The purpose of creating a handmade quilt might not make sense to someone who did not come from a family of dedicated quilters. Growing up in a family where my great grandmothers, grandmothers, mother and all of my aunts were quilters, the time and energy that goes into creating a handmade quilt was always appreciated. In making the decision whether to make your own quilt or just go to a store and buy one, here are some things to consider:

o If you are a creative person, it is especially satisfying to decorate your home with things you make yourself. Anyone who has a quilt on display in their home will tell you that guests almost always notice and compliment your handiwork. Your home takes on a little more of your own warmth and personality when you display your own handiwork.

o A handmade quilt is a perfect gift for the person who can afford to buy almost anything they want. For many years, I worked as secretary to a successful business woman who had been very generous to me through the years. When she celebrated a milestone birthday, I wanted to give her something special. Knowing I could not afford to buy anything she could not buy for herself, I decided a handmade quilt would be a great gift. To my surprise, this was the only handmade quilt she had ever owned, and she was beyond thrilled to know that someone would take time to create a special gift for her.

o Most people appreciate the value of a handmade quilt, and even men and children love receiving a quilt as a gift. Almost anyone loves to receive a gift that was made especially with them in mind.

o When you give a handmade quilt as a gift, you are giving something no one else can give the recipient. You are giving of your time, energy and talent, which are things money cannot buy.

o A handmade quilt is a one-of-a kind creation. Even if you use the same pattern and similar colors, every quilt seems to turn out a little different making it unique and personal.

o A handmade quilt can become a family heirloom and be a special keepsake. When you own a quilt that was given to you by a family member, you fondly remember that person every time you see their handiwork.

o If you like to sew and have fabric left over from other sewing project, the left over fabric is never wasted when it is turned into a beautiful handmade quilt.

Whether given as a gift, displayed for decoration in your home, or used to keep warm on a cold night, there a many reasons for the creative person to take up the art of quilting. There is a feeling of satisfaction and pride when you tie the last knot in a project that you created yourself.