Should I actually use my quilts?
05-28-2013, 03:26 PM
#183
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 490
So far, most of the quilts I've made have been for babies, children. The moms usually say they will hang them on the wall or crib. I always tell them to let the kids play with them, lug them around, have tummy time on them, whatever. I remember blankets and quilts that my boys received as babies that they loved for years, and still have now in their 30s. I want the ones i make to be used and loved also.
09-04-2013, 07:56 PM
#184
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SW Missouri
Posts: 2,988
This reminds of something I once read--a woman wrote that she always saved the pretty towels for guests, the china for when company came for dinner, her good housecoat for making breakfast when she had overnight visitors, etc.--she did this until her husband died and she realized that he had been far more important than any guest. She wrote that she now regrets not using the "good stuff" every day. I think that holds true for most of us--our everyday people are the important ones. Treat them BETTER than you would treat an occasional guest.
09-05-2013, 12:56 AM
#187
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
Posts: 7,484
I have a few full size quilts I have made and they are in the linen closet. I was sorting closets yesterday and thought I should be using them. Every time I put them out on a bed I get stressed thinking what if someone spills something on them, or if they fade when washed. Does anyone else have this phobia?
09-05-2013, 01:03 AM
#188
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
Posts: 7,484
Use them. When I was growing up you couldn't use "nice" things, you saved them. That is a hard concept to shake, and it has taken me several decades to do it. Now, I believe that I deserve nice things. I use them. I use my good dishes, I use my good cultlery, I use my crystal wine glasses, etc. I deserve to use these things. What would I be I saving them for anyway.
With regard to the quilts, I actually go so far as to sleep under any quilt I'm going to give away. I tell them that I've tested it and it is warm and cosy.
I also write the following poem in the card of every baby quilt that I give away, just so mom and dad know that I want it used. To me there is no better feeling that a kid dragging that quilt around the yard, or wherever.
This quilt is made of cloth and thread
to place upon your little bed.
It's not an heirloom - just to keep,
but to lay upon as you count sheep.
Or perhaps the floor's the perfect place
for a doll and teddy picnic space.
This quilt can be anything you dream-
from Superman's cape to the rope of a queen.
Pretend it's a raft adrift at sea,
or just cuddle up when you watch TV.
So use it up and wear it out-
I promise I won't yell or pout.
Just tell me when it's days are through,
and I'll make another, just for you.
I have not yet found a good poem to include in the larger quilts I give away, but if anyone has one, I'm interested.
Hope this helps.
With regard to the quilts, I actually go so far as to sleep under any quilt I'm going to give away. I tell them that I've tested it and it is warm and cosy.
I also write the following poem in the card of every baby quilt that I give away, just so mom and dad know that I want it used. To me there is no better feeling that a kid dragging that quilt around the yard, or wherever.
This quilt is made of cloth and thread
to place upon your little bed.
It's not an heirloom - just to keep,
but to lay upon as you count sheep.
Or perhaps the floor's the perfect place
for a doll and teddy picnic space.
This quilt can be anything you dream-
from Superman's cape to the rope of a queen.
Pretend it's a raft adrift at sea,
or just cuddle up when you watch TV.
So use it up and wear it out-
I promise I won't yell or pout.
Just tell me when it's days are through,
and I'll make another, just for you.
I have not yet found a good poem to include in the larger quilts I give away, but if anyone has one, I'm interested.
Hope this helps.
09-05-2013, 02:26 AM
#189
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Friendship,Wi.
Posts: 1,007
When my mother died she left with a closet full of new items she didn't want to use.Sad it all went up for a garage sale. How sad.Mine are used everyday and so what if they get soiled,make another one........
09-05-2013, 02:36 AM
#190
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
GrannieAnnie, I love that poem. It expresses exactly how I feel. I am going to borrow it to put in my baby niece's quilt, to make sure it doesn't get used for a wall hanging or shelved because "it's special." I made a lap quilt once for my mom (15 years ago) and she has never used it or displayed it because she is from the generation that keeps "the keepsakes" sealed up in a closet. Makes me sad.
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