Competing, Selling, or Giving
A. Contests
I like the challenge of complying with the rules and time constraints of most contests. Even if I don’t complete the quilt by the due date of the contest, I usually have a backup idea of what I will do with each quilt I take on. Maybe a wedding present or a birthday gift. I generally really like the fabrics, so entering a contest for the goal of winning recognition or a prize is a secondary motivation for me.
Deborah Vivrette, Hidden Valley Lake, CA
I have only entered one quilt in a contest at a local quilt show. I just made sure that it was cleaned, pressed, had no loose threads and a secure label. Guidance from our quilt guild was provided to those making quilts specifically for the show which included:
♦ Bury all knots
♦ Ensure bindings are full
♦ Sew all mitered corners on bindings front and back
♦ Ensure all points are precise and seams are secure
♦ Quilting should enhance the design of the quilt
♦ Tension on quilting must be even
Barbara Merritt, Brackney, PA
The only contest I entered was a complete fluke. I was more than halfway finished with my quilt when I read about the contest and realized that my project fit the criteria. When I was able to finish my quilt by the deadline, I entered just for fun and was surprised to be chosen as a finalist. I was very flattered when I realized that some of the other entrants were professional designers. I didn’t win a top prize, but it was an exciting experience.
Karen Martin, Breezy Point, MN
I like challenge quilts and try to enter challenges often. I like the idea of a theme or fabric to get me started. I have entered the Hoffman challenge for years and twice was in New Quilts from an Old Favorite, but haven’t won anything nationally.
Margo Ellis, Key West, FL
Generally I look for contests after my quilt is done. It usually takes me one year to think about the quilt and up to two years to construct it. Usually there is not sufficient lead time to know the particulars of a contest before construction. Certainly some types of quilts do better in some shows than others. I look at past winners of shows to get a sense of what is receiving ribbons and then select shows accordingly. Sometimes I send a quilt to a show so family members in that area have a chance to see the quilt in person.
Georgia Pierce, Seattle, WA
Talk with quilters who regularly enter quilts for competition. Find out how to start entering. If a quilt wins big in one guild, chances are good that it will earn top awards again. Keep entering the same quilt in future contests. There are some contests that pay big rewards to winning quilters.
Marti Blankenship, Pleasant Valley, MO
Judged quilts are subjectively judged, and you should always look at the judges’ comment sheets to see what constructive criticism is there. Let the rest roll off your back. It is only one person’s opinion.
Jennifer Padden, Austin, TX
I am currently quilting for shows. I compete in shows to get feedback from judges in areas where I need most improvement. I strive to make a better quilt than the last one. I get satisfaction from having a quilt selected for a show, and when a prize is awarded, I have a great sense of satisfaction.
Georgia Pierce, Seattle, WA
Figure out why you want to enter competitions. Is it for the positive reinforcement? If so, you may be disappointed. If it is for prizes, you will have to make your quilts with perfection as a goal. There are so many ultra-talented quiltmakers out there, and the competition is stiff at big shows. Start with smaller shows: your guild show, county fairs, state shows. You will have a lot more positive feedback from a show like that than at a national show.
Nancy Henry, Rochester, NH
In the end, you’re bringing your quilt home, so make it to please yourself, not the judges.
In the end, you’re bringing your quilt home, so make it to please yourself, not the judges. And don’t think your quilt isn’t nice just because it doesn’t win a prize or ribbon.
Amy DeCesare, Delmont, PA
Choose a pattern and fabrics that make you feel good. Because if you have a smile and take your time and enjoy the process, you’ve already won.
Susan Kieritz, Braunschweig, Germany
I wish shows would distinguish between computer-aided precision and hand-guided precision. Two totally different animals, in my opinion.
Mary Beth Schrader, Cameron, MO
You’d better be awfully good to compete in quilt shows. I’ve been to a few quilt exhibits where I feel bad for the people who think they’re better than their work proves to be.
Kay Hinkelma, Florissant, MO
You must have a great deal of confidence to enter quilts in contests and not get upset if you hear or see any comments that are critical. You cannot please everyone, so don’t try.
Susan Taylor, San Ramon, CA
Understand that judges are very critical, which can be good and bad. They identify your weaknesses, which should encourage you to do better. The criticism can also damage your self-esteem in something that you are very proud of. I would be very selective in the category in which I would enter a quilt, as there is an enormous amount of competition out there. Years of experience and technique certainly do reap the rewards in competitions.
