Don't forget lap quilts--these are popular to throw over the back of the couch and snuggle in when watching TV--at least here in Wisconsin.

Annie

I would disagree that "most people use quilts for bedspreads/bed toppers". Most people I know want the fully coordinated comforter/shams/matching curtains thing. More's the pity IMHO.

Baby quilts should sell well. Lap quilts should sell well.

Your group seriously needs to hold the show/sale when potential customers can get there. Why aren't you doing this on a Saturday? And on Sunday after the church services?

Raffles, especially on a very well-made, beautifully quilted quilt, can bring in a boat-load of money. Some churches do have issues with raffles, so they simply call them "Opportunity Drawings" or something like that.

I don't quite know how to advise you, but I think the Powers That Be at your church are being terribly short-sighted. Maybe raffle off one or two really gorgeous quilts, and sell modestly (NOT cheaply) priced baby and lap quilts. Lap and baby quilts fit into anyone's life - most bed quilts don't, because trying to match a decor is an issue.

If you are going to raffle any quilts, I suggest you advertise the retail value of the quilts you are raffling. It may boost your ticket sales.

Baby quilts and lap throws if they were that popular, you should stick with. also I think people might purchase seasonal theme table runners? you could just try a few this year and see how popular they might be. Also any quilted carry bags are really popular. Maybe the larger quilts are too pricy for many people especially if they are older. Raffels are also popular. tish

Salijo has a good point - state up front what the quilt is worth, both the fabrics and supplies cost, plus the labor.

Do call it a "Hand-crafted" quilt rather than a "home-made" quilt.

I think lap quilts would be quicker to make and sell well. You could make some seasonal and/or specialty lap quilts and wall hangings. Rag quilts, especially I-Spy should sell, and baby quilts. Sets of placemats and tablerunners may sell well also.

I agree with posting the value of the hand crafted quilt along with a reasonable starting price.

beverly

Isn't sad as far as we have come, that "home made" is viewed as of less value by so many people? Carole

I'm thinking the distinction is a valid one, Carole.

My mother made dresses for me and for my sisters. So did my aunt. The difference - my mother's dresses were beautifully done, and my aunt's dresses, well to put it mildly..we didn't want to be seen in them.

She had the "loving hands at home" down pat. They were made with love. But they were still badly made, fell apart after a wash or two, and, well, they were ugly! She tried, but she didn't have the skill, and, frankly, she wasn't willing to learn either.

The same goes for quilts. I just quilted a quilt for a friend. It had gorgeous fabrics, all coordinated, but frankly, it was badly pieced (the half square triangles were practically pointless, as a matter of fact). The quilt is still lovely, and her grandson will prize it. But it was "loving hands at home" piecing. My friend isn't willing to improve her skills - she just doesn't care all that much.

This is not to devalue her work or the love she put into it. But if one is selling a quilt to raise money, the purchaser doesn't give a fig about the love. They want pointy points and the blocks to match up. That's just life.

I think the distinction between "hand-crafted" and "home-made" is a valid one. Hand-crafted implies skill in the craft.

Thanks for your suggestions. Think I am swimming upstream on this. No, the First Baptist Church does not allow raffles, etc. I am surprised they allow us to sell some of the quilts.

Think I will continue making "practical quilts" for Mission Arlington and let someone else worry about how we raise funds for supplies. All my suggestions get knocked down. I have tried and that is about all I can do. I appreciate your help.

The recent quilt show/sale was planned on the same day other events were taking place in the church. However, those working were not able to come during the day.

Krissie