then, everything after that just isn't my cup of tea. It takes a lot of effort for me to complete each project once the top is done. Don't give up! Enjoy what you're doing and someday, somehow the rest will come. In the meantime, I hope things improve for your dearest husband. He sounds like a winner!

jeaninmaine

If you get the urge to try to do a sandwich, Patsy Thompson has a great video on it. It's the second one in her free free motion quilting series. http://www.patsythompsondesigns.com/free-video/ It's the second one down. She shows how to spray baste it.

Grannyh67

I would love to see your tops, I bet they are beautiful, you are doing this to keep your mind clear, that is the way it sounds to me. Just keep doing them, it is good for you. At sometime in your life you might go back and quilt them or have them quilted. I am not very good at quilting either. I have two tops now that need to be done. They are just small but still to me they are a challenge, lol....I pray your DH gets better and will be through with the theraphy. It is tuff for all involved at a time like this. God Bless you and just keep on doing your tops. Post some pic's of them if you can, would love to see them.

RAChhap

If it is the creative process that you enjoy, go for it. You might try however to find a long arm quilter who can do the quilting for you. Unless i am doing one that I want to be an heirloom I send all of mine out. I have used PJ's Quilting for about 20 years . (You can look at her site,www.pjsmachinequilting.com) She is very reasonable and I have never been disappointed. The only thing now is that postage is almost as much as her quilting so I do try to save up and send at least 2 tops a a time. I can usually get 2 tops, with the backing in one of the post office flat rate boxes. When you get them back they are ready to put the binding on-my favorite part! Could I suggest you send her one that you husband really likes and that might be wonderful & special for him to have as he undergoes his treatments. Good luck and prayers for his return to good health.

DonnaC

Good for you, Tropical. I read your response and it sounds like you are feeling better about things right now, which is awesome. Like you, I really enjoy doing the tops. Once I get them ready for quilting, I freeze up like a deer in the headlights because I feel so inadequate when I see other people's beautiful free-motion quilting! But I know that I can only do what I can do, and I'll get better as I go along. Best of luck to you and your husband.