Sharon Sutton, Lindsey, OH
Look at and study the quilts that win at the shows you attend. Look at the categories, the quality of design, the density and quality of the quilting stitches and compare to the ones that did not win. Pretty soon, you will be able to pick out the details to know why one won and the other did not. Check out books about quilting and communicate with judges regarding what they look for in a competition quilt.
Jennifer Padden, Austin, TX
Before a quilt goes to a contest, I block it (soak in cool water, spin in washer, block on 2” thick, styrofoam insulation batts). Pin and square and allow to dry. I remove any lint, animal hair, etc. Check for loose threads. Pack and ship. I insure all my quilts as a rider to my homeowner’s insurance policy.
Georgia Pierce, Seattle, WA
Be sure the binding is done well for contests. The judges always look closely at the binding technique.
With the many, many machine quilters out there, it is hard to win a competition by just hand quilting.
Sue Glasnapp, Delray Beach, FL
With the many, many machine quilters out there, it is hard to win a competition by just hand quilting. Machine quilters have a definite advantage.
Fran Shaffer, Coatesville, PA
Print out a calendar for each month and plan your year towards the competition by filling in each day you want to work on your quilt. Stick to it as much as possible. This will help eliminate a lot of stress by pacing yourself throughout the year. Make sure family and friends understand that you are working on your allocated days to sew and don’t want interruptions.
Susan Borgas, Booleroo Centre, Australia
I do not compete with my quilts. I have always been skeptical about competitions in the art world. How do you compare things that may be beautiful in different ways?
Stephanie Wagner, Bear, DE
I have realized my goal is not to get a blue ribbon, but to make quilts that assist people where their personal need is. Most award-winning quilts will never be on a bed or be useful, so that is not where I want to spend my time. Also, most award-winning quilts travel quilt shows, and they are from a different part of the world or country. That is not motivation to me.
Marlys Wiens, Edina, MN
I find that when I try to make a quilt for the purpose of exhibiting it, I lose my creative energy, along with the joy of making the quilt. It seems that I get too involved with making it just right, losing the spontaneity of just creating. I get too worried about how the judges will view it, when I know that an element of judging is very subjective. My art quilts have to come from my own core, from my inner creative urge, and must be part of my process. Otherwise, I have lost my own individual expression.
Susan Louis, Briarwood, NY
The ones I make to sell, though, I make for me. I feel that if no one wants to purchase it, if I love it, I will love to have it in my house.
Nancy Henry, Rochester, NH
When I was younger, I used to make quilts on consignment to earn money to take classes at the university.
Karen Nick, Lutz, FL
Consigning any art work really only works if the artist works at the store on a part-time basis. You must be able to tell people about your work.
Kevin Kern, Paradise Valley, NV
I have done craft shows for about 18 years and have built up quite a following.
Mary Jones, Manchester, MI
I have sold quilts by word of mouth. In my experience, quilts made for boutique tables and craft shows do not sell.
Susan Riley, Hingham, MA
I’ve only sold one quilt, which was commissioned. I was asked if I could make a quilt for a baby boy soon to be born. His grandfather had died before the baby was born, and Grandpa used to wear a lot of Polo dress shirts in soft blues and lavenders, beautiful pastel colors. The family gave me a bag of his shirts, and I cut squares, rectangles, and sashings, using the Polo logo when I could. I fused them to a light fusing material (MistyFuse), which worked great. I then pieced them together and found a perfect, baby blue fabric with wispy clouds on it for the backing and binding. I stippled it on the machine. The parents and grandmother absolutely loved the quilt; they cried when they saw it. I was very glad I agreed to make this quilt, a real keepsake for that family.
Patricia Grimm, New Windsor, NY
I have never actively tried to sell my quilts, but on occasion someone will stop and ask about a quilt I’ve made that they’ve seen on a social networking site or when I’m shipping them at the post office. Then they’ll ask me to make one for sale, and we set up the transaction then.
Lisa Hughes, Richland, NY
I have a wide network of friends, some who also quilt and many who do not, but do enjoy the art. From this network, I have been able to schedule home quilt parties about every other month. Completed quilts are displayed with the opportunity for party attendees to purchase and/or order similar items in their desired colors. This “Tupperware party” approach is very personal and fun as we play games with quilt items as prize gifts.
Kathie Arbuckle, Colchester, CT
I display my quilts at non-profit organizations to get my quilts out there.
Audrey Clark, Red Lodge, MT
The local live theater likes me to exhibit in their large lobby in conjunction with a town-wide arts fair each year. The fair is advertised as Third Thursdays and takes place May through September. If the play that is running is something appropriate, I sometimes leave the display for the run of the show.
