Our Guild supports the individual and group efforts of our members in
donating quilts to charity. We collect charity quilts
children and adults at
each monthly meeting. The most useful sizes are : Kids 36"x40" (approx.)
juvenile prints, bolds or pastels. Adults: Lap size 40"x40" up to 60"x72"
(approx.) Throughout the year these are distributed to local charities i.e.,
Ronald McDonald House, Linus Projects, and the Chesapeake House.
Preemie
Quilts are taken by Irma to Harbor and St. Agnes Hospitals. They are used
in the isolettes as well as to cover isolettes so that the preemies can get some sleep since the lights are
always on in the ward. Sizes needed are from no smaller than 18" by 24" up to 36
inches square or any size in between. They must be hand or machine
quilted - no tied quilts can be used. Fabrics must be pre-washed. No
monofilament threads, metallic fabrics or metallic threads are to be used. Please use batting and appropriate baby
colors and prints. Flannel on the back is not required, but it does make a soft
back.
Pillowcase style sheets measuring 21"x32" can
also be used by the hospital.
Nests: Preemies also use "nests". The are just
like the snakes that people put in front of doors to cut off drafts. In the
hospital they are used to nestle preemies from the minute they enter the ICU
ward. Take a piece of flannel 9"x40-42". Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides
together. Sew up the ends toward the middle leaving one or two openings near the
middle to stuff. Turn it right side out and stuff. It takes about 10 ounces of
fiberfill to make it soft but firm. Irma says to round off the ends and
whipstitch the openings after stuffing.
Love Projects: Our guild is committed to making
quilts for local charities and causes. The committee will chose a pattern and
often prepare the fabric for guild members to try new techniques or block designs
which are the assembled into quilts. Many members complete entire quilts for
charity using the featured block or design. These charity quilts are often
referred to as Love Projects. Entire meetings can be spent making these Love
Projects or the committee may chose to book a non-meeting date for completing
this effort.