How to Gift a Quilt: My Top Tips

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Do you do anything special to wrap or present your quilts when you gift them? Always looking for new ideas!

[@jencaribardi3801]

I make a pillow case out of the leftovers

[@laurastratton8614]

If I don't know the recipient well, I try to find out what their favorite colors or hobbies are so I can customize the quilt. I do try to give quilt gifts in person whenever possible. Then the recipient has a connection with me not just a gift bag. I think they are more likely to use it then.

[@kktowne6992]

I fold it so the tag shows, usually just tie it with a strip of fabric that was used in the quilt or the selvage. I put it in a box with tissue paper around it. Nothing fancy.

[@mable552]

I love the idea of putting it in a pillow case made from the quilt fabric. Unfortunately, I am usually sewing the quilt up to the last hour...cause I decide last minute to make one. But it's a great idea I think.

[@marthamryglod6892]

I've been blessed to be able to distribute quilts donated to the Linus Project to teens in residential care. Every single one of those quilts were received with love and appreciation! It's important to know that teens love to wrap themselves up in their quilts and some of those kids are like full size adults! Just an idea for anyone; Linus Project is nation wide and always grateful for donations.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Good for you! I’ve donated to Linus in the past too they are great.

[@jenmckitrick]

I think that was such sound advice about the best mind-set for giving quilts away. I've given away dozens of quilts, most of which I don't know what happened to. But I have had some very gratifying experiences -- like the quilts I gave to my neighbor's grandkids that became their favorite "blankies," and seeing that batik quilt on my sister's bed that was so soft and faded from years of use. That's the icing on the cake!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Yes it is lovely when folk really love them. We just have to train ourselves to be delighted with that when it happens rather than to expect it every time. Easier said than done I know!

[@virginiagrenier8572]

I made a baby quilt for a friend in our babysitting club. Yes, it got used but when she was done with it she decided to sell it in our group's rummage sale for 50 cents. I saw it, didn't say anything but I guess the look on my face gave away my disappointment. The person selling it was not present but a fellow quilter was. She grabbed the quilt, threw 2 quarters into the "till" and thrust out the quilt to me saying "Here! Give it to someone who will appreciate it" (which I did). I never said anything to the person who sold it. Years later that person tried sewing for the first time in her life. She found it quite difficult and then proceeded to apologize for not seeing the value of the quilt. I'm SO glad I didn't say anything or that moment of realization would never have happened for her.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Oh that sounds so hard. Anyone would have been hurt by that. Glad she had her moment of epiphany. Some folk just aren’t sentimental I guess 🤷‍♀️. I struggle to give away my kids old t-shirts 😂, a baby quilt or even just a baby blanket I never could. Sorry you had that experience.

[@sherrybrady3988]

One of my friends made a very time-consuming quilt for her daughter in law for Christmas. The daughter in law then proceeded to use it to cover the dog’s crate…hard to come back from that!

[@ChooseForToday]

@@sherrybrady3988 IMO it depends--some people treasure their dogs just as much as a child, so only want the best of the best for them! It may have been the ultimate compliment, if one chooses to see it that way.

[@stellakittycat9356]

@@sherrybrady3988this is my worst nightmare. I’ve just made my first ever quilt for my daughter in law, for my first grandchild, it’s not perfect but made with lots of love. I’ll be heart broken if I see it used for the cat instead of my grandchild.

[@cdayperry2701]

Been there. Saw my niece’s baby quilt in my sister’s pasture. I did say something but fell on deaf ears. Walk on, forgive.

[@omisfavorites1054]

Lots of good advice! Early in my quilting life someone told me that some people (wonderful they may be in other ways) are just not “quilt-worthy.” I’ve never forgotten it.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Indeed! They gave you good advice.

[@laurastratton8614]

Such good advice

[@janeausten1368]

Some years ago, I bought a large quilt from a charity shop for £4.00. Apart from needing a wash, it was in great condition. Because of the label information, I tracked the quilter down via a mutual connection. I always felt bad that her quilt had been donated, but was able to tell her it had a new home and was being used. It's very well made by an obviously accomplished quilter. Big tick for labels.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Fab! Bet she was thrilled to hear you were treasuring it. Yeah labels!

[@SHELLYHUNTER-u9x]

I needed this pep talk about gifting quilts. Thank you for the perspective.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ClaudiaPaul-x4w]

I love seeing my quilts in the background of my family and friends pictures when they are photographing something entirely different different. It's just part of their life.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Nice! Sounds like they use them well!

[@dawnshoviak706]

I have a large extended family, and we have a family reunion every year. Last year I brought several quilts with me and did a drawing for each. No money, just everybody could enter to win whichever quilt they wanted. It was a huge hit, and is a win-win for me. I get to make whatever quilts I want, and then I know each quilt will go to someone who genuinely wants it.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

That’s a great idea! One of the charities I donate quilts to has dinners for the care leavers and they get to pick the quilt they want too. Such a nice idea to let folk choose their own.

[@pst47wings]

Love this idea!!

[@ChooseForToday]

I love this!!

[@OurVids2Show]

This is what my husband and daughter recommended I do. Make quilts and give them to people as they voice their appreciation for them and once I’m willing to let go of them. No timeline either.

[@FredaM]

I have given some quilts which have been appreciated and some that have not. I was at a lecture by Jenny Doan at the Missouri Star and she said when you give a quilt to someone, release it to the universe and don’t fret about what they do with it. It was made with love and intended to give comfort and warmth so just let it go.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Good advice. I’m booked on to her talk at Festival of Quilts in August - really looking forward to it!

[@FredaM]

@@ScrapFabricLove I’m hoping to go to Festival of Quilts next year!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

@FredaM yeah! Let’s meet up!