Sharon Mountford, Canoga Park, CA
I sell quilts at our guild QuiltFest. The guild takes a percentage of the sales. I volunteer to work the boutique, and I get to help set up and keep the tables and shelves looking pretty. It is so much fun!
Michelle Harrison, Morganton, GA
Some quilt guild shows will allow you to sell the quilts you enter/display during the event, or maybe sell them through an associated “country store” at the quilt show. Local crafts boutique/fairs are good, but you generally can’t get a decent return for your cost of materials and labor. My best success in selling quilts is through word of mouth, or if someone sees my work at a local museum event, arts show, or maybe charity/donation baby quilts at the local hospital, or with a new mother or grandparent.
Deborah Vivrette, Hidden Valley Lake, CA
Top 10 Designs on Your Bucket List, According to Our Survey
I’d like to design and make a quilt using free-form designs. I’ve never done this before and would like to step out of my box and make something entirely different than the traditional pieced quilts that I love to make.
Sue Glasnapp, Delray Beach, FL
I have sold a few quilts on eBay, as well as at garage sales.
Terry Green, Attica, NY
I’ve seen new sellers open a shop, only to have their product priced way too low, which sends the wrong signal. If you don’t believe in your product, you can’t expect anyone else to!
I used to make quilts just for family members and myself. Then I discovered Etsy, and I can’t say enough good things about it! Etsy is an online market place for handmade goods. There are a lot of tips and hints for being successful on Etsy— there are over a million sellers now I recently learned!—but first, do your homework. Study other shops that sell what you want to sell. Become familiar with pricepoints. I’ve seen new sellers open a shop, only to have their product priced way too low, which sends the wrong signal. If you don’t believe in your product, you can’t expect anyone else to! Selling my quilts on Etsy allows me to generate a little extra income and continue to be a stay at home mom.
Celeste Collier, Guntersville, AL
I joined an online community specifically for selling quilts (QuiltsforSale.ca) and post new quilts if they haven’t sold before I can get them there.
I post pictures on my Facebook site where quite often, friends will see them and call me to ask if they can buy it, or I show them off at group gatherings, birthday parties, my sewing group, wherever I’m going where a few people I know will be there. When I’ve finished a quilt, 9 times out of 10 someone wants it right then! I also take special orders and commissions, so it is normal for me to be working on 3–4 customer quilts at all times.
Colleen Froats, Alanson, MI
I sell quilts at a large quilt store about an hour from my house. It displays them online and in the shop. I also have a shop on Etsy. It was easy to open, and the commissions they take are miniscule. I have sold quilts to people all over the world, and I love thinking about my “babies” in their new homes!
Nancy Henry, Rochester, NH
If you are going to take the leap and start selling quilts online, it is critical that you have (or have access to) a good camera. Since the customer can’t touch and feel your quilt, your pictures have to convey the beauty of your quilt. Consider the setting you put your quilts into for photographing, and always opt for natural lighting.
Celeste Collier, Guntersville, AL
I do not use sites such as Etsy and Ebay. I’ve browsed there a few times and do not understand how anyone can sell a quilt for the prices they let them go for. I have had very good luck with the QuiltsforSale site, which is a consignment venue. They are receiving more and more traffic, the consignment fees are very fair, and the quilts are presented in a very good way.
Colleen Froats, Alanson, MI
C. Fair Pricing to Sell Quilts
I was told that a quilt should be priced at three times the value of the materials, then add the cost of the quilting.
Susan Walters, Newark, DE
Coming from an art background, if I were to sell my quilts, the price would be calculated on the following: fabric cost, original design by me, demand on my quilts, time put into making the quilt, and, also, how generous I feel at the time.
Susan Borgas, Booleroo Centre, Australia
I might ask how much the person is willing to pay for a quilt that I make, and then I will tailor the finished quilt to that amount if it is within reason. I take into consideration the cost of the overall materials I will use, the complexity of the pattern, and the hours needed to make the quilt. If the person cannot afford much, then I would suggest something extremely simple, or if I have donated fabric and can use that, the configuration of what I would do for them would change. I might even suggest a smaller item.
I “guesstimate” the amount of fabric I have used, the batting, thread, and so on. I try to pay myself $10 an hour for my time, but one can never really charge for all the time spent making a quilt. For machine quilting, I charge the local standard rate which is 1½ cents per square inch for basic quilting. Thread changes and more complex quilting are 2½ cents per square inch.
