I just say, "No thank you". I have done that several times because I just didn't want to finish someone's catastrophe. If it weren't a catastrophe they would not be giving it away. It might easy their guilt but I don't want to do it. Sometimes, I am willing to suggest ways to fix the problem- but I don't want to do it!

I have been 'offered' to fix many quilts that were vintage for people I barely know. I can say No real fast. I don't find it a problem to be honest with anyone.

Many years ago, but not any more. My mother once gave me a bunch of stuff she lost interest in. I have enough of my own that are UFO's.

I do not like to finish someone else's work and would say thanks but no thanks. Maybe add that I have more of my own UFO's than I can handle.

yes! i used to get gifts of junk fabric. "I don't know what to do with it, so i thought you'd like it" Yeah, but i don't want your junk. I always had a hard time saying no. Now i just say i don't have room.

I have not been gifted any quilting projects so I cannot speak to that. Since I quilt, machine embroider, and sew garments my daughter seems to think I am the perfect person to do her mending or tailor her husbands slacks because the crotch fits too low on him. I have had not problem saying no as I simply don't want to do her mending. The first couple times I told her I would show her how and she did not make herself available to learn, so I no longer make even that offer.

I had a friend gift me with a complicated pattern. Don't remember if there was fabric to do it, but I gave that away as soon as possible. It wasn't anything I could use or wanted to make. I felt no guilt...my time is my time and I need to use it my way, not someone else's way. The only obligation I feel is to be gracious as I accept the gift and then it's mine to do with as I wish.

Edited to add: I give gift cards to places I know the recipient frequents. Win-win. Except for my son and his wife...I do buy them things I think they'd use and like. But I heard about that...and will start sending gift cards to them, too. They live in a small place, so don't have room for a lot of "stuff."

I'm very good at saying "Thanks for thinking of me, but no thank you."

I have a better way. Don't even bring it home. NOT my problem.

All my friends and acquaintances know I quilt. Many have "gifted" me w/fabric and UFO's from family members that have passed. I have started letting them know I will keep what I want and will use and will forward the rest to others that will use them or donate to a Goodwill type place. I ask if that's ok and if so then I take the fabric and if not I think them for thinking of me and decline the offer. I've learned the hard way to take things w/the vague thought that I'd return the "favor" by doing something for them.

As for the "permission" part of getting rid of things I've had to VERBALLY tell myself I have permission to get rid of specific things. Once I started doing this it's gotten easier to let things go...