I know the feeling. I worked every night before Christmas to make things for family members. My sister was very pleased, my neices loved their wall hangings (the christmas present trees) the rest had medium reactions. After all of the time I put in, I had hoped they would like them more. Not that I expect adulation, but we make these gifts because we love doing it, and hope that the gift receivers will love them also. It's a sad thing when a gift card gets more thanks than a homemade gift that is made with love. :?

That has happened to me too.

It's been my experience that most non quilters have no idea what it takes to make a quilt.

Great points everyone! But still, in all things considered proper, a thank you is appropriate. How hard is that? A handwritten note is best, but I suppose a phone call or e-mail would work too. I know you gals put so much heart into your quilty gifts. If only the recipient realized how much thoughtfulness and love went into that gift. Still, a proper thank you for ANY gift is a great way to show your appreciation for their kindess. It is a blessing to get gifts, so I think you should acknowledge the gift and express gratitude.

I've had both a good and bad experience. One quilt I made specifically for someone (my nephew) was definitely appreciated and he reminds me each time he sees me how much he loves it. When he joined the Air Force and could only take a few personal things with him during traing, he made sure to tell me that his quilt was going with him in the first load. Another was specifically made for a soldier serving in Iraq who lost his leg. He was a member of the unit that my "adopted" soldier was commanding. I even designed a special label on it commemorating his batallion, company and unit and incorporated the design on their "war" patches to be part of the quilt. I wrote a letter to include with it and everything. Never have received a word back from him, although I do know through "my" soldier that it was received. Was really disappointed with this experience, as a lot of love and effort went into that one. :(

Now my quilts are all donations to the women's shelter or anonymously for wounded soldiers. I can make up their reactions in my head and feel like they understand the significance of a hand-made quilt and that they really appreciate them. Ignorance can be bliss...and I'd rather be ignorant about their 'real' reactions if they don't appreciate them and I pretend instead that they love and cherish them. :wink:

And, I had to laugh at Janeen's post about House Hunters. I've shouted the same things at the screen in frustration. I was tickled pink when got our first teeny-tiny old run-down place, and to see these spoiled brats complaining about perfectly good (and better than we had) things needing to be replaced just blows my mind. They're the types who would look down on a 'homemade' gift regardless of the sentiment and cost and workmanship put into it. Grrrrrr! :evil:

Another thing we unfortunately need to keep in mind is that the whole concept of saying a proper Thank You for ANY gift seems to be lost. A whole generation is growing up with expectations of gifts and 'things' with no real appreciation or thought to say Thanks for them. Such a shame when common manners like this disappears. :thumbdown:

I am not sure it really has anything to do with folks not knowing the amount of work that goes into making a quilt. I find more and more that people just don't take the time or effort to acknowledge a gift. Not sure why - but people just seem to be getting lax with simple social graces.

well, get a load of this one! I made a generous size lap quilt for my neighbor lady for her birthday one year and never did see it in her house. she did mutter a "thank you" but even though they say the words, that doesn't mean they mean it. A year or so later, i happened to run in to her husband getting out of his van same time i was getting out of my car, he proceeded to tell me that he was sure enjoying the quilt i made, he's carrying it in his van to cover with when he takes a nap at his mechanics shop. evidently SHE didn't like it so she gave it to HIM for his van. i'll never make her another one. but at least i'm glad he's enjoying it. they are an older couple.

They do not have a clue! Most people have never been in a quilt shop and know that good fabric can cost up to $9 a yard, thread is expensive and that does not begin to factor in the many hours of work. Sad but true!
If I do make and sell a quilt for someone I make sure they are aware of this before I start. The other thing is if you live in a small town without a quilt shop you have to travel for your supplies. When Gas got up to $4 a gallon, I had a panic attack!

I make a lot of things by hand; crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, and quilting. I do not give those types of things to those that do not understand what goes into them. I have been hurt by it before. For those that really appreciate the time, talent, and thought that went into a hand crafted gift, there is no better feeling of appreciation than the look on their face. It makes it all worth it. I don't make them for the appreciaton but you'd like your work acknowledged.

I don't think they have a clue. I think they think that they should be able to buy one for under $200 at the most.

Hi Mary
Question I Like the quilt you have on your post notes. Do you recall the name of it?