[@FredaM]

That would be awesome! This September I’m going to the European Patchwork Meeting in France, if by any chance you’re going let me know.

[@nikkimoshier2492]

Great tips and ideas. I am making Christmas quilts for my extended family. It is a bit of love from me after I die and they can put it away 11 months of the year! 99% of my quilts are donated but I am going to start gifting them with a drawstring bag and care card. Thanks for the thoughts that went into this video.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I love that you are making something your family can remember you by. They will be grateful for them I’m sure!

[@rowenaslater3067]

I wrap my quilts in a matching pillowcase I’ve made from the scraps from making the quilt. I also place a certificate of ownership inside so they realize how important they are

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Love this! Great ideas!

[@ameliathompson3751]

I, too, put a color grabber in with the gifted quilt. I make a pair of pillowcases to accompany the quilt and present the quilt in one of the pillow cases.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Love that!

[@ameliathompson3751]

@@ScrapFabricLove thank you.

[@annettejohnston8653]

I've had the experience of gifting a quilt only to have it given to the dog. Yes, I was hurt. But my solution was to never give them a quilt again. I got the hint, lol. How many quilts can one have...well, well over 100. Have I gifted any? Yes. Lots. What your video was about today is something that needed to be said. It's hard to hear, but necessary. Who wants to give a quilt away that isn't wanted anyway? So thanks for this. Our community needs to hear it.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Sorry you had that experience- I can totally understand the hurt. And yes those aren’t the folks who need multiple quilts. The ones who love them will make themselves known and you can spend your efforts on quilts for them! 💕

[@marinaabad4995]

Pat Sloan last year decided to "weed" out her 800+ quilt collection, all made by her. She gave 200 to charity and is binding 12 more quilts to give to charity.

[@sherrylatham6424]

I would have been honored to have the dog using a quilt of mine. I once made a star quilt for one of my dogs. My father saw it and decided that it was too good for the dog and he took it home for himself.

[@KarenTorres-h1m]

I made a quilt for a new - ish friend. She had just come home from cancer surgery and learned her fiance was moving out to be with his new gitlfriend. When I dropped the quilt off she was not home as she had unexpectedly gone to pick up her daughter. It took her 5 weeks to open the gift bag and send me a very brief text message. I was disappointed to say the least. Thank u for reminding me why i quilt. I did enjoy the creation of the quilt and am glad I kept pictures for my own pleasure and memories.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I can understand your disappointment but from your description it sounds like she was going through a lot. She may have appreciated it but just not had the energy to express it. Lovely of you to make it for her in any case !

[@michele6708]

Warning, this comment will be controversial! Gifting a quilt or other handmade item from a hobby can be seen as selfish by others who don’t create, like you are foisting off the stuff you made because it is what you do for fun rather than carefully choosing a gift they will love. Just because we like quilting doesn’t mean other people in our lives want us to give them quilts! We need to step outside of ourselves and realize that when we give a gift it is because we are giving something we think the recipient will value. There are many people who do not want a quilt or don’t want the kind of quilt you make. Only give a quilt if you have considered the person you want to gift to. Are they minimalists? They probably don’t want another “thing” to add to their inventory. Do they have a carefully designed decor that they spent a lot of time and money on? They will probably feel like you are putting them in an awkward position gifting them something they didn’t choose for their space. Do they overall think homemade gifts are”cheap” or just an excuse to not spend money on them? That is likely a culture they grew up with and you won’t change that. You are better off giving those people something that they will appreciate, be it tickets to a show, a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or something else consumable. Or just a card. There are lots of people who do love to receive quilts as gifts (including other quilters!) but remember that you don’t love/want every quilt you see, and you are a quilter. Step away from what you feel like you are investing in and consider who will appreciate the final object, because in the end, that is what it is. While some will love, use, or treasure it, some will donate it to Goodwill. Harsh but true.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Well said. Totally agree. I know I said in the video I am surprising folk more but I have also done a few lately where I said to the person - would you like a quilt? What type? Etc. We have had fun together looking through quilt books and magazines so I can get a better feel of what they actually want. Hopefully that means when I do make it it won’t clash with their decor 😂. But yes some people won’t want homemade gifts no matter how much the maker has considered them!

[@mrscsstorytimeonline4343]

This is a great comment. I love quilting myself - but I am extremely picky and quite minimal with my decor and cannot think of anything worse then having to keep a quilt I thought was ugly. I would likely keep it out of guilt but probably would come to resent it.

[@caw3258]

I deeply appreciate your going into such detail, especially about the best mindset to have. I do get extreme pleasure from quilting, and no one who is not at least a sewist, let alone a quilter, will have any concept of what goes into it. The finished quilt has paid it dues to me already, so it is ready to go out into the world and have its own life. I love that philosophy and will remember it well. Thank you so much.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! Glad it helped you! 💕

[@SimplyMaurcrafting]

I’ve made so many quilt givings, mostly to family for Christmas. Some are loved, and some not. To me, I made it with much love in my heart, so that’s enough for me. I appreciate your prospective on gifting❣️

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Good attitude! And it isn’t it nice when you know they really do love them. We can hang on to those memories.

[@sandrawhitman2930]

This needed to be said and we all need to be reminded of why we gift in the first place. Loved this video!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks so much!

