Giving Homemade Presents

For those of you who give away homemade presents, do you ever wonder if your beloved projects are being loved by their owners? I do at times. The more handmade presents I made, the more I realize that when I see the present recipients, I look to see if my present is being used. Nothing thrills my heart more to see a zip pouch in my friend's bag, or a baby quilt lying in a bundle in a child's play area. Those glimpses... those make it all the worth while.

Why am I writing this you might ask?

Yesterday my sister received my package of her very belated birthday present in the mail.

In the package was this project that I finished a while back but never got around to sending it until recently. I made it by using this tutorial and I have to admit that I wasn't thrilled with my fabric selection for the top flap. I am so embarrassed by it that I couldn't even force myself to take a picture of it. 

Anyways... back to the topic at hand. Do you ever doubt your final projects? Perhaps doubt the fabric selection. Perhaps all the seams don't add up. When you're finished do you reflect on all the flaws that your sharp eye can catch? Or am I the only one?  I remember making this and I totally did not love it by the end of it. I think that's what made me two months late in actually sending it. 

 But I got a call from my sister as soon as she got her package and she was so excited. I could hear the happiness in her voice. She told me that it was something that she would buy if she saw it in a store, and the fabric selections were wonderful and cheerful. I can't describe in words how happy that made me. I was sure she wouldn't like it, because I wasn't thrilled with it. 

I've been a bit unmotivated to finish projects for people because I wasn't sure if all my effort was worth it. If they would love and use my items. But now - after my sister's call... I am so excited to begin her quilt top again. 

Because I know she'll love it and appreciate all the work and the long hours it took to get there. Even though my seams might not all match up and it looks a bit easter egg in my fabric choices. I'm so grateful for her phone call yesterday... sometimes the smallest enthusiastic comment can make all the difference. Do you agree? 

What motivates you to complete and give away homemade presents?