seams 1/2" because they get stressed a lot. Polyester batting cause it dries faster and doesn't hold moisture. Simple is better. So often donation quilts are not used for a long time. They are appreciated and can be loved, but if it goes to someone who is more transient, something like a quilt will get left behind easily. Or if it goes to a homeless group, as soon as it is wet, if it can't be dried quickly, it gets dumped. Missions that provide housing, may have a different sized beds so they need something that fits their bed. Don't overlook groups that make quilts for s specific place or group of people. They may have regular meetings where you can sew with a group. They will have their own rules to follow. This is what I do and it makes me happy.
Most places want all cotton fabrics, so I stick to that even if they don't care. I pick up used cotton sheets at the thrift shop to use a backing fabric. Make quilts that are appealing and/or interesting to you. Surely many others will like them too. I stay away from hand stitched applique or binding as they don't hold up well. I don't enjoy doing volunteer work. But I love, love, love making charity quilts! In fact most of my quilts go to charity. Baby and kids quilts I take to the children's hospital. Dog blankets and pet beds go to the local kennels. Throws and bed quilts go to the local women's safe house, homeless shelter, and nursing homes. Wheelchair quilts go to nursing homes and children's hospitals. Quilts of Valor go to the local veteran organizations. I've even made gurney quilts for our local coroner's office. I feels so good to make charity quilts and it's a good use of my time (and my scraps!).
One thing that some charities want are machine sewn bindings. Especially for kids in hospitals so the cords don’t get caught. While I don’t really like to see the machine quilted line on the back, it makes sense. So I’m getting better at machine binding for charity quilts. For my home/gift quilts I still hand sew the binding to the back!
When I first started making quilts and didn’t know I was doing, I made dog quilts. I knew they wouldn’t care about mistakes or bad designs. Some of those dog quilts are still around after almost thirty years and my current dogs enjoy them as much as the originals. It was a great way to learn.
Today I reviewed the latest lists. You’ve done such an amazing job of finding charities that help people through donated sewn items, not just quilts. Thank you for providing info on how we can share our time and talents 🤗
Just had to tell you I laughed at the intro. I have not only run out of family for quilts, I have actually asked and given quilts to random strangers. 😅
If you live in a rural area, check with volunteer fire dept, your fire chief can let you know when there is a fire and how many people are in the household that may need quilts. This is something that we have been doing for many years! they are always appreciated!
My top tip for charity quilts is to try and keep them gender neutral - I mainly avoid floral fabrics, but use lots of ‘blender’ fabrics which have texture and interest. Also, don’t be scared to using bright colours 😀
Hi, my tip is the one you gave in an earlier video. Using fleece for backing. I contacted my local Linus and they recommended I use a fleece backing. Game changer cost and time wise.
Great topic our group covers a huge size and age range. We also make bibs for adults and children and cosmetic sized zipper pouches with travel sized hygiene items. We avoid holiday and religious themes too
Great topic and great thoughts. Often smaller organizations in your local area are great places to approach like women shelters, local children services, police or other emergency services, hospital with an axillary, local community care groups that have food, and charity giving at holidays. The quilt guilds that I have belonged to have all had charity quilting initiatives. If you don't want to be a member of a group I am sure contacting their executive and offering your service to create for them would be gladly be accepted, especially longarming or binding services. We can all help out in small ways its just picking what level you feel you can do. Maybe it is a days help, maybe it is sorting the enormous stash of donated fabric or offering to use your acuquilt to cut up kits for others. So many ways.... I sent your video to our new volunteer "Quilting Kindness" chair. Love your thought process. I am a bit like you with so many ideas and I can't do them all but some may spark and resonate with others!
A local church where I live, has a Blanket Making Group; They accept Quilt Tops of a certain size; They will finish the tops with backing and batting...then Hand Tie the quilts together, then machine bind them. They are then sent overseas to war torn countries, through MCC!. There are certain fabric requirements...one of which is images: no flags, pigs, skeletons, etc... I love how I get to do the fun part (for me!)...and let someone else do the rest! I use a mix of new and thrifted (but 100% cotton) fabrics...and I make sure they are all color coordinated. Some of the blocks in my tops, are just one piece of fabric...some are pieced...but it all looks good together!