[@JillMayes]

Yes! 1,000x over! I always say “it isn’t precious! It’s meant to be used however you see fit!” Sewing is my therapy and the quilt is the byproduct. Love your point about most people aren’t quilters and don’t have any idea what goes into making one. Everything about your comments were spot on! We can control our view of it … we don’t control others thoughts or actions. Thanks for your contributions to the quilt universe! I appreciate you.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! So glad it struck a chord with you 💕

[@katmi7525]

I like your way of approaching the topic. As children, we often gave away homemade items and I was sometimes very hurt by the reactions. As I got older and lived alone, I was regularly the recipient of homemade gifts, mostly made of pottery. The person giving the gift made a lot of effort to meet my taste, but tastes change and pottery decorations for every birthday, Easter, Christmas... I've been quilting for about six years now. I gave away exactly one quilt. I just don't want to force this on anyone who doesn't care about it at all, whereas for me it means a lot of passion, time and money. I love quilting. it makes me happy. that's enough for me. If visitors are enthusiastic about smaller pieces and ask about them, I'm happy to give them away. I live in Germany. Quilts are largely unknown here. maybe that plays a role too. What I wanted to say: receiving gifts is sometimes not easy 😉

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Very good point. I think we have all gotten that gift that wasn’t to our taste. It can be hard to be the tactful recipient!

[@brittneyleyba8056]

Great topic! There is definitely feelings involved when we give our quilts away to show our love of a person and they don’t always get the appreciation that we anticipated. but I never want to clutter somebody’s house thats not truly enjoying it and holding onto it for sentimental reasons.

[@kathytowe2803]

Thanks for this. I am making a baby quilt for a friend who just became a grandmother for the first time.Letting go is the hard part.Getting my value is a great way of explaining my satisfaction from creating it. Needed the pep talk,Lol!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Hope it helped. Glad the bit about the value made sense 😀

[@mable552]

Yesterday I gave a quilt as a gift at a bridal shower. The bride to be was so moved because I know she values hand made items, the color of the quilt is her bridesmaid dresses color cause it is her favorite color. I investigated and by knowing her was able to make a quilt she will treasure forever. We need to do our homework and make sure someone will actually love a quilt. When she thanked me and told me how she loved it I told her that's why she got a quilt. Not everyone gets a quilt cause not everyone loves a quilt. I watched your video when I was hand sewing the binding on and for a moment I second guessed giving it to her. Thank you for this great video.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Glad you didn’t back out of giving it! I wasn’t trying to discourage anyone from gifting at all! So glad she loved it and I’m sure she will treasure it! Good point about the ‘homework’.

[@mable552]

@@ScrapFabricLove oh I didn't feel you were discouraging at all but to reevaluate our actions and make sure the recipient actually would want the quilt and not because we want to give. Which is why I craft for charity. It satisfies both desires.

[@genawalter401]

So many great tips and points made in this video! I so much agree about letting the quilt go and live it's quilty life! 😂 Also, don't give quilts to people who do not appreciate handmade items.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Glad it all chimed with you!

[@TartantazCreates]

Not that I am for or against the recipient of a quilt to give it to the dog, here is a thought I just had about it. I suppose if we think about it, most people consider their dogs family and want to give their dogs the best of things, so it could be seen as a compliment that the dog has got the quilt. The recipient is not "throwing the quilt away" or mistreating it, they are giving this amazing quilt to a family member who, in their mind deserves nice things too ;)

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Great perspective! Absolutely pets are often seen as way more valuable/person like/family members by owners than by non pet owners…not unlike the quilts now that I think about it….

[@anuaman281]

My dog is sleeping in this very moment top of my favorite quilt (I am under that🤣). Our dog might use the most of my quilts ❤

[@ScrapFabricLove]

@anuaman281 awesome! My cats have free reign on mine too 😂

[@marinaabad4995]

@@ScrapFabricLove I have given my daughter in law 3 cat themed quilts, which she loves and displays on the backs of sofas. The 3 cats she owns all like to snooze on them. I like it when she moves a cat to take the quilt to snuggle under watching TV.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

@marinaabad4995 fab! I have 3 cats too and they are always on my quilts!

[@barbartsweden]

A quilter in my guild who had won many awards told me how mad she got that her family did not treat the quilts she gave them well enough. I got the impression she thought they should displayed and not used. I found it sad that her projects were too beautiful to be used and washed, or sat on by the dog. Poor woman had a fabric store worth of fabric left which she refused to sell at a discount because it was all worth what she paid for it. She passed away with a house full of unused quilts and fabric which was sold at a discount and given away. Personally, I share your philosophy, but I have always figured that I put enough effort into making the quilt that I don’t want to use more time and fabric just for wrapping it. I may think on this for a while, as I can see a different kind of value in the gift presentation now. Great video!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thought I had replied to this but I don’t seem to have! What a shame about that woman. A lesson for us all I guess. And no need to use your fabric making drawstring bags if it feels like a hassle! There loads of other pretty ways to gift!

[@barbartsweden]

@@ScrapFabricLove I decided to try using my scraps to make a tote bag for the quilt I just finished. Boy, did it look impressive when I walked into the coffee shop with gift quilt in hand! And barely any scraps left. Win! Thanks for the idea.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

@barbartsweden fab! 💕

[@laurajones7417]

Very well said, Kristen. Didn't sound like a rant to me, just the heartfelt truth. Unless it's a baby quilt (Cause who doesn't love a baby quilt when there's a baby around?), I generally like to check with my proposed recipient first and try to reassure them that they won't hurt my feelings if they don't want one. Much rather they say no thanks than burden them with as you say "a large home decor item" they don't want.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Glad it wasn’t too ranty 😂. And yes I don’t mind at all if someone says they don’t want a quilt. Definitely better if they can be honest!

[@deliad8826]

Kudos Kristen. Love your common sense approach. I absolutely agree non quilters have no idea what is entailed. If I chose to gift a quilt, from start to finish it has to bring me joy first. Once gifted I hope it is cherished. But if not, it is okay. I must say, I give quilts to only those I consider to be “quilt worthy”. Really great discussion Kristen ❤

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! And good philosophy from you too!

