The ones who made the tops may be in quilters' heaven. My guess is that the grandchildren are the ones selling them at garage sales. Just a guess.

Did you complete the ones that have been quilted? They are beautiful.

Wattse2000 - they look like older fabrics, possibly left behind when quilters died with too many UFO's. The families often don't know what to do with them.

#2looks like variation of arrowstar

#1frenindship star,#2variation of arrowstar,#3churn dash,#4variation of checker board#5 seven sisters #6 spiderweb,7rail fence

My mom and I were talking about this today. She crochets all the time and I do not care for afghans so I told her when she passes I will donate them or pass them along. I have more than I need and some from her. The same with her quilts I have more than I need and some from way back I am sure my kids will not treasure them (5 boys) so whatever will be will be. I am sure there is someone that will be happy to have them. I can not keep all of them.

# 4 if its folded in 4ths then it is a trip around the world. The rest are already named correctly.
Yes it is the kids and grand kids who sell these UFQs.
I have rescued many of them, I just hate to see all the work these Lady's done go to waste. They need to be loved by someone.

I am fascinated by #5. I wonder how to find a pattern.

Ok -- next question. Where are these garage sales and thrift stores with quilt tops? Can't believe I've never seen one for sale!

I don't want to lay a guilt trip on my family OR cause them to suffocate under a mountain of old quilts I've made BUT when I'm gone, I sure hope they will keep some and even pass them down. Hate to think about them ending up in some landfill!

I'm with you!! I saw a posting here for an estate sale and there were a whole bunch of gorgeous handmade quilts for sale. I've decided I need to find homes for my quilts before I die!! I would really like someone to have them who knew me and the passion I have for quilting. I would rather give them away than have them sold at an estate sale.

Thank you all for your help. I am not sure about the ones from the thrift store but the four from the garage sale were from a lady in "quilter's heaven". I hope she is looking down and can see the beautiful job of quilting my DH did on her Arrowstar quilt. She did very nice work - 86" X 97" - ALL hand pieced! Most of hers were hand pieced.

The first one - Friendship Star came from a thrift store and I really thought it would be a quilting disaster. Not one block on the whole quilt was flat or smooth - so many ripples and wrinkles. My HD also did a great job of long arm quilting on it! He is a keeper. Will post the others after quilting done on them. Thanks again.