Make-A-List Monday - How To Begin a Good Habit!

Hi, all!

Another week of staying close to home has passed - how are you all doing?  It still feels weird, but as it's the new normal for most of us, we need to make the best of it!  It seems like I am busier than ever, but surely that can't be so - after all, I'm spending more time at home, not less, right?  

I don't really feel like making a list (again!) this week, but this does seem like a good time to talk about a good way to make good use of your time.  After hearing today that we are looking at probably at least two more weeks of our new "normal", I recalled that old saying that if you do something for two weeks, it can become a habit.  I don't know if that's true, but here are some suggestions for things you could do for the next two weeks to build a good habit...

Read a book!  And while doing it (weather permitting) get outside and get some fresh air and sunshine.  Maybe you are already an avid reader?  Try branching out to a different kind of book.  Learn a new skill. Read a biography of someone you admire.  Do it a little bit every day!  And if you crave social connection, get a bunch of friends involved.  Choose a book to read together.  Set up a private Facebook page to discuss what you are reading, or communicate via phone, text, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or yelling at each other across the fence!  (Six feet away, please!)

Victoria Findlay Wolfe's studio - isn't it gorgeous?

Organize your quilt studio!  And while it can be a daunting task, you can follow the 30-minute rule over the next two weeks to make a good dent in it.  Set a 30-minute timer (hello, Alexa, my new BFF!), choose a task, and work on it for 30 minutes.  Maybe it's to sort your fabric by color, or press or cut up scraps, or just to pick up the piles on the floor and put them away - but whatever you do, if you do it for 30 minutes a day for the next two weeks, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes!

And speaking of your studio, do you (like me!) have large piles of batting scraps cluttering up your space?  (Oh the shame of it!)  So spend 30 minutes a day making frankenbatting!   Concentrate on building pieces large enough for your common size of quilt - for me that would be about 64" square - and then you can have a stack of ready-made batts instead of a pile of useless bits and pieces!  Or if you have a stack of UFO's sitting there ready to quilt, make batts specifically for those - and get them done!

Have you always wanted to learn how to do yoga or tai chi?  Well, here's your opportunity!  Find a YouTube video or TV class and jump right in.  With social distancing, at least you won't have to worry about looking silly in front of others, and it really is a great way to exercise.  You wouldn't think that something so low key would tone your muscles, but it does!  Bonus points for doing it outside and soaking up some good Vitamin D and fresh air!

Get organized!  Once again, that 30-minute timer is key.  Don't try to do it all at once, or you will burn out!  I have started adding this to my Monday morning list (the day I do household chores, like laundry, shopping, paying bills, etc.).  The entry on my list says:  "Organize one area of new house - 30 minute timer".  This week I worked on the laundry room, spending 30 minutes moving things from where they landed when we moved to places that were more convenient for their purpose.  Some things left the room, others were brought in.  And at the end of 30 minutes, I had a much more functional room!  Maybe there are things in your junk drawer that haven't seen the light of day for years (I found a pacifier in mine, and my youngest granddaughter turns 8 this week!) or your hall closet is a stuff-catcher.  Whatever it is, 30 minutes could turn it around!

So find something to do with your enforced time at home so that you can look back on the Great Coronacation of 2020 and say, "Oh yes, that's when I read that great book/took up yoga/organized my life/made lifelong memories."

Now I really want to know - - - what are YOU doing with your time these days?

Hugs!

Sarah

Hands2Help Comfort Quilt Challenge 2020 is Under Way!!! And A Winner!

Hi, all!

Well, Hands2Help 2020 is off to a rip-roaring start!  We've already had 172 people sign up in the first week - AMAZING!  Now, if you're just now seeing this, it's not too late to sign up, and there's still lots of giveaway goodies to be had at the end of the Challenge - so in the theory of "better late than never", hop over here, read about the Challenge, then if it appeals to you, sign up and join in the fun!

For those of you who have already signed up, as promised, there's a giveaway.....

...so without any further waiting, let's pick a winner!  I've enlisted Little Miss Random to help out...

...and the winner is Lorraine Barrett!

Congratulations, Lorraine!  I'll get your package out in the mail to you this week!!  (hopefully...)