[@deliad8826]

@@ScrapFabricLove 🥰

[@London408]

I also wash the quilt with ‘few’ colour catcher sheets before giving to the person. I make a bag with the leftover blocks of that quilt but only for baby and children and always include a box of colour catchers. It was difficult at the beginning if a person didn’t use the quilt but as my husband said: once you have given the quilt it is not yours, so forget about what they do with it! Easier said than done! 😊

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I know it’s easy advice to give and harder to do but I have found it gets easier to do each time and I do feel better for it.

[@Art930]

I make mostly 50" x 50" quilts to be auctioned off at our annual humane society fundraiser, using animal blocks (i.e., pieced teddy bears, appliqued rabbits, pieced cats, appliqued dogs, etc.) Sometimes they go for $50 and sometimes they go for many times that, depending on if the rabbit people are present ;o), but I know that they will be loved because they represent their pet. I made a very low volume sofa quilt for a retiring boss because I knew that his home decor was all white (sofa, rugs, kitchen cabinets, etc). For that one I received a really heartfelt thank you letter from his wife that I treasure. I've only ever made one commission quilt that I quoted out at $500 (sofa quilt size) because I really didn't want to make it. The recipient wrote me a check for $1000 because she was so pleased. Whew! I prewash all my fabrics, so see no need to wash the quilt before I give it but I do include a color protector sheet with each quilt along with washing instructions. A neighbor of my daughter keeps having children, so I make a unique quilt for each newborn and enjoy getting a photo of the baby on the quilt.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Fab! Love that the woman doubled the price for you! That’s the kind of folk you want to give a quilt to 😂

[@JudyTrost-e9w]

Thank you for your presentation. I felt that I found it just when I needed to hear your message. My granddaughter saw a baby quilt I made from my stash that was longarm quilted with a honey bee pattern. She said it would be perfect for her co-worker who just learned she was pregnant and raised honey bees. I told her I really wanted to keep this quilt for my future great-grand babies but could make one with bee fabric for her friend. The very day i was going to quilt shop to buy quilt supplies for ONE baby quilt she called to tell me that her friend was having TWINS. Bottom line - $282.00 and many hours later i gave her two 51x51” quilts backed with Minky plus two burp towels. I have gifted many quilts to family and extended family but this is to someone i will never meet BUT i felt i was doing it for my cherished granddaughter. Your words have helped me reassure myself that the enjoyment of creating these special gifts for my granddaughter to gift to her friend and my granddaughter’s appreciation is all the reward i need.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Glad you found this when you needed it. And what I heard from that story was that your granddaughter is really proud and impressed with what you can make - so much so she wants her friend to see and enjoy it too. Well done you for your generous gift and I hope you can see the compliment in your granddaughter asking this of you.

[@MarianneSmith62]

I really appreciate you bringing all these thoughts up. As with any gift, or any thing you give away, it then no longer belongs to you and you must learn to let go of the item. It's not always easy. Ranting is good!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks so much. Glad it made sense for you. 💕

[@themirrorimagestitcher]

What a brilliant topic! I agree with everything you’ve said & absolutely that’s my motto when giving a quilt away. One thing I will say, when we give gifts we try to pick something the person will love, that suits them. We wouldn’t give a dog collar to someone who doesn’t have a dog. You get what I mean. So maybe the gift is a quilt & maybe it’s something from a store. Be a good gift giver & you’ll always see see gratitude on the receiver’s face 🙋‍♀️🇨🇦

[@ScrapFabricLove]

That’s a good way of looking at it!

[@sheryld7104]

I agree about washing it before you gift it!

[@cathyriles3063]

WOW……thank you for this video! It put the joy back in quilt making for me. Great words of wisdom.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Wow right back! Thanks for such a lovely comment - so glad something I said helped you 💕💕

[@lynnanders8736]

When I gift a quilt I usually make a cushion cover out of any scrap material or spare blocks left over from that quilt. I then fold the quilt and put it inside. This way the quilt doesn’t have to take up an enormous space when not in use. Who doesn’t love a scatter cushion for their sofa or bed…as well as the space for a cushion. Love all your views and videos, you say a lot of things that make sense. Thank you for taking the time to make content on KZbin

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Cushion cover is a great idea! I think there is something called a Quillow ? that is like a cushion cover actually attached to a quilt that can be used to fold it away. Similar idea.

[@lynnanders8736]

@@ScrapFabricLove yes a Quillow is attached to the quilt itself...I have tried that way as well but I find the pillow part gets in the way when using the quilt, so I always do a separate zipped cushion cover for flexibility.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

@lynnanders8736 makes sense!

[@dbledni]

I agree with everything you said! 😊 And i do everything you do when gifting a quilt! (Except the bag 😮. What a great idea! Ill have to try it. 😊) I Always wash it first, so i know what will happen to it before gifting AND I add lable, include color catcher, care instructions, how it was made, what materials, and a personalized card. Like you, when gifted - it's now someone elses and their's to do with as they will. My joy comes from the making and giving. GREAT video! (Mostly because we agree, but also because it needed saying!) 😂❤

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! Glad it all made sense for you! I am a little nuts with the color catchers…but oh well - better safe than sorry 😂

[@OurVids2Show]

I just found your channel and soooo relate to this topic. One of the reasons I’m extremely hesitant to give away a quilt is that some people so don’t get what it takes to make one or don’t like quilts at all or may not like the colors I chose etc…. I had a pleasant and unexpected experience while making a quilt for my mom, the first quilt I have given away outside the home. I was rather worried if she would get it or appreciate it at all. I was overjoyed as I personalized her life story with blocks. She went home with the quilt, a bit stunned and then came back and asked me to tell the story of the quilt again. She was shocked that I had thought of her for such a gift. She won’t let my dad use it and so I’m in the process of making one for him also. My sister on the other hand had an interesting experience where a friend of ours had made a quilt for her baby girl. I wasn’t a quilter at this point but appreciated such. However, this quilter was aghast when she saw how my sister’s baby girl had literally worn the quilt into pieces. I was surprised at the quilter’s reaction. I never asked, but I’m wondering if she was hoping that it would become an heirloom piece instead of being used? I guess assumptions about making or gifting quilts shouldn’t be made. Thus my hesitation when making quilts as gifts.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Just seeing your comment! Thanks for sharing this. Your Mum’s quilt sounds so thoughtful. And I also am confused by the second example - I would love it if one of my quilts was used that much! We all have different expectations I guess!

