When Hug blocks are not used

You did make it clear IMO that you would use the blocks for another quilt. When I made hugs last winter, I received way more than I could use. Some I have sent on for other hugs and some are now going into Katrina relief quilts. I don't know that all blocks I've sent have been used but I figure once they are mailed, they are no longer mine but a block I made.

In my opinion -- that was a very rude request to come back to you. I can't believe that the individual would send such a cold-hearted note. I think your offer to use them to benefit another individual was wonderful. When I do a HUG block -- once it is sent I trust the quilt-maker to use her best judgement to assemble the best quilt top possible with the blocks received. I would never 2nd guess the intentions of someone who offers their time to assemble not only 1 HUG -- but more as well!

Here's a cyber HUG for you... {{{}}}{{{}}}

Kate in MI

Susan, Sometimes I have trouble processing some peoples' callousness. You did make yourself very clear about using the overflow of blocks for other Hugs and I see no reason for you to apologize to anyone. You took on a monumental task, as do all Hug makes. Please, don't be jaded. Bless you, and the work you did and continue to do.

Mary

DOESN'T MAKE THE WORLD GO AROUND. BUT IT CERTAINLY MAKES THETRIP WORTHWHILE.

You did a wonderful job! I'm sorry that someone's feelings were hurt.....just remember, you can't please all the people all the time! Don't let this discourage you...keep up the good work.

Betty in WI

It does seem a little coarse to criticize you for your efforts. I usually don't even sign my blocks since I'm making the blocks not for recognition, but for the act of caring for another human being. I received great love with the "Hug" I got at the loss of my son. I proudly display it in our living room for all to see and to give praise to all who contributed and to all of those who are willing to contribute, whether or not they were included in my "Hug". To me, it is the thought that counts and to begrudge the "hug builder" is not at all nice. By the way, I could complain that only one of the blocks I sent was used, but, for it to go to another deserving person is quite alright with me too. How can I possibly complain. Marlys in Indiana

For the majority of the RCTQ Hugs that were made, the Huger (person making the HUG) used ALL the blocks for that said HUG. We have made some HUGE HUGS some that are BIGGER than KING SIZE.....(just go to Terber's site and you will see the size of them--Sarah's comes to mind). IF the blocks were LATE (and this one was NOT--it was one of the first ones you received) the extra blocks were used on the BACK of the HUG or in a pillow. Our Hugs were never made with 'only certain blocks can be used'. The Huger used whatever came and made a beautiful HUG.

I think the person requesting the said return is within her right---she made that block for a certain Hug and expected it to be used there. It does not sound like she said to 'use it wherever'.

Another 'thing' is that when there was 'fabric' sent it would be used to make the backing of the quilt...yes, it was a bit more work, but it kept the theme going and saved on your pocketbook....and sometimes it became a second quilt (reversible if you will)

I sent 2 blocks for this particular Hug knowing that the 2nd one would be used in the second Hug which I thought was being made for the fella that saved Tyler. I have NO problem with your using it where ever.

Thank you for making the HUG for Tyler

HTH

Butterfly (Maker of 5 Hugs, that I can remember, and I even used blocks of fabric that were 'just signed' as the person was not able to make a block)

Yes it was sad and you can't believe how sad it made me not to be included in this quilt. My blocks weren't included because you chose not to. I wrote that message just in case you didn't see the original request for you to return my blocks that I posted here on the group before posting to you personally. So for the third time - I am requesting you return my blocks so I can see that they are given to someone who will appreciate them. If you can't afford to post it I will send a SASE to make it easier for you. Just let me know.

Thank you Butterfly, well said. I just replied to this post, asking the same question about using them for the backing or making it larger......but it seems to have gotten lost in cyber space!

Hugs, Tina

I had only briefly read the original post asking for blocks, but at the time I thought it was abundantly clear that the quilt would be a certain size and extra blocks would be used in other Hugs for other service people.

