Watson

Lately, when I am contemplating a quilt I'd like to make I begin thinking to myself, "I'd like to do that, but what do I do with it?" and it has been stopping me from beginning anything much.

I don't have a lot of family to give anything to. Frankly, I can't afford to just buy fabric that I'm going to give away as donations every time. When I was working I had an outlet because lots of my coworkers were having babies. So, what do I do with all these quilts?

Should I let not having a purpose for each one stop me from doing what I love?

What do you all do with them?

Watson

sewingpup

OK, quilting is your hobby....so you do what you want. As long as you enjoy what you are doing...go for it....my answer....when the time is right, my quilts will find a home....it may be tomorrow, it may be next month...it may be several years from now.....but they will give my enjoyment while making them....I figure my quilt making is keeping me out of the bars, keeping my busy, and giving me enjoyment....it is enough....Some folks travel, some go bowling, some enjoy baking, I like quilting....

Rff1010

Set up an Etsy shop? Charge the "right" amount. Enjoy your hobby.

SewTrini

Well said.

selm

I agree with this thought. That way you get to do what you love and get some funds back in to go further with your hobby. The "right" amount could be enough to cover your fabric costs or slightly more in order to sell fast.
Doesn't have to be Etsy but I would suggest selling fully made quilts not just tops so you maximize your income.
Just tops on Ebay are so low priced they couldn't possibly cover material costs.

juliasb

I have never let not having a a goal for each quilt stop me from making another quilt. I have a stack of quilts sitting and ready for the right person and right time. Another great outlet is a swap where you are able to make blocks and then receive blocks for a quilt of your own to play with. It gives me an outlet. There are several great swaps here on the QB. Do what you love to do and don't let anything stop you.

tallchick

I have very little family, just my kids and no grands. I quilt for a creative outlet; My happy rhyme is “sew sew sew we go where the quilt ends up no one knows. It’s made with love and lots of care and the perfect someone for it is somewhere out there.” Make it because you want to, no other reason is necessary!

bearisgray

For some of us, lack of income will stop or slow us down.

Or some other - more important thing - like replacing a major appliance - gets in the way of supporting our hobby.

The "What do I do with the finished item?" question is a very good one.

For donations - crass is it may sound - the money spent on materials to make a quilt - would probably be more useful in many circumstances and for many organizations than a quilt.

For myself - entertaining/pleasing/satisfying/challenging myself is as good reason as any to make something. The product(s) can get stacked in a closet or a tote bin.

I have enough "have to do" things - like washing clothes and making meals (these events are so frequently recurring!) that I savor the "want to do" activities.

Iceblossom

I'm another one with a small family and no current weddings or babies or graduations or anything much to note.

I'm able to donate my projects because I'm using stash and most of that was bought at thrift stores or back when "designer" fabrics were $5.99...

I would not be able to afford quilt shop prices, much less chain stores.

SusieQOH

Watson, I love the idea of an Etsy shop. Your work is beautiful. That way you could enjoy making a quilt and then add some money to your budget. Win win.

I have the opposite problem. I have so many loved ones I want to make a quilt for. I just finished one for my cousin. I bet she thinks I forgot her b/c I told her I'd make it and then my little granddaughter came along
But I didn't!!! She's getting it for Christmas. I'm so excited as she will love it and be surprised too.