Audrey Clark, Red Lodge, MT
I have figured the cost of materials and adjusted the price over the years. I also take into account the time required for construction. Currently I use $.10/square inch as the base price. That is increased for complicated piecing and/or hand quilting. I only try to make $10/hour for my time, and frequently I will sell to someone for less than my listed price if they really love a piece.
Sharon Mountford, Canoga Park, CA
Once I established a name for myself, knowing the quality of my work, I charged a specific price per square inch, depending on the difficulty level of the pattern. I had set prices for easy, medium and hard. I included a specific number of hours for hand quilting in the price. For every so many hours above that, I added an additional rate. I added to that the cost of all materials involved. If I use a machine quilter, that cost is added to the cost of the quilt, and not the hand quilting cost.
Sharon Rehrig, Nazareth, PA
I charge the cost of fabric plus minimum wage for the estimated time spent making the quilt.
Sally Berry, Virginia Beach, VA
I have heard just recently that someone has come up with a guideline of $.20 per square inch for selling quilts. I don’t know whether this would be a good number or not— 100 × 100 would run $2000. That might be fair, but would someone pay that much?
A good basis for pricing a quilt is twice the cost of the materials, plus $100 on average.
A good basis for pricing a quilt is twice the cost of the materials, plus $100 on average, depending on the difficulty of the pattern. I think most quilts should be at or under the $400 to $500 range, unless they are really something special. People can always buy a quilt in a department store for less.
Carle Kouri, Santa Clarita, CA
Generally I start with the cost of materials times 3–4, then I take into account complexity, time involved, size, occasion, who is buying it. I may sell a quilt for $350 to a family member or friend, but price it much higher online. If it is a very special, complex quilt, I pay for an appraisal, and then base the price on the appraisal.
Colleen Froats, Alanson, MI
These are my formulas: crib quilt is $6/sq. ft. + cost of fabric; a simple quilt is $25/sq. ft. + fabric; a complicated quilt is $30/sq. ft. + fabric; and a complex quilt is $40/sq. ft. + fabric.
Myrna Paluba, Wayne, PA
I would have an official certified quilt appraiser determine a value for sale, as well as for insurance purposes.
Jennifer Padden, Austin, TX
Check out copyright laws dealing with quilts. You may need the pattern designer’s permission to sell a quilt made from a purchased pattern or book or magazine.
Sue Hurley, Princeton, NJ
I start with what I’ve paid for fabric and round it up. If I make back my costs and make some space in my stash, I’m happy. My prices are way too low, I’m sure. I only sell a quilt once a year as a fun thing.
Verna Fitzgerald, West New York, NJ
As I am retired from 30-plus years in healthcare in a high stress job, I only price my quilts to recover cost of the fabric and thread. I love to quilt and enjoy the non-stress environment, so I do not charge for my time.
Kathie Arbuckle, Colchester, CT
Two of the four quilts I’ve sold were for the cost of the fabric and notions. The other two, much larger and more difficult, were for fabric and notions, plus that same amount for labor. For me, happiness comes from making them, not selling them.
Jeanne Bartleson, North Augusta, SC
Quilters, stand strong and never give it away for a song!
In 99% of the cases, someone wanting to purchase a quilt you make for them is clueless about the cost of materials and the required skill or time involved. When you give them a price, they will be in sticker shock. These are the people who should be told to head to Walmart or a department store. Quilters, stand strong and never give it away for a song!
Nancee McCann, Wilmington, DE
When I was in grad school, I didn’t have a lot of time to quilt, but I made a queen-size Baltimore Album quilt 10 minutes at a time whenever I had the time. It took me 9 months. It was labor-intensive and it was very expensive to have custom quilted. If it does not sell at the price I have put on it, I am happy to own it myself. Works of love are like that—someone has to love it as much as I do for me to part with it!
Nancy Henry, Rochester, NH
D. Insuring Quilts
I have taken digital photos of special quilts and have told my insurance agent of award-winning quilts. The value was determined by the cost of professional quilting, estimated fabric cost and an assumed $30 per hour for time spent piecing. If there are many quilts to insure, my agent said a separate rider would be needed.
The best thing is to have a quilt appraised by a certified quilt appraiser. One of my last quilts was appraised for $2250. But since I made it for my handicapped daughter, I would never sell it.
Karen Nick, Lutz, FL
To have a quilt insured, you need to have it appraised, and the high fee for that is not worth it to me. None of my quilts are heirloom quality. I make them for the fun of it.
