mhollifiel

So! My sister invites my other sister and I to come enjoy her new beach house for a few days. I had an old quilt that I made of light weight cotton drapery samples and "tried" to learn FMQ on it. This was back when they said to really put the pedal to the medal when doing FMQing! Long time ago! This quilt has tucks all over the back and it has long stitches and short stitches. . . nothing remotely even. . . in the FMQing. It's a mess. ALSO, it's long and more narrow than a bed quilt. So I thought: This mess is PERFECT for laying on the sand. It's been washed lots but still has body. I practiced like mad and this was back when the cotton batts needed to be stitched close. It's probably got twice the stitching that it needs with crossed lines everywhere. People! This is a quilt I would not consider giving to a charity!

I hand the quilt to my sister as we go up to unpack with apologies and "my idea" of this being a sandy beach quilt. Imagine my surprise when it's laid regally over the back of her living room sofa when I get back downstairs. I start to protest but she says it matches everything in here (it does) and we have been looking for a lap robe for down here. It's perfect!

I catalogue this quilt's many shortcomings to her but she doesn't want to hear them. I take the quilt and show her husband what I am talking about, pointing out all the tucks and long stitches but he's on her side. I make him promise to take it and use it on the beach at least once so I'll feel better about seeing that terrible quilt in their beautiful living room overlooking the water.

So here's my sad tale for all of you who have given beautiful quilts (the likes of which I shall never be able to make) to thankless persons. I wish for you all a sister like mine somewhere in your future gifting. It will warm your heart and you won't feel as horrified as I do about sending your "cast off" quilts to a planned utilitarian life that turns into a place of honor instead.

novicequiltergrandma

You are one lucky lady to have such a wonderful sister and BIL.

Caroline S

Great story Holli. I will share your sister anytime! What a tribute to you that she saw beauty in your quilt and wants to display it in her home.

Skittl1321

What a beautiful story. I'm glad to here your sister loves your quilt.

lillybeck

That is a great sister. I often think my family does not appreciate what I do

dunster

I think your sister and her DH really liked the quilt. Don't be so surprised! It's probably much nicer than you think it is. And the fact that you made it makes it more special to them.

PattR

I'm so glad your sister appreciates your quilt, even though it is not one you are proud of. Many quilts that quilters ARE proud of are just packed away and not seen by anyone, yet your least favorite is given a place of honor. You should be proud. Seems you have a wonderful sister (I have 3 of them).

mhollifiel

My sister really is wonderful and deserving! She is so classy she even sent me a Thank You note for that quilt in the snail mail! She's a keeper!

mcook03

What a treasure you have for a sister!

Annie68

Oh, loved your story!