(includes volunteer guidelines)
-Quilt size:
There are no hard-fast rules on what size or type of quilt we make to donate. Just some simple guidelines.
Make the quilt at least 40"x40", anything else is just to small for most practical use. Nursing home quilts need to cover a lap, and we are not all thin people. Baby quilts are used mostly for 'tummy time' these days, but will also be useful for toddler naps, and should be able to be used as the child grows. We've also chosen 40"x40" because it eliminates the need to piece backing. (just a bit simpler)
Any size larger quilt is great, but limit your quilt to twin. Shelters and nursing hoe can use twins for clients beds, and twins are most common.
-Batting:
Should be cotton or cotton blend. Polar fleece seems like a good idea, but cotton fabric shrinks and polar fleece is typically 100% polyester and shouldn't shrink. This could lead to oddly puckered quilts. If you want to try it, wash the quilt in warm/hot water and dryer and see what happens. Never know, you might get lucky!
- Quilting:
Different battings have different quilting distance recommendations. Some say you can quilt as far apart as 8-9 inches, others recommend low as close as 2 inches apart. If quilt is going ot be waned frequently (and these likely are) closer is better.
Use you charity quilts as an opportunity to try new quilting techniques. The recipient is not going to be a particular as you are about the perfection of the quilting. They'll appreciate a warm cuddly quilt and not analyze the workmanship. So have fun, try new things, or simply get it attached. Straight lines, diagonally lines, wavy lines, anything to finish! Finished is more important than perfect!
-Tying quilts
Although we do not regularly tie quilts, there's no reason you could not donate a tied quilt. If you enjoy making tops and do not want to quilt it, you could tie it. (we've had a few finished tied quilts donated in the past and they were received as well as the quilted ones.) So tie if you like!
But a few things to remember: Tie your knot tightly. Square knots are recommended. Keep them close together, like 4" apart maximum. Use sturdy thread, cotton 'washcloth' yarn is a good choice, acrylic 'knitting' yarn is not the best choice, kinda stretches thin when tied.
-Other things to donate
Many of us are multitalented crafters and like to make other things when not sewing. In the past members of the group have made tote bags, walker and wheel chair bags, Christmas stockings, placemats, pillowcases, dresses from mens shirts for Africa, eyeglass cases, small cleaning rags for glasses, knit and crocheted hats, crocheted afghans, pillows for chemo patients, and likely something I've missed. So, if you're interested in trying other things, as the same thing over and over gets boring, we can certainly mix it up and try new things!
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