Annemarie (Nancy) Poorbaugh, Montgomery, AL
I lost several quilts in a tornado, and I priced them for what it would take to buy them. For instance, I had a tiny Flower Garden that took me two years to hand-piece. I priced it at $1500 because I wouldn’t take less than that for it.
Judy Williams, Stockton, MO
I understand that even when a quilt is lost in the mail, the USPS will only reimburse you for the value of fabric unless it was appraised by a licensed appraiser.
Cheryl Marion, Grahamsville, NY
E. Charities
For the past five years, I have made patriotic quilts for Quilts of Valor because I believe the veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as veterans from previous wars, need to know they are appreciated and their service and sacrifice are acknowledged. I feel this is a fitting way for me to share my time, talent, and treasure to express my gratitude to those who serve.
I also make charity quilts for children in trauma situations, as well as for disadvantaged children, homeless families, and mothers and children in domestic abuse environments. These quilts give comfort and warmth to those who especially need them.
Sue Glasnapp, Delray Beach, FL
My bee ladies and I are currently making quilts for Brooklyn, NY, families who were left homeless after Hurricane Sandy. Our community needs us now more than ever, and we feel that there is no greater comfort than to be wrapped in a handmade quilt.
Kirsten Schmitt, Baldwin, NY
I have made quilts for The Road Home, a facility that helps the homeless, because a quilt can make the place feel a little more homey, especially for someone who is new to this unfortunate situation.
Ann Johnson, Salt Lake City, UT
I quilt about 200 quilts a year for Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City, MO, the North Kansas City Hospital Hospice Care, and Hillcrest Ministries. Hillcrest Ministries is a restart program for families that bottom out for reasons of mismanagement, unemployment, drugs, etc. A bed-size quilt is given to a family unit who completes the restart program. If they do not graduate, they do not receive a quilt. We hear this is a valid incentive that some families work toward.
Marti Blankenship, Pleasant Valley, MO
I have donated quilts to my place of employment, and then we sell raffle tickets, and the money goes to the arthritis foundation.
Loreen Wise, Egg Harbor, NJ
I have made quilts for my church. They sell at auction, bringing in from $300–$1900 each, which totally depends on who’s bidding.
Kris Newlin, West Chester, PA
I am a teacher and adore books/reading, so I’ve donated fun quilts to the local library for them to have drawings to raise money.
But the charity I’ve donated to most is a horse rescue place. I have horses who are near and dear to my heart, so this is a big one for me. I’ve made them pillows, wall hangings, and a quilt, and they sell them in various ways to raise money.
Karla Santoro, Stanley, NY
I have made quilts for my granddaughters’ annual school auction. They go to a private school that is not federally funded. They have these auctions to raise funds for school equipment, computers, phys. ed equipment, art supplies, etc.
Ann Ouellette, Meriden, CT
I make quilts for Project Linus. I was a pediatric nurse and saw firsthand how much these quilts meant to those who received them.
Denece Turner, Evans, GA
I have made upwards of 75 baby quilts for neonatal units for area hospitals. Those little guys and their parents need to know some extra love at a critical stage in their lives.
Barbara Johnson, Dallas, OR
I make these quilts partly because our county is relatively poor, and many families who have their babies at this hospital don’t have many or any new items for their babies.
Through my local quilt guild (Ladies of the Lake), I make five or six baby quilts each year. These quilts are given to every baby born at St. Helena Hospital at Clearlake, CA. I make these quilts partly because our county is relatively poor, and many families who have their babies at this hospital don’t have many or any new items for their babies. This charity also helps our quilt guild keep our tax-exempt status. I have also made quilts for donation when I was with the Napa Valley Quilters group. These quilts were carried in fire trucks and police cars for distribution and use, and distributed in emergency situations.
Deborah Vivrette, Hidden Valley Lake, CA
When Mennonite Central Committee came to me to assist in fundraising through quilting, they caught my interest. Quilting used to be what you did with your scraps. Because of the North America Relief Sale Meetings in Ontario, Canada, Bev Patkau and I looked at each other and said, we should share “love” and use a heart as a symbol. My job was to send out some emails and let people around the world know that we were collecting heart blocks. To our surprise, my emails to a few friends had a life of their own. By the time we were done collecting, we had probably 4,000 blocks! I made a quilt from patches from a 90 year old lady, Mrs. Harder, from Mountain Lake, MN, who sent me 50 striped hearts. Together with Blue Meadow Design Love, Joy, Peace fabric, I made a quilt, and Bev made hers in Canada. Our two traveling quilts made between $150,000 to $200,000 for MCC to assist in their global work.
