I have made quilting goals for the year in the past and rarely do they all get met. So this year I am keeping things simple. I know of 3 baby quilts that will be made this year.. one is done and waiting to be bound. I have one other quilt I plan to make this year... cannot tell what it is here since it is a surprise. Other than that.. no set plans except.. I really want to do more charity quilts this year. I love making quilts and giving them away and I especially love sending them to organizations that use them to bring comfort and love to others. My goal is for every quilt I make to give as a gift or keep, I will make a charity quilt.
So far in 2013, we have made (finished) a wall-hanging and made a baby quilt. So that means 2 charity quilts are needed. No problem!
I whipped 2 tops up a couple of weeks ago and have one quilted, bound and ready to mail. Both will go to Quilts for Kids I love this organization ... love quilts going to kids in the hospital to comfort them. You can request quilt kits from them and will receive fabric for the top and a pattern. You provide the backing and batting. I did that a few years ago for my first Quilts for Kids quilt. Since then, I have just used their guidelines (found at the site) and made them from my stash.
NOTE -- there are very specific size requirements. These are small quilts and go together quickly! No excuse not to whip a few up. Truly one could be made.. start to finish.. in a day by most any quilter. There are also requirements concerning fabric (new, washed, 100% cotton) and quilting (tight so the quilt will hold up to use and washing).
This first one is for a girl.. any age really.. I read that they needed quilts for teen boys, so I was pulling fabric for a boy quilt (which is next to my machine ready to be quilted) and while pulling 5" charms, I kept seeing these fun bright ones left over from some other kid quilts. So I pulled enough for a girl quilt too.
I used the disappearing 9 patch pattern. It is soo fast and so cute... can be laid out in a number of ways. I have a lot of 5" charms, so I can get started quickly on one of these. I will probably make some with other patterns as the year goes on. That is one of the fun things.. you can try out new patterns as you create something to bless a child.
You can name your quilt and register it here: Downy Touch of Comfort Then include the name and your first name with your quilt. Quilts for Kids sews a special label on every quilt, even if you add a label at home. They can link up your quilt via the name so you can see who got it. You can also read stories and see photos of the quilts and kids at the Downy site for inspiration.
This really is a great way to use the gift God has given to brighten someone's life!
So here is my first charity quilt of the year.. Wiggly Giggly...
The boy one will be posted soon and no doubt there will be more on the blog in the months to come. I already have ideas for 2 or 3 more!
Belle