I'm Italian and I wish we had charities that accept quilts or any other home sewed items . Here in Italy the charities usually ask either for your time , as a volunteer, or your money as donations . They are good options but I think a third oppotunity is missed : making something in your spare time to be given as more personal present to people in need. I agree with you you don't do it to receive a '' thank you '', but with the hope of just helping someone who is going through a difficult time . Elena, Italy
Ugly quilts could potentially be kennel quilts. Have you asked the Dog's Trust or local animal shelter if they would accept them? I recently turned a small quilt I didn't like when finished into a blanket for my dog; he's not as fussy as me and it protects my sofa from muddy paws. Dog beds are a great way to use wadding scraps too but I haven't attempted to make one yet. So many projects, so little time...😊
I have started using my scraps and 'uglier' fabrics to make mini quilts for our local animal charity. Cats and dogs love being snuggled up and they don't care what it looks like. Plus they always send the rehomed animals to their new homes with their blankets so they have a familar smell, so they always need new ones, my last adopted cat came home with 4 of them! My own cats are more appreciative of my quilts and crochet blankets than people are 😂. Plus they are smaller so easier to make and transport, and they are good to get some free motion practice on, as none of the animals care if it is wonky.
Hi Kristen; Good presentation! But let's not forget event specific fund raisers that many charities depend on. Often organizations mount art or arts and crafts sales and/or auctions to raise funds for their budgetary goals. These events are huge for some charity or philanthropic groups. They raise money as well as giving some public exposure to the creator of the art piece or quilt. It's a big area not to be ignored
What is your top tip for quilting for charities?
seams 1/2" because they get stressed a lot. Polyester batting cause it dries faster and doesn't hold moisture.
Simple is better.
So often donation quilts are not used for a long time. They are appreciated and can be loved, but if it goes to someone who is more transient, something like a quilt will get left behind easily.
Or if it goes to a homeless group, as soon as it is wet, if it can't be dried quickly, it gets dumped.
Missions that provide housing, may have a different sized beds so they need something that fits their bed.
Don't overlook groups that make quilts for s specific place or group of people. They may have regular meetings where you can sew with a group. They will have their own rules to follow. This is what I do and it makes me happy.
@angelbev67 good tips!
I've been making quilts for Project Linus for 6 years and donated almost 100 and they are great and always need more. ❤
Wow! You are a superstar! 👏
Most places want all cotton fabrics, so I stick to that even if they don't care. I pick up used cotton sheets at the thrift shop to use a backing fabric. Make quilts that are appealing and/or interesting to you. Surely many others will like them too. I stay away from hand stitched applique or binding as they don't hold up well.
I don't enjoy doing volunteer work. But I love, love, love making charity quilts! In fact most of my quilts go to charity. Baby and kids quilts I take to the children's hospital. Dog blankets and pet beds go to the local kennels. Throws and bed quilts go to the local women's safe house, homeless shelter, and nursing homes. Wheelchair quilts go to nursing homes and children's hospitals. Quilts of Valor go to the local veteran organizations. I've even made gurney quilts for our local coroner's office. I feels so good to make charity quilts and it's a good use of my time (and my scraps!).
Fab work! I had not heard of gurney quilts - that’s a new one for me!
One thing that some charities want are machine sewn bindings. Especially for kids in hospitals so the cords don’t get caught. While I don’t really like to see the machine quilted line on the back, it makes sense. So I’m getting better at machine binding for charity quilts. For my home/gift quilts I still hand sew the binding to the back!
I always machine bind so I hadn’t thought of that! Good point though!
When I first started making quilts and didn’t know I was doing, I made dog quilts. I knew they wouldn’t care about mistakes or bad designs. Some of those dog quilts are still around after almost thirty years and my current dogs enjoy them as much as the originals. It was a great way to learn.
Fab! So funny they are the ones you still have!
Today I reviewed the latest lists. You’ve done such an amazing job of finding charities that help people through donated sewn items, not just quilts. Thank you for providing info on how we can share our time and talents 🤗
Thanks! So glad it was useful for you!
Just had to tell you I laughed at the intro. I have not only run out of family for quilts, I have actually asked and given quilts to random strangers. 😅
I’m sure we aren’t the only ones 😂!
If you live in a rural area, check with volunteer fire dept, your fire chief can let you know when there is a fire and how many people are in the household that may need quilts. This is something that we have been doing for many years! they are always appreciated!
Fab!
My top tip for charity quilts is to try and keep them gender neutral - I mainly avoid floral fabrics, but use lots of ‘blender’ fabrics which have texture and interest. Also, don’t be scared to using bright colours 😀
Great tip!