That also leads to my connection with Good Books and the book, Passing on the Comfort. The US author originated in Mountain Lake, Minnesota area and Mrs. Harder is the only person I have found that remembered making quilts that were used in the story of Passing on the Comfort!
Marlys Wiens, Edina, MN
Going through the cancer journey inspired me to make quilts for cancer patients. Words of encouragement and Bible verses that are written on the quilts send out hope and comfort to all who receive them.
I know that I get more from making these quilts than those who receive them. It is so nice to know that something you can do is received and appreciated by someone in pain.
Sandy Testerman, Conowingo, MD
A group of women got together over 10 years ago to make Blankies for Grown-Ups, lap quilts for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We give them a “blankie” to take to chemo and other treatments so they have something to keep them warm and to know they are not forgotten. These “blankies” go to anyone who needs or wants one. There are no stipulations put on anyone to receive a blankie, other than they have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. As you will hear from almost anyone who does this kind of quilting, I know that I get more from making these quilts than those who receive them. It is so nice to know that something you can do is received and appreciated by someone in pain.
Susan Taylor, San Ramon, CA
A few years ago I donated a special Angel Quilt that I made to the Bassett Cancer Center in Cooperstown, NY, that cured my husband’s cancer. Ironically, this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and for four months, I walked by that Angel Quilt on the wall and reflected on those angels. The nurses at the clinic told me that their patients also appreciated the quilt and were very pleased to meet its maker. I am presently working on another quilt that will be donated to our newly renovated clinic to mark my remission and cure.
Barbara J. Flynn, Ilion, NY
Most of my quilts are charity quilts because I am a cancer survivor! While on that journey I discovered many people with no support system. It was heartbreaking to think so many had to go on this journey alone, so I started the Sew and Reap Community quilt project. We make quilts for cancer patients and Soldiers Angels who distribute them to our Wounded Warriors.
Sandy Testerman, Conowingo, MD
I’ve donated quilts to my local public radio station fundraiser. I love both quilts and public radio, so using one to benefit the other seems very fitting.
Mary Coudray, Belleville, WI
There is a local women’s club that I’ve supported with quilts. They have a Holiday Craft Auction every November, and all proceeds go to local scholarships and a local charity. I prefer to see the community I live in benefit directly from my donations.
Mary O’Donnell, Las Vegas, NV
I participate in a monthly charity online quilt bee called the Happiness Circle at Do Good Stitches. It gives me a wonderful feeling to know I am helping put together a quilt that will brighten someone’s day who is in need.
Stephanie Zito, Sudbury, Ontario
F. Quilts for Life’s Milestones
I make runners, placemats, table toppers, pillowcases, purses, baskets, etc. and keep them on a gift shelf. When a shower or wedding pops up on the calendar, I go to my stash and see what might fit that person and occasion. I like giving a gift that I made because it is personal!
Sharon Stoddard, Bridgeport, CA
When you’ve been a quilter for a long time, it is amazing how many occasions your family members want you to commemorate with a quilt: weddings, births, entering college, graduating from college, moving to a new home, the list goes on. Mostly I am happy to cater to them because they are my family and I love them, as long as they don’t tell me exactly what colors they want in the quilt.
Betsy Scott, Richmond, VA
I have the hope of making at least one quilt a year, with special love and care paid to the special milestone events in our family life like graduations, weddings, baby showers, etc.
Jan Mast, Lancaster, PA
I have made small “get well” art pieces and baby quilts. I have made Mother’s Day quilts and Father’s Day quilts. I have made Going to College quilts.
Michelle Harrison, Morganton, GA
My Moma just passed away and I am making three quilts from the dresses she made to share with my two sisters. We can still get a hug from Moma in a way as we snuggle under the quilt.
Diane Meddley, Parrish, FL
I have given many quilts as shower gifts. I truly believe that I am invited to baby showers because they know that they will receive a baby quilt. I made the most recent one in 25 days.
Elaine Zeitler, Akron, NY
Our family tradition for at least four generations is to make a quilt for new babies.
Some people cook and bake—I quilt.
Signa Ferguson, Pelham, AL
I make quilts for births, get well, weddings, holidays, graduations, birthdays, and memorials because that is how I show that I care. Some people cook and bake—I quilt.
