I’m on a bit of a mission! I think here in the UK the majority of people who don’t make quilts believe that there is only one use for a quilt – a bed cover. When potential customers have spoken to me about my quilts they are puzzled that many will not cover the full length of a bed. Humm! This has got me planning a little poster campaign inviting the craft-shop-browsing public to think beyond patchwork quilts as bed covers.
Here are some of of the messages I’ve dreamed up so far:
A quilt is not just for bedtime!
Around this statement I thought I could add some uses for quilts such as; sofa throw, tv or reading snuggle blanket, storytime shared blanket, comfort blanket, car blanket, picnic rug, playmat, play tent, a boat or a treasure island… Perhaps I could include some pictures of quilts being used away from a bed – I keep thinking of the numerous patchwork quilts that appear on Monica’s sofas in Friends! Please go ahead and add any other uses for a quilt to the comments below. Thank you!
What’s in a quilt sandwich?
In answer to this question maybe I could make a board with sample pieces of patchwork, wadding and backing explaining how the quilt stitches hold all the layers together?
Hug a quilt and it will hug you back!
Around this slogan I could add lots of words to describe the benefits of a quilt: comfy; warm; soft; cozy; happy memories; security; familiar; given with love… If you can add more words and phrases to this list please leave them in a comment, I’d be very grateful!
All these thoughts have been whizzing round inside my head today as I’ve been quilting the star table runner. Very glad to be able to announce a finish, just in time to add it to my display in the pop up craft shop when I’m on duty tomorrow afternoon 🙂
I’m linking with Lorna, Let’s Be Social and inviting you to visit and link with Quilty Inspirations 🙂
Allison
I love these thoughts and ideas. Quilts have so many uses and functions and are fantastic to incorporate into play and daily life. I remember building many a quilt fort using dining room chairs, quilts, and clothespins in my youth. 🙂
Yes! We loved making tents out of deckchairs and old blankets (no quilts in our house!).
Gosh so many uses . A treasure island , a boat as you say . A big hug . A tent
A tablecloth for picnic . Hide the mess in the corner drape …..
Thanks for adding to the list Helen ☺
Decor for the changing seasons–drape a Christmas quilt over the sofa and it’s time to get out the other decorations. Also fantastic as a play mat for a baby.
lol, you are quite creative in your marketing. I’m the worst sales person ever !
The uses for a quilt are endless! And you haven’t even started yet on those other uses, like table mat/runner, play mat, baby car seat blankie (they have to be really small), or (shock!) wall hanging or other decorative uses. Also, a bed quilt does not have to be covering the whole bed (and down to the ground)! I don’t like that “heavy” look very much (small rooms), and prefer to use even a bed quilt as hardly more than a bed topper, coordinating with the bedding…
Thank you for adding to the list Sandra ☺
Thanks for linking to Quilty Inspiration, Allison.
Quilts can also be used as table cloths (though I’m not sure I’d recommend it for actually eating at a table unless one is willing to take a chance on spills). I also thought that sometimes quilts can be games — roadways for little cars for boys, or maybe even a twister-style game if the quilt is made with large colored circles.
You have some great ideas to help your potential customers see other uses for quilts. I hope it all goes well and that your sales improve.
Thanks for adding to the list of ideas Nancy. I popped into the shop this morning on my way through town and I’m really excited to say the star table runner has been sold already! 😊