Keep Your Quilts Special

You ever have to make a quilt for somebody, a wedding, a graduation, Christmas, or some other gift giving occasion?  You then ask the recipient what colors and size they want because you think if you get the color and size right they will actually use it.  You then proceed to make said quilt and about half way through you start to hate it.  Worse part is, this quilt is for the first of nine sisters and you will have to relive this nightmare eight more times or risk being banished by your cousin's grand children.

Things I consider when gifting a quilt:

1. All my quilts have a little bit of me in them.  To me what makes a quilt special is that it has a little bit of the quilter in it.  Even if the quilt came from a kit.  The kit spoke to the quilter on some level so it should represent some aspect of the quilter, be it the colors, the prints, the arrangement, etc.  It is hard not to leave your finger prints on any "original" quilt that you make.

2. Size does matter.  Would you give somebody a diamond ring on the second date.  Do you know them that well?  Maybe flowers are more appropriate.  Just because some one you know is getting married does not mean they need a queen size quilt.  A properly done bed quilt requires some of the recipient to be in the quilt if you expect them to use it.  A nice throw always works and if it does not occupy a special place in the house, it is alright it was only a throw.

Adah's Christmas Quilt stitched with love.

3. I have to want to make it.  I pick the colors and the pattern and the prints.  I am the one making it.  I have made plenty of samples quilts in my day, because it was not my idea it is more like work than fun.  You want love to be stitched in, not resentment.

4. Just say no.  I am under no obligation to make quilts for anybody.  I make them because I choose to and that is what makes them special.  Just because they asked does not mean they need one.  If somebody asks me for a quilt and I like them I may let them choose from stock of quilts,  but I will not make a custom special unless I want to.

5. Make your own.  My wife used to volunteer me to make quilts for all sorts of people and all sorts of occasions, I would usually refuse.  It was not until she finally made a quilt herself that she stopped asking.  Most people appreciate the work that goes into a quilt for those that don't they can make their own.

Remember quilting is a hobby so it should be fun, but a quilt is art so it deserves its due.