parasol

I'm so glad someone else (or others) have the same thoughts as I do about "what would I do with another quilt ?").....I have so little family (only one unmarried son) and most of my friends are elderly as I am......and as far as donating the quilts, I'm not entirely comfortable with this as in the past I was very badly "burned" when the quilts were not distributed as had been promised. It left me feeling horribly disappointed and now I am somewhat cynical with regard to "worthwhile" charities.

cjsews

I have given multiple quilts to family and close friends. Now either they stack up until someone comes along that needs/wants one. Or I donate to the Hospice facility my DH was at. Mostly I quilt simply for the pleasure of it. Also to use what stash I have before I leave this world. Neither of my girls sew and would not use my stash. They can keep the finished quilts or donate them. As long as someone gets to use them that makes me happy.

Cheshirepat

This is an interesting thread... I'm in the same place with little family to make for, and those that I have live in AZ like I do, so really no NEED for one! I think I still need to *make* to satisfy some part of my heart and soul...that has always been true with this and other crafts. I never expected to get anything back from doing this thing I love, so I don't ever plan to sell. It's what I do with the disposable income I choose to put towards it.

I did have a lucky experience with my last one, I posted some pictures online as it was underway and someone commented about loving the colors/pattern. When it finally got finished, I looked back at her post and mailed it off to her...no warning! The random gift was very timely, She really had not been doing well, and was she was very touched. I think that will be my M.O. from here on in. If someone cares enough to comment - it's theirs! Otherwise I'll have to look at where to donate, there's only so many I'll need in my house in my lifetime.

Onebyone

Selling the extra quilts is a good idea. But so is choosing one special technique and taking your time to do it the best you can for a show quilt with the goal to be to enter it in a show. I love entering local shows. I don't worry if my quilts are good enough. Some are, some aren't. It's still a thrill to see my quilt hanging for all to see.

Teen

Creating is food for the soul..... keep eating and leave them in an attic to be discovered and admired one day.

quiltingshorttimer

I make them because I enjoy the process. That being said, I've moved toward more lap quilts instead of bed quilts both due to price and time involvement, but also they seem easier for me to give to others.

tranum

In my area, T shirt quilts are a popular gift for high school graduates & people are always looking to pay someone to make them.

Murphy224

Another idea..... if you know of a charitable organization that could use some "cash inflow", offer to make a quilt or give a quilt for them to raffle off or auction off depending on how they obtain funds. Schools, the Cancer society, SPCA, Meals on Wheels, lots of civic clubs and organizations have annual or ongoing events to raise money and a quilt is a good quick way to earn some money. Just do an internet search of charitable organizations near me and you may be surprised how many pop up.
The guilds in our area have annual quilt shows, and always make an "opportunity quilt". tickets are sold, $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. We sell tickets for months before the show and draw the winning ticket at the end of the show. The last time my guild did it, our individual guild make almost a $1000 on one quilt. That is significant money for an organization that depends on donations for most of its funds.

mermaid

I give mine to the cancer center at our hosp. The chemo patients are given the quilts to keep warm during the long treatment spells. They take their quilt home and return with it next treatment. I've been told some very touching stories about the reactions of the patients. However, my quilts are stacking up during this pandemic, as the hosp won't allow.

Mkotch

I have one and sell one or two items a year. I thought about closing it due to slow "traffic," but then I sold a quilt that had been on the site for 3 years @ $700. Finally paid for Etsy and gives me some funds for more quilts.
I found a local florist who lets me put some things there for sale. She charges very little consignment, and I don't sell a lot there, either, except at Christmas. It provides pin money.