[@maxinegautier3313]

I always wash quilts before giving, for all the reasons you mentioned. And frankly, I wouldn't make a quilt as a surprise gift unless I was 100% sure the recipient was a quilt-lover. I sew mostly with upcycled garments so I often sew a shirt pocket on the back near the label, and tuck in a care card, and a "please use this quilt" note to let them know it's not meant to be admired from a distance, but instead used, snuggled under, tossed in the car, used for picnics, etc. I also make quilts for charity, and I add "may you always be covered wirh love" to the label. Maybe the love I offer when I sew a quilt for charity that goes to a person in a shelter or a kid being emancipated from foster care is ot all the love they need -- but it's a start. That's my gifting mindset.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Great way to look at it. And yes even when I ‘surprise’ someone it is usually someone who has made their quilt appreciation credentials known to me in some other way 😂

[@kktowne6992]

There is something to be said about a person being “quilt worthy “. I try to value my time, effort, love, and creativity enough to give to those who will appreciate the gift. If I am wrong about their “worthiness “ I really let it go, but I also know that they will never receive something from me again. Not mean-spirited, but self-protective, I really do want my gifts to be used and loved. 🥰

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Good policy. Definitely nothing wrong with protecting your own feelings.

[@dianehuntley2493]

Great tips, ideas, and general philosophy of quilt giving😊

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!

[@lindachase2667]

Great video, I too wash my quilts before giving away, my quilts are utilitarian and many go to charities and much of the fabric is passed along to me so I don't want any surprises. Many of the comments express how I feel I get my joy from making the quilt. Good advice about how to gift and I like the idea of adding how to launder as well as adding some colour catchers. Thank you.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Glad you liked it - thanks!

[@joogle3328]

Thank you. I needed to hear this. I try to give quilts only to people who will love them. Also to people who love me enough to understand that I may ask to “visit” the quilt when I’m in their home. 😂 It doesn’t matter to me if they’ve tucked it away in a closet. I just want to see it. It’s like visiting an old friend.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

That’s a good policy to only give them your folk who understand how much they mean to you. 💕

[@rhondabarlow860]

New to your channel. Appreciate the tips and ideas. I learned from another video that it's a good idea to ask the recipient if they want a quilt or handmade gift. I've decided to do that to save on the tension and heartache. Good video.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Yes good idea to ask first!

[@laurastratton8614]

Thank you again for a great video. You said several things that really spoke to me. I ALWAYS pre-wash my fabrics with color catchers - it gets rid of the dust, dyes, chemicals (like pesticides) that accumulate on fabric during manufacture, transportation and storage all before it gets to a shop. All of those things make me sneeze, itch or cause a migraine. Plus if I don't have time to wash the quilt before I give it as a gift, I don't have to worry about shrinkage and bleeding. I use the June Tailor quilt labels and design a label on my computer. I include the to and from, the date and occasion, and care instructions. I iron it on and sew it on to the quilt. I really like your care card idea. I'm going to see if I can add that to my gifts. I'm personally struggling with how to think differently about . someone who doesn't appreciate the gift of a quilt. It breaks my heart 💔 to see the dog sleeping on my quilts especially when I've made the dog his own bed. 😡. I'd rather make quilts and donate them somewhere they will be appreciated. Thank You for helping motivate us to look at our gifts differently.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I know it is really hard when you put so much time into it. But it is our hobby not theirs, I had an Aunt who made corn Dollie’s as her hobby and gave them as gifts. I didn’t hate them but I they aren’t something I would want to display and I have no idea what to do with them so they are stuck in a cupboard. I’m sure it’s not what she would have wanted for them but I’m hanging on to them until someone shows an interest and then they can have them. I know we don’t see our quilts that way but maybe that means we need to pick the recipients who see them the same way we do? But I get that it’s hard!

[@laurastratton8614]

❤

[@jencaribardi3801]

Sometimes it is an honor that their furbaby has it

[@laurastratton8614]

@@jencaribardi3801 I understand that some people feel that way about their pets.

[@delwyngraham4033]

Love your reasoning on why we making a quilt for our enjoyment so we don’t get disappointed with their reaction to the quilt we make them and time money etc it’s for us more than who we giving it too. So true I want to make quilts that I want to make with different techniques for my pleasure so but I do usually make them with the particular person in mind😊

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Don’t get me wrong I still do totally make quilts with specific folk in mind - but for me that’s about trying new things or using colours I wouldn’t normally…so an excuse to stretch myself. Their reaction good or bad is kind of a by product not the end goal. Obviously I’d rather they love it but we can’t win 100% of the time 😂

[@marcellarodriguez7955]

Thank you for these suggestions. I use the color catchers in the gifts. I wrap the quilt in cellophane clear plastic wrapping paper and fold it where the label shows and add a ribbon;) or I buy a nice decorative box from Hobby lobby or Joann’s and they can store it in that box as well and it’s pretty to put on a shelf.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Box is a nice touch!