Annemarie (Nancy) Poorbaugh, Montgomery, AL
Births usually get a person motivated to make quilts. Right now I am making twin and full size scrap quilts as my seven grandchildren are in full-length beds now and their little crib quilts are too short. Grandchildren can be real ego builders for a grandma because they love it if “Grandma made it.”
Sharel Etheridge, Lennon, MI
I have a friend who has a closet full of fun lap-sized quilts and larger ones that she has enjoyed making. She allows each grandchild to choose a quilt whenever they hit a milestone: confirmation, graduation, marriage etc. She actually had one granddaughter rush to enroll in confirmation classes to beat out a cousin who also had her eye on one specific quilt in Grandma’s closet and was going to graduate earlier.
Carolyn Vidal, Newport, WA
I make a quilt for each of my grandchildren on their 16th birthdays. I have 25 grands—made 17 quilts so far, 8 more to go.
Esther S Martin, Ephrata, PA
It seems every time I am ready to make a quilt for myself, a wedding is planned or a grandchild is on the way (and I am not complaining). None of my grandchildren can own just one quilt. They have them to cuddle with and drag around, some with pockets and toys hidden in them, as well as bed and crib quilts.
Nancy Chase, Columbus, MT
Right now I have four quilts in my closet waiting for my granddaughters’ special occasions to happen: graduation, wedding, babies, housewarming gift, etc. I want the quilts to signify an important milestone in their lives.
Jeanne Bartleson, North Augusta, SC
In my PA German culture, quilts are a traditional wedding gift. The more quilts a bride gets, the longer her marriage will be!
Diane Bachman, Leola, PA
I made a very special quilt for my sister-in-law to keep her warm during her chemotherapy appointments. I stitched words of encouragement and love and designs that represented the strong women in our family. I added the date I finished the quilt, and when I gave it to her, she teared up. I hadn’t realized that the date was her mom’s birthday. We lost her mom earlier that year. I told her it was her mom’s way of reassuring her that she will be all right, and yes, she is one year cancer-free.
Laura Gilmartin, Stafford, VA
Instead of taking a lot of pictures of traveling that someone will eventually have to throw away, I have made quilts to remember my trips. When we visited cousins in Northern Ireland, we saw an antique quilt in the Ulster/American Folk Park that I recreated when I came home. When we were in Sedona, AZ, I found the perfect quilt kit that will always make us remember the colors and our time in the southwest. In Italy, I took pictures of floor tiles and have now completed my Italian Tiles quilt.
Nancy Swanwick, Fort Scott, KS
G. Giving Quilts Away
I always can’t wait to see what people are going to think of their gift when I make them quilts. Most of the time, I keep the quilt a secret until it is done. I am dying to tell, but it is a pleasant surprise for them.
Tamara Jones, Lindsay, Ontario
The making of my quilts comes from the deepest part of me, during periods of sadness, distress, happiness and joy. It is my way of sharing myself with the world around me. When I give a quilt, it is the most heartfelt present that I can think of giving.
It is nice to make and give for no reason other than to make someone happy. I went to a doctor appointment and the technician was not ready for the holidays due to a hurricane hitting our area. I felt so bad that she lost so much and had a young daughter that I made her a quilt for the holiday. She sent me a thank you note saying that I put her back in the holiday spirit. That made me feel good.
Robin Levine, Wantagh, NY
I made a quilt for a lady I worked with who lost everything she owned in a fire.
Tami Pfeiffer, Janesville, WI
I enjoy letting a recipient select their own quilt from my finished pile.
Barbara Augustine, Woodbridge, VA
The very first quilt I ever made went to my mom. She was the one who inspired a love of crafts and creating in me in the first place. I have made quilts for my nieces and nephews when they got married, had babies, etc. My goal is to make a quilt for each and every member of my family. This past Christmas, we were up to approximately 40 immediate members, so I pretty much have my work cut out for me. If possible, I’d like to make a couple to keep for myself as well.
When I make a child’s quilt, I make a pillow case of the same fabrics and put the quilt inside.
Marsha Brasky, Algonquin, IL
I pray for the person I am making the quilt for while sewing on it.
Joan Hagan, St. Marys, PA
When I make a quilt for adults, I like to make a storage bag of the same fabrics. When I make a child’s quilt, I make a pillow case of the same fabrics and put the quilt inside.
Susan Kieritz, Braunschweig, Germany
I have bartered a quilt. I made him a quilt, and he made me a beautiful wooden wood box for my firewood.
Elizabeth Stine, McDonough, GA
When I give a high school graduation memory quilt, I package it in a plastic bin lined with wrapping paper. This way the bin can be used to pack for college.
