This hasn't happened to me with a quilt (that I know of) but that's why I don't give many away. I'm so afraid of someone not liking it or appreciating it I have then give me input on the color and design. I always tell them if they really don't like it I'll take it back and make another for them. There is too much of my heart and soul in each quilt I make.

I'm not aware of any regifting of the quilts I've made, but one did get stolen (along with some other things) from the church I'd given it to for a raffle/auction. I've mostly made quilts for new babies, comfort quilts, commissioned or for the family. I feel that once a quilt is given, it belongs to them and they're free to do what they'd like with my gift. But, if they did what I thought was a bad thing, I'd try real hard to not let it happen again.

SharonG/FL

I once sold a top to a lady.About a month later it was in a raffle at our local bank and she had taken the credit for making it. I wouldn't have minded if it had just said "donated by" but it said "donated and pieced by" and then her name.I did get up the nerve to call her,and she apologised and called the bank and had them change it. She said the bank just assumed it was pieced by her as she brought it in. I know her fairly well,and she seemed sincere,so I gave her the benefit of the doubt.(smile) We are still friends....

when I'm making a quilt as a gift, I consciously think of it as a commissioned work--that way it's never really mine. I finished piecing a wedding quilt for a nephew and his fiancee yesterday. Will they like it? I have no way of knowing; quite probably not as neither of them will have the slightest idea of how much work went into it. If they don't, well, I guess that's the way it goes. I'm now cutting the pieces for another wedding quilt for a niece that's sewn her whole life. I know she'll love it.

As far as I know no one has "regifted" any of my quilts. Most of mine are toddler or comfort quilts so I am pretty sure they have been used.

beverly

Early on I decided that when I give a quilt as a gift or when I sell one, it is gone and out of my control. It is no longer mine. Would I feel a twinge of hurt feelings if I saw one of my quilts in a yard sale? Sure I would, but I wouldn't let that twinge last long. Would I be upset if I found out someone took credit for making a quilt that I had made and given them? You bet! and I would address that issue with all the parties concerned.

I made quilts for a friend when she had both her babies, and she told me the first one (the boy is almost 4 now) she has put away for "when he's old enough to not spill anything on it". I told her to give it to him and let him wear it out! It's washable! The 2nd baby was just born this spring, so who knows when she'll actually get to use her quilt!

Donna

I've only given a few away and to people I knew would use and wash them. I always remember the story of the lady who visited her son and found her quilt thrown over his motorcycle in the garage. That won't be me.

If I made something into which I put a lot of love or effort, seeing it given away by the recipient might, or might not, offend me. If the intention was to pass along something precious, how could I be offended? If it was to put it someplace where it would be more appreciated, ditto. If it was in a yard sale, on a vehicle in the garage, or outside lining a dog house, yes I would be offended. Better the recipient were honest right up front, but I know many people would be reluctant to be so upfront. But, it's a kindness actually.

I always give a recipient to a quilt an escape route right when I give it. I tell them that they can have ...........and lay out an option of money, quilt, or other item. Then honestly tell them how much work making a quilt is, and that whatever they chose will not offend me.

I have several friends who won't use anything nice, and I have that tendency myself--it runs in my family. My grandmother always had a new dress in the closet she wouldn't wear...because it was new. It was hung next to the 'old' new dress which she would then begin to wear to regular church with a solemn sense of wearing a practically brand new dress.

I have been on the receiving end in a situation like you described, Geraldine.

Many years ago I was lucky enough to get a very used, handmade quilt in a box of various items in an auction. I was thrilled, fixed it up a bit and used it for several years. I then passed it on to some friends who had very little and they also used it and loved it.

I hope that the original quilter would have been pleased that her quilt had kept so many different people warm! I know I would be.

goldie

I have kept very few of the things that I have made. Quite a few were sold and many given as gifts. I don't know if any were passed on to someone else other then the one I made for my mother which when she went into a nursing home my sister claimed.
My ownership ends at my door. The pleasure I get from making something is the only forfillment I need. My life is getting too short to be too concerned with infractions of faith that I really have no control over.
Jayne

I have never made a quilt for anyone else except for swaps and I don't know if they really like them or not. But people are really pretty kind when they receive them and compliment me. I really hope they liked it.

I've had several quilts given to me when my babies were born. All were used and loved. Most were saved and passed along to the girls when they had their own kids. These were made by a relative specifically for each girl. I did have one baby quilt that was given to me by a friend who bought it at a craft sale. I used the quilt, then put it away. Some years later I donated it as part of a relief effort to flood victims. My mother was horrified that I gave it away but several months later I saw that very quilt being used by someone who truly needed it. It made me feel good that it wasn't still tucked away in my closet.

I have never had a quilt that I gave away go unappreciated, (not to my knowledge anyway). I have given several away and the folks that got them were very appreciative. Many of them were wall hangings and memorials that I gave as gifts. I made all the quilts and crib ensembles for all the grands -- they were requested. About 3 years ago I had to repair a crib quilt for my granddaughter that she was still taking with her on trips. She was about 12 then, so I guess she likes it.