[@karendade9845]

Thank you for what is probably one of the most necessary messages about giving something you have made with a recipient in mind. I tend to angst about whether or not they will love it which makes me so indecisive, and the project so slow. Recently I read a blog from Agilejack about why she no longer makes commissions. My take away from it, and that you reinforced, is that unless you get pleasure from the making process as your 'payment', don't do it. So the first thing I did after reading that blog was dig out my precious Kaffe Fassett stash, chopped it up, and made a large 'happy quilt' - for me. It's loud, haphazard, and perhaps a wee bit vulgar, but you know what, it makes me smile. The pieced backing is very cool, and I will get it quilted once I decide whether to hand or machine quilt, or a mixture of both. Hand quilting isn't always pleasant in the north Australian tropics, but it's nice and cool now. Then I was able to move on with a retirement project for my sister that has been waiting for 18 months because I'm unsure whether she'll like it. There's just hand sewing the binding left to do. I always do the binding by hand because it's a little like your kids leaving home analogy: a leavetaking before they go out into their new lives. I love my sister's quilt, and if she does too it's a bonus. I also take photos of the planning and progress of projects so that I can remember the pleasure making them gave me, and like you, I enjoy them for a while before sending them off to their new life :) So, thank you again for your very timely video. Have a great week. p.s. Agilejack has some incredible Frankenbag tutes using scraps. Check her out.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I love that you made a quilt that made you happy. Sometimes we just have to do a fun project that doesn’t require a lot of thought to help us get in the headspace for other projects. I’m sure your sister will appreciate whatever you make. Thanks for watching!

[@marinaabad4995]

Olta's Quilts YT channel does marveloous quilts and some of her quilts are both machine and hand quilted.

[@jolewis-brown6608]

Thanks for the insightful observations. Happy quilting!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!

[@desleybartlett322]

Thanks for the great information on gifting a quilt. I have only gifted one quilt to a friend and she was very happy to receive it. I have held back on giving them as I have always been afraid of what will happen to them. Different mindset now that I have listened to your thoughts on gifting a quilt. I did wash the quilt that I gave her as I was interested to see how much it had schrunk. Thanks for the great information. Love your channel. Desley🇦🇺

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks so much! It’s fun to give them even if you don’t know what happens to them after!

[@patstrawhouse4005]

Hey, Kristen! Ah, yes… re the wash/don’t wash debate. Last fall, I contacted my local hospice to see if they would like a quilt for their residence. They asked if I could make a quilt for this year’s fall fundraiser-they haven’t decided if they will put it in their auction or raffle it separately. I decided to do both. I recently donated a twin quilt for a residence bed. I washed it in Synthrapol and rinsed it twice, so they- as you said-would know how it would look after future washings. I did advise them that the fabrics would likely fade over time due to the water temps that they would use. I gave them the following options re the queen quilt that I’m currently making for their fundraiser. 1. I would wash it. 2. We would let the new owner(s) wash it with the provided care instructions and Colour Catchers; OR I would wash it for the new owners after the fundraiser is completed. I’d appreciate your thoughts on this. We’ll make a final decision in August before ai deliver the quilt to Hospice. It has taken me a while to ‘let it go’ when giving gifts. On my niece and nephew’s 10th birthday in 1980, I gave them each $30. My nephew chose to spend it in a tarantula. It’s worth noting here that I detest spiders. I didn’t say anything, but it bothered me for quite a while-until I finally accepted that it was his money and he had every right to spend it as he wished. I also know that I wouldn’t have thought twice about it if he had chosen to spend it on tropical fish. Thank you, and stay well! Muskoka ON 🇨🇦

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I think it makes sense to give them the choices you mentioned for washing it. Not sure why they wouldn’t want you too but 🤷‍♀️. Sounds like you learned a good lesson with your nephew. And at least you knew what he spent it on I guess - plenty of aunts and uncles and grandparents give money to kids and never hear another thing about it. Nice that you were able to reflect on it all in any case. 💕

[@KathleenCull-lm6kl]

When I make a quilt as a gift I always say it’s made to be used and loved. I only make something that I would love to receive. (I usually make a matching tote bag as this can be used many times ) instead of a gift bag. As a quilter /sewer you make things with a specific person in mind hoping that they will treasure the gift. Once you gift a quilt or any other item you have made you just hope that it will be treasured, however that doesn’t always happen and we need to accept that. I have made many items that still sit in my sewing room because I need to find that one person who would be thrilled to receive it. It will happen ☺️

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Tote bag is a great idea! And I also like the thought of waiting for the right person for the quilt rather than the right quilt for a specific person - brilliant!

[@susiea8116]

This was such a great video that truly helped me so much as I continue to gift quilts. Thank you so much! ❤

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks so much! So glad it was useful!

[@grandmashootz1459]

I just started quilting last September. Out of the eleven quilts that I have made, all but one were lap quilts. One went to a friend who has since passed away, the rest were for donations (huge hits) to my family and to a dear friend. My 93 year old dad's reaction was the worse, quite the opposite from my husband's reaction. He was speechless and so surprised when I gifted him a queen size t-shirt quilt made from tshirts that we had collected from music festivals we had attended for 10 years. He loves it. The other family members, before I make them a bigger one, I will see what how they treat their smaller ones. I enjoy the smaller ones, but I am not as attached to them as I was to the one I made for my husband. He was so surprised and brags on it often.

[@sheryld7104]

You are amazing! 11 quilts since September!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Queen sized T-shirt quilt as a beginner 👏!! Fab!

[@darcicole5530]

I gave a quilt to a relative for his wedding. The marriage lasted two days and I had no idea what happened to the quilt for about 8 months. I believe he ended up with the quilt but I never heard another word about it. I look at it as every quilt has a story and this is the story of this quilt!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Gosh! That is quite a story! Wonder where it is now!

