JanieW

I hope this the right section for this topic.

I've been reading a lot of threads where some of us have been hurt or disappointed by the reaction of some recipients to our home made gifts.

That happened to me a few years ago and I was actually humiliated in front of other people by the reaction to my gift. It was a real wake up call to me that not everyone wants or likes quilted articles . It's not even about not appreciating the work or effort or expense. We like what we like.

I am addicted to quilting/fabric/sewing. I decided not to be bitter about ungrateful people, but to share my skills with those who can benefit. I satisfy my addiction by making quilts for the preemies at our hospital and quilts for the children at the women's shelter. I use my best fabric for these donated quilts. I only ever buy my supplies on sale and I buy with these quilts in mind. The recipients are not fussy, the hospital staff is so grateful whenever I show up.

Don't get me wrong, I also sew for my kids and my grandkids, but they have input into what they are getting so I know they want it and will like it.

So for those of you who have been hurt by less than enthusiastic responses, think about sewing your hearts out for babies or kids or seniors that need it. You'll feel good, trust me.

tjradj

What an uplifting post. Thank you for your positive attitude. Positivity rubs off. Keep it up.

QuiltingHiker

good attitude.

cowpie2

I agree so with so much of what you said. There are many organizations I support with my time and my quilts/knitting, etc.

When it comes to gifts, just as I would not be thrilled to death with the latest xbox computer game, I know not everyone would be thrilled with what I make. I make things because I enjoy making them. I give the things I make to other like minded individuals who I think would like what I made - everyone else gets store bought gifts.

hazeljane

For quilts I make for folks I don't know as well, or who have no input, I always enclose a card telling the receiver to feel free to pass along the quilt to someone who will like and use it, if it is not to their taste. or in the case of a child's quilt, to donate it where it will get used. There is nothing sadder to me than a child's quilt in a closet somewhere, when it could be dragged around, making tents, soothing hurts, etc.

I try very hard to get input as to what folks like and don't like, and make accordingly, but none of us hits the mark every time.

kateyb

I am chairperson for the guild's charity quilt project. We give to the domestic violence safe house. Quilts are done by all skill levels and they are all appreciated.
Find a place in your area that could use your quilts. They are greatly needed and appreciated.

qwkslver

That is a great idea, but you would need to make sure the recipients enthusiastically welcome your hand mades. I had the idea to join in with the warm up America thing where you crochet the squares. Found out they don't really want them at Michael's (some throw them out) and what they really expect you to do is put them together and make the blankets yourself and find a recipient. (More than I want to get into. I have a little bit of time and materials to share but I don't want to go out beating the bushes looking for someone who wants my stuff). It is still a great idea though.

amma

I really like your attitude too! :D:D:D

GrammaNancy

You are a wonderful lady, you really have a great idea and a generous heart. I have read some of the other talk about not so well received gifts. How sad. We should give our gifts because we want to give, from our heart. What the recipient does with it is not what it is about.

Airwick156

I can soooo understand where you are coming from. About 5 years ago I was working in a Nursing home on the Oregon Coast. There were about 70 of us employees. I was one of the Cooks. Anyways, I decided to make Christmas stockings for all of the employees. I made 95 in total just in case the company hired new employees before Christmas so they wouldnt be left out. They were all about 16 inches long, padded with Warm and Natural and embellished with bells and bows and stuff like that. I gave them to our boss to pass out. The company was giving out Gift Cards. So they put in a gift card, fill it up with fruit, candy, nuts. Most people would be appreciative you would think. But later on that afternoon, one of the Nurses came to the kitchen with an arm ful of Stockings that I had made. She found them in various Garbage cans. I was so heartbroken because they were very very nice. It wasnt only my own money that I spent to make them that bothered me, I wanted to do it. But just the fact that some people just don't appreciate what others do for them. Never again did I do that again. I learned my lesson. But those that did appreciate them and the work that I put into them, thanked me many times over.