Many, many thanks to all of you who helped promote the Challenge - spreading the word has definitely contributed to the record number of people who have already signed up!  Let's keep spreading the word on social media by using the hashtags #h2h2020 and/or #hands2help2020 and also by tagging your quilt with the charity you will be sending it to - @quiltsofcompassion, #quiltyhugs, #caregiversquiltinitiative, #mercyfulquilts, @quiltsforcure or @littlelambsfoundationforkids.  I'd appreciate it if you'd tag me too (@fabricaddictquilts) so I don't miss any of your posts!

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And now, I thought I'd answer some Frequently Asked Questions!  It seems like every year we get the same batch of questions so this seemed like a natural fit.  Of course, you should never hesitate to ask a question if you have one, as I learn more with each one!  So here goes!

This looks like fun - but I'm not experienced (or good) enough to make a quilt...

Honestly - what better way to get experience than to make charity quilts?  There is no greater joy in the world than to see the look on someone's face when they receive a quilt of their very own - and I can testify that they aren't looking at the quality of the piecing or quilting, but they are looking at the love and warmth contained in that quilt.  Don't pass up a chance for that feeling by downplaying your skills!  And since practice makes perfect, the more quilts you make, the better you get....

I don't have a blog of my own.  Can I still participate?

Absolutely!  The only time you need a way to link up is for the progress check-ins (4/26 and 5/17) and the final link-up on 5/31, and that can be done from Instagram or Flickr.  If you're not on either of those social media platforms, you can email me pictures of your quilts and I will link them up for you!  So see, no excuses!

What size quilts are needed?

I try to find charities each year that request a variety of sizes, so that there's a little bit of something for everyone.  This year, you can find the specific requests on the Hands2Help 2020 page at the top of my blog, listed under each charity's information.  

Can I donate more than one quilt, or to more than one charity?

Oh my, yes!  The more the merrier!  Many of our participants over the years have chosen to donate one quilt to each of the charities, or multiple quilts to just one.  It's completely up to you!  We keep track of the number of quilts donated (just for fun) so be sure to list a total count of the number you donated in the final link-up post on May 31st.

Does the quilt have to be made by just one person, or can a group make and send a quilt?

I think this is such a fun way to make a quilt - with friends!  In 2017, Staci over at The Confused Quilter did a "cross-country" bee quilt with some of her quilting buddies and donated their creation to International Institute St. Louis.  You can read more about it here.  And say, you like to piece but can't quilt - pair up with a friend to complete a quilt!  Julie from Pink Doxies did a guest post in 2016 about working with friends to make quilts for the Challenge that's well worth reading - she also talks about challenging yourself even if you don't think your work is "good enough" for charity quilting.  

I'm ready to mail my quilts. Where do I find the addresses for the charities?

Due to privacy reasons, I don't post the addresses on the blog.  I will be sending them out in a group email in the next week or so - as soon as I get all the email addresses into the computer - but because it is a large group, your email provider may bump the email into the spam folder.  Be sure to check your spam folder for my email address (salliesue57 (at) gmail (dot) com) and mark it as "not spam" so you receive any emails I send!  And you can always request the addresses at any time, directly from me at that address.

I love that other H2H participants are donating prizes for the event. How can I help?

We have always been blessed by H2H participants who want to help give all our participants a small "thank you" for joining in.  And it's been wonderful that because of those folks and our generous corporate sponsors, we've been able to give a little "thank you" to each of the participants every year since the first year!  If you want to help out too, you can email me at salliesue57 (at) gmail (dot) com.  After all, happy mail is the best, right?

I know about a great small charity - would you consider them for an upcoming H2H Challenge?

Absolutely!  I'm always looking for lesser-known charities, both to help them collect more quilts, and to give them some publicity so that more people become aware of them.  It also inspires others to start their own charity quilting groups, which is a GOOD thing!!  We usually have two to three (or six!) charities each year to choose from, so it's helpful to have assistance locating those that are in need of what we can offer.  Just email me with your recommendation and any contact info you have!

Can I donate locally?  

Yes!  I get this question frequently, for various reasons. Some folks can't afford the postage to mail quilts, but still want to participate.  Others know of a great need in their local area, or have a very specific charity they want to support.  The biggest idea behind Hands2Help is the "help" part - using our skills to benefit others!  Of course, I love it if we can use those skills to benefit this year's charities, but if you need or prefer to donate locally, that's fine.

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I think I've hit on the most commonly asked questions from the past years, but if you've got another one, list it in the comments and I'll add it to the list and answer it there!  