Hi, my tip is the one you gave in an earlier video. Using fleece for backing. I contacted my local Linus and they recommended I use a fleece backing. Game changer cost and time wise.
Yes and recipients love a fleece backing!
Great topic our group covers a huge size and age range. We also make bibs for adults and children and cosmetic sized zipper pouches with travel sized hygiene items. We avoid holiday and religious themes too
Your group sounds great !
What a marvellous thing you are doing with the list 🤩
Great topic and great thoughts. Often smaller organizations in your local area are great places to approach like women shelters, local children services, police or other emergency services, hospital with an axillary, local community care groups that have food, and charity giving at holidays. The quilt guilds that I have belonged to have all had charity quilting initiatives. If you don't want to be a member of a group I am sure contacting their executive and offering your service to create for them would be gladly be accepted, especially longarming or binding services. We can all help out in small ways its just picking what level you feel you can do. Maybe it is a days help, maybe it is sorting the enormous stash of donated fabric or offering to use your acuquilt to cut up kits for others. So many ways.... I sent your video to our new volunteer "Quilting Kindness" chair. Love your thought process. I am a bit like you with so many ideas and I can't do them all but some may spark and resonate with others!
Thanks so much for sharing the video! And what a good idea about using accuquilt to cut kits for others - I hadn’t thought of that one!
A local church where I live, has a Blanket Making Group; They accept Quilt Tops of a certain size; They will finish the tops with backing and batting...then Hand Tie the quilts together, then machine bind them. They are then sent overseas to war torn countries, through MCC!. There are certain fabric requirements...one of which is images: no flags, pigs, skeletons, etc... I love how I get to do the fun part (for me!)...and let someone else do the rest! I use a mix of new and thrifted (but 100% cotton) fabrics...and I make sure they are all color coordinated. Some of the blocks in my tops, are just one piece of fabric...some are pieced...but it all looks good together!
MCC is a great organization. They need volunteers that sew ... 🇨🇦
@@suzanneritchie7048 who's MCC? Are they in UK?
Fab! Sounds like a great set up!
I'm Italian and I wish we had charities that accept quilts or any other home sewed items . Here in Italy the charities usually ask either for your time , as a volunteer, or your money as donations . They are good options but I think a third oppotunity is missed : making something in your spare time to be given as more personal present to people in need. I agree with you you don't do it to receive a '' thank you '', but with the hope of just helping someone who is going through a difficult time .
Elena, Italy
Ugly quilts could potentially be kennel quilts. Have you asked the Dog's Trust or local animal shelter if they would accept them? I recently turned a small quilt I didn't like when finished into a blanket for my dog; he's not as fussy as me and it protects my sofa from muddy paws. Dog beds are a great way to use wadding scraps too but I haven't attempted to make one yet. So many projects, so little time...😊
Exactly so little time! I have given small quilts to a cat shelter once but not for dogs yet…maybe one day.
Lots of great advice , & many wise words , thankyou , Australia
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this information.
Great information and reminders!
THANK YOU!!!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Great episode❤
Thanks!
I donate to groups that accept Quilt Tops in Alberta, Canada. Different groups have different size requirements.
I have started using my scraps and 'uglier' fabrics to make mini quilts for our local animal charity. Cats and dogs love being snuggled up and they don't care what it looks like. Plus they always send the rehomed animals to their new homes with their blankets so they have a familar smell, so they always need new ones, my last adopted cat came home with 4 of them! My own cats are more appreciative of my quilts and crochet blankets than people are 😂.
Plus they are smaller so easier to make and transport, and they are good to get some free motion practice on, as none of the animals care if it is wonky.
Lovely!
Charity gifts are between you and God. You are giving them to His kids. They will thank HIM. God will thank YOU. It works out all around.
Amen. ❤
An older and much wiser woman in a quilting for local charities once said “No one wants an ugly quilt.”
Indeed!
Hi Kristen; Good presentation!
But let's not forget event specific fund raisers that many charities depend on. Often organizations mount art or arts and crafts sales and/or auctions to raise funds for their budgetary goals. These events are huge for some charity or philanthropic groups. They raise money as well as giving some public exposure to the creator of the art piece or quilt. It's a big area not to be ignored
Hi Keith! You are right I hadn’t thought of that! Probably because I haven’t done anything like that myself! Good point!
Where is the list of charities?
Link is in the video description box - click ‘see more’ under the title and the description box drops down so you can see the links