[@bettywood5812]

My aunt lobbied for, and received from a family member's estate, 3 flimsies made by her husband's grandmother. She had the the flimsies quilted and she added the labels that I made and insisted be added. Those 3 quilts ended up with my cousin's 3 daughters, 5 generations from the quilt maker! The labels will help the story of those quilts live on within the family.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Love that! Such a nice way to preserve family history.

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Words of wisdom. Thank you

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!

[@sandydali699]

I agree with you on the washing for the same reasons, especially because it can change so much after a washing and I don’t want them to think they ruined it. I love your gift card idea with the note. I also won't give a quilt to someone that didn’t appreciate anything I made previously. It wouldn't bother me if a dog used it because the dog appreciates it more than people.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Good attitude to the dog issue! 😂

[@Judi-jf9hf]

Thanks. I needed this. 💜

[@ScrapFabricLove]

💕

[@jamesmason7647]

Great information. Thank you

[@Reina12375]

Great advice. Thanks

[@LynndeeG]

Thank you so much for this video! This has helped me put into perspective the varying responses I get from my nieces and nephews when they are presented with their graduation quilts...last year my niece was "underwhelmed" (not gonna lie that stung a bit) and this year my twin nieces were "over the moon" with theirs. Will keep making them and gifting them but will focus on the enjoyment I get during the process and (try to) worry less about the reaction of the recipient...although next years graduate will be a tough one, thinking of maybe having her shop with me to pick some fabrics so she won't be as "underwhelmed" as her sister, lol.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

That is a good attitude. And getting the recipient involved in choosing colors and styles ahead of time is always a good idea. It can be a fun bonding experience and chance to talk about your passion with them too.

[@treyshields7848]

Outstanding job with this video. As a quilter who has given many quilts to people that “don’t get it “I had to learn to do just that. I love quilting and I do it for me. I am a little bit more careful with who I give quilts to when I have spent a lot more money on that fabric or spent a lot more time with the pattern. But I do still give quilts to other people,that are scrap quilts or maybe I didn’t spend as much on the Fabric so that it is not quite as painful when I see them on the floor or in the garage sale later

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Sounds like you’ve found a good way of navigating this. Still giving but protecting your own feelings at the same time 👌

[@pywagner]

I totally agree with everything you said about gifting quilts. It is difficult when people don't appreciate what you did, but we have no control over that. I like to hope 🤞that ultimately, it'll land in someone's hands/home and will be loved and appreciated. And then just remember not to give that friend/family member another quilt. Kind of like you described when we give to charities. We hope someone will love it, and we send it out into the world to spread some joy to someone. Great video!!! p.s. I wash quilts before gifting them and use the color catchers too!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! Great minds think alike 😀💕

[@pst47wings]

Your comments are right on! I've had people that I've given quilts to that have obviously cherished them and others who had no idea the time or the $ that has time into it. I frequently included on my label it with a gift card, why I choose a particular color and or pattern. I'm going to buy some of your labels! Oh. And I tuck a small box of color catchers in with every gifted quilted and suggest that they use a few every time they wash it 😊

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! And I knew I wasn’t the only one with a color catcher obsession 😂

[@wilycat5290]

Excellent presentation 🎉. Thank you for the video 😊

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!

[@terrilynch1475]

I give away 98% of the quilts I make. Most of them are through the quilt club that I’m part of. They are labeled with the clubs name on. Occasionally a recipient sends a thank you note to the group telling how much it meant to them & how much it helped them. Most of the time we don’t know who made the quilt in question & sometimes an accompanying photo will come with it. I just enjoy making the quilts so that’s my reward & you can’t keep them all. Some quilts mean more to me than others so they stay with me longer. I’m just not ready to let them go yet but there comes a time or a person & off they go. Once they leave my home they are no longer mine & the quilt has its own journey to travel.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Lovely! 💕💕

[@andreawalker2535]

Boy oh boy, are you brave! Excellent video on a controversial topic.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Hope I haven’t offended anyone! Can’t help myself sometimes…

[@sophiebrettell3631]

Great advice. It's funny isn't it - when I make Quilts for Care Leavers my intention is that the person who picks them gets at least some comfort, but I make them in the full knowledge that they may have a short life - it doesn't mean that I put any less effort into them, in fact I consciously make them with love. However, when I make quilts for family members they get bound up with all the complicated relationship issues...

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

Great video. I think vacuum packaging a quilt before posting is a great idea, as not only will it reduce the size and cost of the postage but will provide additional protection. I've also been making quilts for a charity and realised I'm never likely to receive any information on who they were gifted to. A bit like donating a kidney, haha. Just let it go.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Good for you for your charity gifting. And yes as Elsa says ‘let it go’ 😂

[@Sewwithdebee]

For gift quilts I write in the card that I have made especially for them for x reason and that it is now their’s to do what they want with it. Most of what I now make are for donation and the agencies do not want them pre-washed as they sanitize themselves.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

That’s a nice touch for your cards. I might start saying that.

[@lindafrantz4913]

I make a bag with handles and I try to use the fabric I used in the quilt.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Love it!

[@kimdavenport9820]

Thank you for your insight ❤❤❤

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!

[@elizabethamis9376]

Very brave, but it needed saying. Thank you ❤👍from Somerset

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks 💕

[@marinaabad4995]

My baby son (who is now in his 30's) was given a quilt by a friend's sister. It was a animal themed pre quilted fabric, with a solid color backing and an eyelet lace edge. No tied or anything. My son loved that blanket quilt, his "blankie/comforter", the eyelet lace is frayed to nothing with all the washings, and he still has it in his his treasures box. So no one can know the future of their fabric gift. However, I really notice if a person is "quilt worthy" by their home decor or how they respond to my hobby when I show them finished projects. If a polite "nice" or a "wow". Measure their enthusiasm about your finished project. That will tell you if you should gift them a quilt. I prefer to make quilts to sell on Etsy or now Michael's Makers selling site, which really features handcrafted items, like Etsy orifinally did, now it's like eBay. I find bowl cozys always appreciated by everyone and I haven't seen those at yard sales. Best quilting video on You Tube so far. Bravo!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks so much! Lovely about your son’s blankie - so sweet that he still keeps it. And I get what you mean by taking a measure of folk and whether or not you should give them a quilt. Thanks for all your comments!