I'm so excited about this year's Challenge - and I have a feeling you all are too!  I've already had some people requesting the mailing addresses for the charities (but don't let that put you off - many folks start their quilts right after the previous year's Challenge ends!)   Be sure to check in next Sunday as we hear from our first guest blogger - it's always wonderful to learn more about each other, our quilting experiences and to share skills!

Hugs!

Sarah

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? Staying' Alive....

Hi, all!

Have the days all started to run together for you, too?  But surprise, surprise - it's Friday again!  And that means it's time for us to get our whoop whoop on.  Are you ready?  Let's get started!

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It's amazing how our perspectives on life change when something drastic happens - and this "social distancing" has been a drastic thing for almost all of us, hasn't it?  So I can say without doubt that most of you will concur with me when I say that this may have been the most whoop-whoop-worthy moment of my week....

...finding not only toilet paper, but paper towels in one stop!   If I had also found Clorox wipes, I'd have called it a trifecta!  

This week also saw our house finally go on the market!  Keep your fingers crossed that it sells quickly.  Our hopes are high, as there are many people in this area who lost their homes in the tornado recently and may be looking for a new home in the area.

And how's this for something to whoop about?  We've already had 155 people sign up for this year's Hands2Help Comfort Quilt Challenge!  And there's still time for you to sign up and joining the fun.  Just click here and fill out the form about halfway down!

And this week saw lots and lots of face masks made!  Twenty went to an RN and his co-workers...

...five to a dietitian, five to a phlebotomist...

...five to my local post office workers...

...and I'm working on the masks, both adult and child size, for a local pediatrician.  There's 20 adult masks...

...another 5 adult masks, and 17 kids' masks.

I'll also be making some for my own doctor's office, and anyone else who asks for them.  There's such a need, and they are so simple to make.  

Because... for the next little while...this is what we need to do.  Be like this little piggy!

So - - - can I get a whoop whoop?

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And now it's your turn!

What's got you whooping it up this week?

What's making you do a little happy dance?

Share!  We want to dance right along with you,

And it's always more fun to dance with friends!

The party will stay open until Sunday midnight.

Hope to see you there!

Hugs!

Sarah

I May Have A Scrap Problem... Help Out With Your Scraps!

Hi, all!

Wow - what a difference a week makes!  One week ago, I was enjoying using my orphan blocks to make quilts - and I still have one up on the design wall in progress...

But then I started getting phone calls and messages from medical personnel who needed face masks, and wondered if I or some of my quilting buddies could make some for them.  And how could I say no?  So I started researching patterns, found one that seemed to fit the bill (after consultation with the medical professionals) and went on a face mask making binge!

And the best thing about making face masks?  They only take two pieces of fabric, cut 6 x 9, so they are perfect to make from scraps!  I used up a whole pile of 10" squares I had cut from my scrap stash to make those masks shown above, and I have more cut out to make this week.  Monday I posted a tutorial for face masks on the blog if you want to join in the effort.  Just find people in your area who are in need!  Once I started posting pics on Facebook, I had several folks contact me about making some for them, or for their offices.  

Oh, and back on the orphan block quilts - my friend Louise, who blogs at My Quilt Odyssey, has written a post about making quilts from orphan blocks.  Click here to read her very informative article!

If you're not overwhelmed by home schooling like so many moms I know, it's a great time to work on diminishing your scrap stash.  So what are you working on these days?

Hugs!

Sarah

Make-A-List Monday - Or Make-A-Facemask!

Hi, all!

How are you surviving coronacation?  It should feel like we have more time, but there are so many things to be done - for many of you, home schooling has become a regular part of your day!  My regular weekly list has fallen by the wayside, but I am definitely staying busy.  Last week I worked on quilts from orphan blocks, but just as I prepared to start another one, I received a message from a member of our church.  He is a pediatrician, and was asking if I or the quilt ministry members could make face masks for him.  I checked with him about specifics and started making them.  Then an RN from our church saw the Facebook posts and asked if I could make him some.  A USPS worker and a phlebotomist and a dietician...  So many people feel the need to help, and I have also fielded a lot of calls and emails about patterns and tips.  So - - - I thought I would post it here today!

First of all, let me be the first to say that these masks are not the preferred method of avoiding contagion.  They are definitely not a perfect substitute for the N95 masks normally used.  But if I am requested by a medical professional to make masks for him/her, I am going to.  

These masks also have the great ability to eat through scraps, which makes it a win/win!!  So without further ado, here's my little tutorial.

