A Quilter’s Dilemma

I have a dilemma—I am not sure if I share this particular worry with other quilters but every holiday season, every birth or special occasion I spend too many hours worrying over this … Do I gift a homemade item?

I love making quilts and quilted gifts for my family and friends–but have I gone over board? I don’t have this issue when sewing for our annual sale and auction. People can buy the placemats, table runner or not. They can buy the items for themselves or as a gift. No pressure on me. But for my family-ehhh.

One exception is when a family member or friends asks for a quilt and shares exactly what they want. For example I am finishing a quilt for a grandson in which he choose the pattern and fabrics.

To add to pressure, I just finished a novel in which the newly married couple received an ugly oil painting from an aunt (yep, an aunt again) that she painted herself. It was so ugly that it was scary. They kept in a closet and only hung when she visited. In this case it was the clue that solved a murder! I don’t worry that my gifts are frightening, but I do worry that the gift isn’t right for their lifestyle.

This Christmas I had two such dilemmas. The first is a table runner/wall hanging that I had intended to give my son who used to collect Santas. During the dark nights of winter in a pandemic, I embroidered what I thought would be the perfect gift! It was a pattern by Bird Brain of four Santas in red work. I quickly finished it and it has hung on my design wall for months needing the patchwork frame and quilting! Should I give it to them before Christmas–but then they would need to display it when I visited them over the holidays. Is he “over” Santas? Does my sweet daughter-in-law want decorate her home with her choices? Finally I decided to give it to them Christmas morning and they don’t have to use it this year–the house is already decorated.

My other “homemade” gifts were for friends in my quilting group. Giving an homemade gift to people who quilt well is a challenge! Every year at Christmas we exchange fat quarters because ..well, every quilter can always use more fat quarters! We have a limit of two fqs per person, but traditionally we add another treat in each gift bag. It can be candy or a quilt pattern printed nail file, etc. This year I had some fun snowman fabric that I wanted to use. But what?–I did not have that much. Mug rugs? Yes! Well, personally I am not a big fan of mug rugs, but I could just squeeze out the number I needed. I could have made coasters (the same thing but smaller) but one mug rug sounds better than one coaster! Plus there are less calories in mug rugs than candy.

Perhaps I do over think somethings–well, a lot of things. But friends, I do put much thought into your gifts. And with each gift I give there are many warm thoughts and love.

I am looking forward to sharing some of our new projects in January. Until then, Merry Christmas to all of you who have shared this new adventure with me and a huge thank you!