Annette Starr, Cottage Grove, MN
I send quilts to new homes to make way for me to make even more. My daughter and daughter-in-law “go shopping” through my quilts. The rule is that I can say “no,” but they usually leave with whatever pops for them.
Joyce Finch, Golden, MO
I let my quilts hang around my home and studio. Then when someone comes for a visit and they make an “I like that” comment, they receive it as a gift.
Brenda Card, Larsen, WI
I am currently making quilts for my son, niece, and seven nephews. When I grew up, my grandmother crocheted afghans for us grandchildren. I love my afghan and think about it often. I want my son’s generation to have something from a previous generation as well. Also, due to my husband’s military service, I have always lived very far away from my extended family, and I want them to have something from me.
I like to wrap mine with a bow and let the quilt be the wrapping paper.
Terri Overton, San Tan Valley, AZ
I like to wrap mine with a bow and let the quilt be the wrapping paper.
Paula Clark, Ethridge, TN
I think it is important to tell the recipient about the care required for a hand made quilt. I once gave a quilt to someone whom I thought would enjoy it and perhaps launder it once or twice a year. To my surprise, she washed the quilt several times a week, and it wore out. She asked me to fix it and there was no fixing that could be done. It was a rag.
Michelle Harrison, Morganton, GA
When I’m making a baby or toddler quilt, I keep extra binding fabric and border fabric if I have some. That way if there is a tear, or the binding doesn’t last, I have fabric for repairs. I fold it and label it and put it away in a storage container with other repair fabrics for other quilts.
Diane Meddley, Parrish, FL
Our sons and their wives each received 1–2 pages of typed information concerning all aspects of their individual quilts: who helped to quilt, whom I consulted concerning any part of the process, which stores I bought fabric from, any number of books, patterns or magazines used, the title of the pattern, how many yards of quilting thread used, even when we even started the process, how they decided on the pattern they wanted, was it with children in tow or on a road trip, the process of marking the quilt and tools used, their wedding date, who made the quilt and where, the year—and more! Also, I pass on information about how to care for and clean or wash the quilt.
Eileen D. Wenger, Lancaster, PA
Include a couple pieces of leftover fabric from the quilt in the pocket that is made to be the label on the back of the quilt. If the recipient keeps those scraps in the pocket when the quilt is washed, the fabric will match if the quilt needs to be patched.
Debbe Meade, Houston, TX
Remember, once you give the quilt away, it is no longer yours, and you have no control over what happens to it. Some people treat quilts like heirlooms, and others treat them like blankets. Not everyone sees a quilt in the same way as the person who created it!
Debra Shirey, Kittanning, PA
If a quilt isn’t for a gift, I will try to display it somewhere in my home by hanging it or folding it over a rack or ladder or on a table or piece of furniture. I love to decorate with quilts because of the warmth they add to a room.
Karen Martin, Breezy Point, MN
I hang quilts in my house or place them on beds or over sofas and chairs. My son jokes that our house has padded walls!
Deborah Gross, Willow Grove, PA
I display my quilts in the living room until they next one is finished. Then they go into a special quilt closet my husband built. Some are brought out for special occasions such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
I use the quilts on a rotational basis in my home. I like having the color and patterns change throughout the year.
Barbara Augustine, Woodbridge, VA
I fold and store each one that I am keeping. Then I use them on a rotational basis in my home. The smaller ones I hang on the wall as an art display. Some quilts are seasonal. I like having the color and patterns change throughout the year.
Carle Kouri, Santa Clarita, CA
Most I keep because I love them and can’t bear to give them away. Some I do make for family or friends. I made a quilt for a family member’s new baby, and I couldn’t part with it, so I made them another one just a bit different!
Vicki DiFrancesco, Conowingo, MD
Most of my quilts stay at home because I get so attached to them while making them that I can’t stand to part with them, so they get well used and loved by my family.
Stephanie Zito, Sudbury, Ontario
I have a quilt cabinet that I put some completed quilts in. This way when special people come to stay at my house for an overnight, they can wrap themselves up with love.
Terry Miller, Alexandria, VA
I have a quilt whose top was made by my paternal grandmother and it was quilted by my maternal grandmother. It is carefully folded and stored on the top shelf of my bedroom closet. When I don’t feel well, it comes down, and I cuddle up in it. I am sure when they made this quilt, it was meant to be utilitarian, but it has been much more to me. Quilts are made with love and should be used with love.
Nancy Chase, Columbus, MT