Straight from the Heart . . . Quilts for Kids

 

Since 1989 Q.U.I.L.T.S. members have made and donated over 1,300 quilts to the Northeast Parent and Child Society through our ”Straight from the Heart . . . Quilts for Kids” project.  These quilts have been very important to all the kids, from the little ones who sleep better protected by the love that they know has been put into our quilts, to the teens who need something of their very own.

Our November monthly meeting (the “Sew-In”) is dedicated to sewing quilt tops for Northeast.  During the year, members are encouraged to create kits (fabric – usually cut to size – and directions) for this meeting.  Guild members bring sewing machines, cutting mats, ironing boards, irons and other supplies and we split into groups to piece the tops.

Our February monthly meeting (the “Tie-In”) is dedicated to assembling and tying these quilts.  Guild members split into groups and participate in a good old-fashioned quilting bee – well, actually, “tying bee.”  The Guild supplies the pearl cotton thread and the Gloversville Sewing Center generously donates the batting.  Members need to bring their needles, thimbles and scissors.

For any quilt tops donated for the Tie-In, we ask a backing fabric and a suitable half-yard of fabric for the binding be included.  Please include the measurements of the quilt top so that the appropriate amount of batting can be cut to size. 

Once tied, members volunteer to take these quilts home to be bound.  Completed quilts are typically turned in by the June meeting (end of the membership year). 

Both these meetings result in knowledge shared, good conversation, the formation of new friendships and, most importantly, Quilts for Kids.

General Guidelines for these quilts are:   

Sizes:  Big-Kid Quilt = 54″ X 72″    Little-Kid Quilt = 42″ X 60″

Colors:  Bright & Happy

Design:  Entirely up to you

At the present time there is a real need for quilts for teen boys. 

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