[@carmencreamer3769]

I have handmade many kinds of gifts for many years and it really is true that many people do not like it…and more and more younger people in my world really just want money to do their own thing with. So I give a lot of gift cards…completely unsatisfactory to me, but they are happy. I did want to give quilts to especially loved people, and gave them in addition to the gift card. However, in an effort to let them know they could do with it whatever they wanted to, without hurting my feelings, I said in an offhand way to one recipient you could even put it on the floor. So guess what…it is on the floor! And really, since that thought came out of my own mouth, how could I get upset by it! I do, at least get to see it often…and I am curious to see how it will hold up! That said, I like the idea of a label that tells a story…I stayed away from labels because they just seem to just be a signature, a way of bragging about your work, but one that tells the story…it’s a good idea.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

😂 maybe they thought it was a suggested use! But as you say at least they are using it!

[@DianeS2023]

I wrap them in ribbon. all the grandchildrens quilt have a sewing label with made by Nana on it. ive never not had a quilt appreciated but I have had that with knitted items.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Lovely. I am sure they will treasure those quilts.

[@gaylekush1332]

I have stopped giving quilts for wedding gifts because if/when they get divorced, nobody wants a quilt with their ex's name on it😢 So what I did for my remaining nieces and nephews, was to just give them a quilt instead. I plan on making my grands one and their future spouse so there will be no angst over what to do with the quilt! My thing is tomdo what makes me feel good. I did a memoial quilt for someone and should have pocked up on clues and didn't. Long story short, she had someone else contact me and tell me the price was too much and she told me it was knky worth less than half of what I was charging. I ended up just giving her the quilt so that I wasn't always grousing about it and feeling bad that I got screwed over. But still, lesson learned!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Gosh that sounds like a bad experience with the memorial quilt. Folk can act badly when they are grieving sometimes - I’m sure she didn’t think about it from your point of view. I’d never thought about the wedding quilt/divorce scenario. I’ve only given one wedding quilt so far - 🤞🏻they stay together 😂

[@coreygilles847]

❤❤❤ such an important truth

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!

[@Renuewspa]

Great video🥰🥰🥰

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! 💕

[@Amritadivya]

Gift giving is very personal. I agree with what you are saying---if it is really and truly a gift then the item is no longer in your control and must be let go of no matter the recipient's ignorance about all the work that goes into it. Question: How is it going with your Moxie?? Does the size limit you and the quilts you make? Or is it still working for you? Please do a follow up video about your experience with it now time has past and you have made more quilts. I see full sized long arms for sale sometimes in facebook market place and they intimidate me. I am not sure I would have space for one anyhow.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

It’s going good with the Moxie. I haven’t ever felt like my quilt was too big to use it but I haven’t ever made a King size. I have the 10ft frame so it’s pretty big and I can always turn the quilt one way or another. I’ve never been near to touching the ends!

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Thank you for this info. Now I just make tops that will be turned into quilts eventually. They are sent to a hospital in Africa. I don’t know what the people will use it for. Maybe it will keep someone warm, but it might be thrown on the dirt floor or hung up to keep drafts out.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I’m sure they appreciate them no matter what they do with them. Well done you!

[@roseswalls3468]

I had to laugh....I ALWAYS wash quilts before I give them away...to make sure they hold up. As if I don't do quality work. And I ALWAYS use at least 3 color catchers, and I am not sure if I always include color catchers, but I do a lot of times.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Great minds think alike you see…😂. My obsession with the color catchers is on another level - and I’ve never actually had a bad experience with fabric die bleeding in quilts. I have with clothes though…must be where the fear came from 😂

[@roseswalls3468]

@@ScrapFabricLove I have had very minor bleeding on one quilt, but it had had color catchers used on it. I have been using them for ages. My mom and I used to go to this place and get scraps that were from sewing factories. This was before there started being a lot of quilt shops...and long before there were magazines devoted to quilting. (I am well old enough to be your mom) Anyway, there was this beautiful blue fabric and had little white squares scattered all over. I so loved that fabric...but something told me to wash it first...I did. In fact I washed it two or three times and the color just kept coming out. So, I never used it in anything.

[@fransak2723]

I like to wash quilts before I gift them too. I gifted a large hand appliquéd and hand quilted quilt to a nephew who was getting married. When I got a thank you note it said thanks for the “blanket”.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

@fransak2723 😂. But he sent a thank you card! Whatever he called it he gets bonus points for that!

[@marcellafisher8317]

I always was my quilts before I give them away!!!

[@bbymks5]

Oof...I have a few flimsies waiting to be sammiched, quilted and bound for gifting and while I have told myself all the things in this video, I know my heart would hurt if it ended up at a thrift store. I'd rather it go to a pet, or regifted to someone else. The one hill I will die on; I don't care if it's called a quilt or a blanket...it's not that deep. Two layers vs three or more, does it really matter?

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Yes you are right - doesn’t matter to me either if they call it a blanket. I would prefer if they gave it back to me rather than sent it to a thrift store but I still accept that it is out of my control. And it gives someone else a chance to discover it and take it home to love so there can be some beauty in it.

[@bbymks5]

@@ScrapFabricLove especially if it helps them use it! Blanket sounds more comforting/comfortable/more usable/less fancy.