If you have ever made a quilt that you've given away as a gift, you have probably worried about the welfare of that quilt in the hands of someone who perhaps does not understand the time and effort that went into your creation.  Let's face it, if we conducted a survey of non-quilters and asked them how much time it took to make a quilt, or how to care for a quilt, we'd find that the average "man on the street" doesn't have a clue.

New York quiltmaker, Sue Carmichael, has created a wonderful line of greeting cards called Quilt Cards Etc.  According to her website, www.QuiltCardsEtc.com, the mission of this product is “…to educate the non-sewer about their gift quilt so they know just how precious a present they have been given.”  

There are six card styles that cover most common gift-giving occasions; wedding, baby, birthday, graduation, Christmas, and a blank card for any event not covered by the first five.  My favorite feature of Quilt Cards Etc. and the one that I feel is the most valuable, is “The Anatomy of a Quilt” that is printed on the inside cover.  It provides an explanation of the quiltmaking process, defines common quilting terms, and gives instructions for washing, drying, and storing the quilt.  

The front of the card has a  printed verse and provides a space for  you to attach a quilt photo or the main fabric from the quilt.  Inside the card you’ll find a beautiful verse that is appropriate for the occasion.  

Cards can be purchased on the web from Sue’s website, www.QuiltCardsEtc.com .  She will also be a vendor at the AQS Nashville Quilt Exposition August 24-27, 2005 in Nashville, Tennessee, so if you are planning to attend this event, you can view her wonderful cards first hand.