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Facemasks are quick and easy to make, and as I said before, use up scraps! Use 100% cotton fabrics with a tight weave.  Fabrics should be pre-washed so that they can be washed by the user without shrinkage.  For an adult mask you need two pieces of fabric cut 9"x6", and for the child's those pieces are 7.5" x 5".

I saw recommendations that the linings of the masks be made of a different print/color/fabric from the outside, so that the wearer could know which side was facing the patient (and thus the germs) if it was taken off.  I chose to cut up a large flannel sheet to make all the linings on mine.  You will also need two seven inch pieces of 1/8" braided elastic or elastic cording.  (We'll talk about possible substitutions for hard-to-find elastic later.)

Pin the elastic to the corners of your lining material.  This makes it much easier to sew the pieces together!  

Now lay your outer material on top of the backing, face down, line up the corners, and start stitching a 1/4" seam around the outside of the pieces.  Begin near the center of the bottom of the mask, pivoting at the corners, and ending about 1.5"-2" from where you started...

leaving a hole to turn the mask right side out.  

Press the mask, taking care to work the seams all the way out to the edges, and pressing the edges of the opening in evenly on both sides.  Put a pin in to hold the turning opening together.

Now make the pleats on the sides, taking care that you have the folds go the same way on each side of the mask.  It may take a couple of tries, but you will get the hang of how to space them and soon it will be easy!

Now topstitch all around the mask, starting where you pinned the turning opening.  On the top and bottom of the mask, you will stitch very close to the edge - you can see I am stitching about 1/8" away from the edge...

...and then, when you pivot at the corner, stitch about 1/4" from the edge on the pleated ends, taking care to keep the pleats in place both on top and on bottom.   When you get back to where you started, stitch all the way around again for strength.  This is a good time to say a quick prayer for the person who will be using the mask!

And voila!  You have completed a face mask!  Here you can see the  outside of the mask...

...and here the inside.  After you learn the tricks, you can whip these out pretty quickly.  I haven't timed it, but I'm guessing I can make one in about ten minutes.  

And they're pretty darn cute, too!  As one nurse told me, there's no reason they can't be pretty!

Now for some tips!  First of all, if you have extra 10" squares lying around, you can cut one adult mask front or two child's mask fronts from one square.  I cut a huge stack of both sizes before starting, so I could just sit and sew without having to cut new ones every time I finished a mask.  I also cut up all the elastic I had into 7" pieces and put them in a basket by my sewing machine so I could get to them easily.

Now, about elastic.  Since it appears that a LOT of people are making masks across the US, narrow elastic is sold out everywhere I looked.  I have seen people suggest using narrow elastic headbands as a replacement. These can be obtained at places like Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target - you will find them in the hair care aisle.  I have also heard of people using the large narrow wrapped pony tail holders, which aren't as long as the pieces of elastic mentioned in the pattern, but they are making the fabric pieces wider to compensate for the shortness.  I think I may use this solution for my child masks.  My daughter picked up some pony tail holders for me today and I will give them a whirl in my smaller masks.

If you can't find elastic, you can put ties on your mask.  Construct the fabric part of the mask the same, simply eliminating the elastic on each side.  Turn and press.  Now take two strips of fabric, 1 3/4" x 34", and make binding from them.  If you have pinking shears or a pinking rotary blade, cut the strips using that.  If the edges are pinked, you can simply fold it in half lengthwise and press it.  Matching the centers of the strip and the mask, pin one across the top of the mask.  Starting at the end of the strip, stitch down the strip all the way to the end, using a smaller stitch length and backstitching at each end.  Repeat for the bottom of the mask.  

Kate Spain's face masks, made with her gorgeous batiks!

The pattern tutorial I shared above is based on this one, and there is a video tutorial on the instruction page if you are more of a visual learner.  Kate Spain also showed some masks she was making, which are a little bit more complicated and time-consuming, but should be a good alternative particularly if you have plenty of fabric but not any elastic.  She is using this tutorial.

I have seen that local Joann's stores are collecting masks, and I saw one post that said that their Joann's was providing kits with all materials to make the masks and bringing them out to the curb.  You might want to check with your local store to see if this is being done in your area!

Good luck and sew on!!

Hugs!

Sarah

Hands2Help Comfort Quilt Challenge 2020!!

"What does love look like?

It has the hands to help others.

It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.

It has eyes to see misery and want.

It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men.

That is what love looks like."

Hi, all!

