Do "People" Really Want Wallhangings?

**dolphin** · 07-03-2008, 07:43 PM

I'm just curious what other people think about this because there are some absolutely gorgeous patterns available. I thought it would be good to make some as gifts since they would take up less time but...

Do you or someone you know actually have a wallhanging on their wall?

I've only ever seen quilted wallhangings on walls when it is Chirstmas and that was only at one house.

I'm not talking about the full sized quilts but am talking about those little 18" x 23" or larger quilted wallhangings.

Do you think they would be appreciated as gifts and actually used or would they just end up stuck in a drawer somewhere?

I really need your opinions.

**Lady_V** · 07-03-2008, 07:50 PM

I think it depends on the person.

"I" am not a wall hanging type of person, it just wouldn't go with my Asian decor.

I have seen some really nice ones around the holidays and thought "if that was a sofa throw/table runner/lap quilt that would have been awesome to have on my sofa/table/lap".

There are people out there who absolutely LOVE them on a wall. Think about the 'type' of person you are thinking of making them for. Are they a 'wallie' or would they really like handmade place mats (think of them as smaller wallies)

**Ilovesewing** · 07-03-2008, 07:58 PM

I think it all depends on each person. The only people I've seen with wallhangings in their homes are other quilters! My ds made one for our mom - she never hung it up. I've made them for teachers who were thrilled and hung them in their classrooms. Just think about the person and look around their house. If you think it might fit and they would like it go for it!

My living room is decorated in nature colors; my kitchen is yellow and green. I'll take whatever you want to send my way

**Lady_V** · 07-03-2008, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Ilovesewing

I'll take whatever you want to send my way

I wanted to come back and say, I hope you didn't think I was putting wall-hangings down or anything, I think they are beautiful, they just aren't for anyone...

Now, if I could find a simple place mat pattern...

**tbs727** · 07-03-2008, 08:19 PM

They wouldn't work with my decor either, but someone who decorates in a country style might really appreciate.

**magnolia** · 07-03-2008, 08:58 PM

I would love to have some wallhangings on my stairwell wall. I think it would look nice and lessen the sound that bounces off that wall.
I have been trying to change my decor from a country/cottage style to more clean line modern. Are there quilts out there that would fit this style rather than look country?

**dolphin** · 07-03-2008, 09:00 PM

LOL, You girls are too cute!

I wanted to come back and say, I hope you didn't think I was putting wall-hangings down or anything, I think they are beautiful, they just aren't for anyone...

Now, if I could find a simple place mat pattern...

Lady_V, You gave me your opinion and that's what I wanted. Thank you. I don't use wall hangings either...

I have a 'gazillion' placemat patterns! Literally! If you have something in mind, I'd be glad to find a pattern and send it to you.

Thanks for your opinions ladies. I will keep in mind the person and not just the pattern. I think I will stick to potholders, dishtowels, and placemats.

**dolphin** · 07-03-2008, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by magnolia

I would love to have some wallhangings on my stairwell wall. I think it would look nice and lessen the sound that bounces off that wall.
I have been trying to change my decor from a country/cottage style to more clean line modern. Are there quilts out there that would fit this style rather than look country?

Oh my yes! There are many patterns that would fit a modern decor. Geometric patterns are very popular again. Just by changing your fabric to more sleek geometric patterns or solids, you change the whole look of an area or a wallhanging. I've also noticed that Pictoral patterns are selling very well on ebay so that leads me to think that many are making them. Some examples of pictorials are dogs, horses, city skylines, people, the examples are endless!

**AmyBoz** · 07-03-2008, 10:12 PM

When I lived in the midwest, I remember lots of wallhangings in the homes I visited. I don't see so many here in NJ (not that I've visited every home in NJ!)

I think they are beautiful in certain patterns, but I don't think they are for me. I like to look at other people's pictures of them instead.

**SewCrafty** · 07-03-2008, 10:19 PM

Carolyn, I quilt, have country decor and do not have wall hangings. I always thought they were a waste of time. YES I think they are beautiful and if you like them, go for it, they just aren't for me. So I agree with the other's, keep in mind the person you are making it for and what their tastes are. I'm with the OP, I'm a tablecloth, placemat, potholder type of gal.

**dolphin** · 07-03-2008, 10:47 PM

I always thought they were a waste of time. YES I think they are beautiful and if you like them, go for it, they just aren't for me.

Dee, I agree with you on this as far as my own home goes. Just didnt' know if others were using them. From what I understand they are a huge seller at Craft Fairs but maybe those people are gifting them and maybe the recipient isn't using them, KWIM?

Anyway, when I look at a wallhanging, I see it as a center or focal point for a larger quilt, LOL. I do save wallhanging patterns but it's only because I am just sure I'll be able to use the design in a larger quilt.

I just can't see making anything smaller than a baby quilt or lap quilt because I make my quilts for others to use, not for display.

I really appreciate all of your opinions.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 07-03-2008, 10:58 PM

I don't have country decor but do have a favorite wall hanging. I bought it at our local quilt fair several years ago and have had it up ever since.
I also bought several qulited table top pieces 2 are roundish pads and one is a runner. They are seasonal and grace my table during the right season.
I think hangings are a very personal thing. Over the years I have hung rugs on walls simply because I liked them. Also stained glass windows and musical insturments. My grand fathers trombone hangs in my livingroom on a wall along with hats he worn with different groups while playing. My great grandmothers violin hangs in another area of the house. For many years my can collection took up a catherdal ceiling wall where they were stacked on a shelf and went up the wall. Over 200 decorative cans flled the wall at one time.

Laurie in Bradenton

**Jamauk** · 07-04-2008, 12:07 AM

I don't have any wall hangings right now but that's because I haven't had the time to make them! I have several in mind that I want to make....and then I saw this nursery and I absolutely know how I'm decorating for our next child!

**Michelle** · 07-04-2008, 07:03 AM

I agree that it depends on the person. I like them and would (do) use them--right now I only have holiday hangings.

I don't like making bigger quilts, so making wallhangings satisfies my quilting urge. I wouldn't make them for anyone but my parents (my mother is a quilter and hangs them around her house) because I know they would appreciate them.

I'd be afraid that I'd spend so much time making something only to have the person give it away/throw it out (

) or tuck it away somewhere. It would really hurt my feelings if that happened, so I don't make them for other people.

Also, I don't sew for people unless they request something specific for the same reason. I can't get past the looks of disappointment when I give homemade gifts.

There is a lady in MA who loves wallhangings and quilts of all kinds, I *think* her name is Michelle? :think: If you want to donate any of your beautiful creations to her, PM me for her address.

:laughinghard:

**The Muse** · 07-04-2008, 08:46 AM

I think it'll vary from person to person. I like to pick out my own home decor and would never hang a quilted wallhanging anywhere in my house. It doesn't matter if the design is "modern" or not, it's just not the look I'm going for. But I know there are some people who would love them.

Someone once made me a wreath out of old scrap fabric. I appreciated the craft and it was beautiful, but it just wouldn't fit in with my style. I struggled with what to do with it and in the end at sold it at a yard sale in hopes that someone would actually use it.