I have a problem. I like to make quilts but what do I do with them when they’re finished? There are only so many quilts I can use and I’d love to have them be appreciated. I’ve learnt not to give people quilts as most of them don’t appreciate them or realise how much work has gone into them or how much the materials to make one cost.
So I’m interested to know what you do with your quilts. Do you have family that love to get your quilts or what? I’m contemplating selling mine but really haven’t worked out how much to charge for them.Any ideas?
I have a large family with three siblings, many nieces and nephews, five children plus their born or yet-to-be born grandchildren. I have given quilts to just about everyone in my extended family. I have several quilts made for people who may be born into the family or married into the family. I have lots of smaller quilts that I rotate on the walls, hanging them in a spare closet until it’s their time to shine. I guess I am not prolific enough yet to face the dilemma of having too many quilts. I only recently made and gave two quilts to children of friends, the first time a quilt has left the family.
So far, I haven’t encountered that problem. Nothing to that point yet. I have done craft fairs in the past where I was selling cross stitch pin cushions that were in little handwoven (by me) baskets. Everyone thought they were adorable (as did I), and I had them priced very reasonably, but they didn’t sell. The plastic canvas needlepoint coasters I made to sell just flew off the table! So, it’s sometimes a puzzle about what will sell, and for how much. I Googled “how to price quilts to sell” and got quite a few good answers. If I ever get to the point where I have quilts to sell, I’m not sure I could part with them….lol. I only buy fabric that I love, so it might feel like selling one of my kids………8-)
Good luck!
xo Linda
I, too, have more quilts than I need! This year I gave away two or three to a refugee family who needed a hand. This year I am definitely giving some to a charity. You are right though- it is very disheartening giving them to people who don’t appreciate them! I gave one to a family friend this year and the mother called it a rug! Ugh!
I give them to family first. I will also give one away to someone who has fallen in love with one of them. I give away some machine quilts to cancer treatment patients. And I also give quilts to charities to be raffled off – I especially like to do this.
I give most of mine away. I only have a couple of small quilts of my own. It doesnt bother me that they’re not appreciated as a quilter would appreciate them. I want them to be used and loved. I make lots of baby quilts for family and friends of my family, and quilts for big birthdays. I make quilts for charity (I regard it as my volunteer contribution). I am fortunate that the cost involved is not a problem for us… I have the fun of making the quilts and I know that even if thought of just as a ‘rug’ they are keeping someone who needs it warm and giving them a message that someone out there cares.
Of course I might have a different attitude if I made complex hand-crafted pieces like you do Munaiba…. Can you find a classy crafty gift shop locally which takes work on consignment? Etsy?
In addition to quilts for family and friends’ babies and graduations, I make a lot specifically for Thank You Quilters (for soldiers at Ft. Hood) and Linus Connection as well as for my church group’s fundraisers. I always run it through the washer and dryer, add a note with washing and drying instructions, and request that it is to be used and not put away for “good” – whatever that might be. Mine are all machine quilted for two reasons: 1 – so that it will stand up to being used; and, 2 – so that I can get them finished. I also like to make each quilt from a different pattern, create my own, or modify an existing pattern – except in the case of find out twins are coming. In that case, they are similar, but not exactly the same. I have also made a lot of quilts (well over 100) so there is no way I could store them all if I tried to keep them. I love every aspect of quilting and am happy they go to a new home to be loved and used constantly until they fall apart. In fact, I have an early quilt (15 years) back that needs some repair before it goes back to it’s owner. It thrills me that a 10-yer old still has feelings for his Pooh Bear quilt and that gives me hope that my other quilts have had just as wonderful a life.
I rotate my quilts seasonally or whenever I get bored. I would rather give a quilt away than sell it…
I almost always make quilts for someone and sew my love and good wishes into the quilt as I go. My family and friends often see me working on projects so they know the amount of work that goes into them. One quilt I made for myself to use, I gave to my daughter because we could not fit our big bed in our tiny house.She is enjoying using it and it is happy to be used and appreciated.
I give my quilts away. Its my goal to give a quilt to all my friends children this year. I have also considered selling on Etsy. My thought is …charge for the cost of fabric and give myself $7 for every hour I worked on the quilt. That is my pricing plan…hope that helps.
I have give away so many quilts, some to family, and some to charitable organizations. This year I made simple Jelly Roll quilt and we had a quilt lottery on Christmas Day. Every adult member of my family wrote their name on a piece of paper, and then we pulled a name. The winner got to take the quilt home with them! My daughter has received a large number of quilts.
I do like your quilt lottery idea….
I have made lots of quilts and plan to continue to do so. Every one of them we use. I have a beach quilt, picnic quilts, quilts for snuggling on the couch, and at least one quilt on each bed! Now that it is winter I am pretty sure they are all being used! BUT, I also hear ya. I know I have given quilts that are not appreciated. I hope you have find something worthwhile to do with them!