That said, if I had been coordinating this hug, and someone asked that the blocks be returned, I'd do it in an instant. I wouldn't want blocks hanging around that had bad karma. Maybe the sender had particular feelings for this one recipient, and didn't want her blocks used for someone she didn't know. Maybe she was having a bad day. Maybe she didn't read all of the original post. Doesn't matter -- send 'em back. :)

replied privately

)O( Anne in CA )O( "It's not having what you want; it's wanting what you've got." -- Sheryl Crow

I certainly have no complaints with Hug blocks going to ANYONE who needs them and there are certainly plenty of military service people who are more than deserving of a HUG.

That said, my only questions in this particular issue are that there was mention of another soldier who had tried to help/protect Tyler and that if there were enough blocks sent in, they would be made into a HUG for that soldier? I am aware that someone has already made a seperate HUG for that soldier, but if there were so many extra blocks sent in for Tyler's, why weren't they used for that soldier? or,

If there were so many additional blocks, why not use them to make a pieced back so that he has that many more "messages of love" from people that intended it for him?

Ironically, I felt bad because I made two blocks to send in - with the thought that one would be used for Tyler and one would be used for the other soldier that helped him. The second one was rather wonky so I set it aside - in the sense of urgency for Tyler, and sent on the first block. My intention was to fix the second one and send it to follow.

You may use the block I sent in for Tyler's HUG for another soldier, as I certainly wouldn't want you to pay postage just to send it back to me when there are definitely other soldiers deserving.

Thanks for your heartfelt efforts Susan.

Tina

Thanks so much for being so considerate Ms. Butterfly - You wrote your words as they were written on my heart. My blocks were made for Tyler and not something else. They were sent very early and should have been included. For what ever reasons the maker chose not to use my blocks so I want them back to send to someone who will appreciate them. I choose who I will donate them to. If Susan needs a SASE envelope I will stick it in tomorrows mail. I still think the extra blocks could have been used on the back of the quilt as you and Ms. Tina discribed. Apparently this option has been ruled out.

I stated early on that Tyler's Hug would also be a Quilt of Valor. I wanted to do this as I am unable to do the quilting myself and a volunteer from the Quilts for Soldiers project would be available. As such, there is a limit to the size top I could submit. If someone is available to quilt an extroidinarily large quilt, please speak now and I can increase the size.

Alternately, if someone would like to relieve me of the hosting of this project, please post.

I did have them intended for a specific purpose and last I heard there was a request for a consenus on the use of left over blocks. I made it very clear that I wanted mine back at the time the group was being polled.

I asked to host the Hug for Tyler. I was not able to also host one for Mr. Figaroa, the man who aided Tyler when he was wounded. If someone else would like to host that Hug, I will gladly forward any remaining blocks, excluding any whose creators have requested that they be returned.

**This is the first time I have 'seen mentioned' that there was a 'certain size'....now which post did I not receive? I know I don't get all of them....this seems to be one of them. SIGH. I also was not aware that someone else would be doing the quilting and they had a 'size limit'.

Seems like there is a major lack of communication on the making of this particular Hug.

For what it's worth....the majority of us that make squares for Hugs have the particular Hugee in mind when we do the square....and most of us 'know' the recipient. Therefore, I can see Snigdibbly's request for the return of her block... because we 'know' Tyler's Mom.

Butterfly

I think, Betsy, part of the trouble is in the fact that you went through the Hug list for your request. What we are used to on the Hug list is just what Butterfly said, all the blocks sent will be used for intended person the Hug is being made for, whatever size it turns out to be. The fact of "leftover" blocks is not really conceivable, and so was just overlooked in your email that went through the Hug list. Most of us knew that you were collecting blocks for wounded servicemen way before the Hug for Tyler was requested. It was probably felt that this one was different, because it went through the Hug list and not just a public message on the ng. I'm sorry feelings were hurt, and I think all will be well. In the future, if you request a Hug for "one of our own", just use all the blocks and make it as big as it gets. They all match, they all fit, they all work together. And to whomever asked for the blocks back, please don't hold this against her. She did declare herself, and hopefully some of these posts we are all making will help her in the future.

Karen, Queen of Squishies

You heard her, Huggers, we need someone to quilt Tyler's Hug so she can go ahead and make it as big as it ever wanted to be in the first place. Yippee!! Okay, who can do this??

Karen, Queen of Squishies