It seems fitting that with all the turmoil and confusion in the world these days, one thing is constant - the desire of quilters to make quilts to comfort those in need. So there's really no better time for us to join together once again than right now, when so many are in need.  I hope you'll join me in the Hands2Help Comfort Quilt Challenge 2020 - I'm so excited to get this started!

2020 represents the tenth year of the Hands2Help Comfort Quilt Challenge!  We've had an amazing nine years...

2011:  47 quilters made 60 quilts

2012:  55 quilters made 94 quilts

2013:  65 quilters made 127 quilts

2014:  70 quilters made 145 quilts
2015:  67 quilters made 147 quilts
2016:  104 quilters made 194 quilts
2017:  125 quilters made 267 quilts
2018:  150 quilters made 416 quilts
2019:  200 quilters made 876 quilts!

With last year's quilts, we have spread comfort to almost 2400 people!  I can’t wait to see what the tenth year of the Challenge has in store - so let’s begin!

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This year we have SIX great charities to choose from!  There is so much need, and so many great charities, it was hard to choose - so I decided to go with them all!  No matter what size quilt you like to make, I'm sure you'll find a perfect fit (or more!)  Here's some info about this year's charities...

Charity #1 - Quilts of Compassion

You may remember Quilts of Compassion, which was first featured as a donation site for Hands2Help 2014.  Since that time, it has continued to do amazing work, particularly with its Disaster Response Team, which deploys to areas which have sustained damage due to serious natural disasters all over the U.S.  I was contacted by Janice Grimes, the founder of Quilts of Compassion, in the early morning hours after the Nashville/Middle Tennessee tornado of 2020, as she checked to see if I was all right following the storms.  They will be deploying to Nashville in April, and while we may not be able to help with quilts for Nashville, we can help them as they deploy to other areas throughout 2020.  Over the past 21 years, they have distributed more than 28,000 quilts to communities going through disaster recovery.  You can read more about their mission here.

They are accepting quilts, fleece blankets and crocheted/knitted afghans of ALL sizes for men, women and children. You may use any pattern or color combination and quilts may be quilted or tied. If they are tied, you may only use pearled cotton. If you enjoy crocheting or knitting, they can use afghans that are lap size and larger. ALL quilts, fleece blankets or afghans must be in NEW CONDITION.

You may include a quilt label of your choosing that represents you, your quilting guild, quilt shop/business or quilting organization. Quilt recipients always LOVE to find out who made their quilt and what city and state they reside. You may also include a card that includes a personal message to the quilt recipient. If a card is included, please do not seal the envelope and safety pin the card to your quilt in a Ziploc bag on the inner right hand corner of your folded quilt. 

Charity #2 - Quilty Hugs for Happy Chemo!

Once again, Emily of Em's Scrap Bag will be collecting quilts to be donated to people undergoing chemotherapy.  This has been a favorite charity for the Challenge participants since the second year, and a whole lot of love and comfort has gone to them in the form of quilts over the past seven years.  Quilty Hugs gives quilts to cancer patients through the Rack Pack, Primary Children's Hospital, and various chemo labs.  They are given to the patient for their own personal use.  Emily accepts quilts of all sizes, from 48" square to twin size (approximately 65" x 88").

  

Charity #3 - Caregivers Quilt Initiative

One of the first blogs I started following way back in 2010/2011 was Sue Daurio's blog.  Sue has developed into an amazing quilter, but she has now started an initiative giving quilts to a very special group of people.  I'll let her tell the story in her own words...

"Meet Allison.  The inspiration for the caregivers initiative.  Allison is away studying to be a clinical psychologist in Florida.  As part of her PhD program, she does therapy.  Her areas of specialty are suicide and addiction.  She works at one of the state psychiatric hospitals.  One day I called her and she was a bit down.  When I asked, she had a hard day with one of the patients.  It was then that it just hit me.  Yes, all the cancer patients and those that need quilts for health issues or reasons we may not know, bless them they are valid. But what about those that care for the people with cancer? With mental illness?  They do this day in and day out. They need a bit of self care.  They need to understand how to recharge, rejuvenate from the thing that they can't help but do - care.  So one third of our quilts this year went to caregivers.  As a small and simple way to say thank you, you are making the world a better place.  And to provide just a tiny bit of self care when it's needed.

To all the caregivers, not all are in the healthcare profession, thank you for all you do.  The world is a better place because of you!  If there is a special care giver in your life, just let them know you notice, you see it and you appreciate it.  That goes a long way!"

I know just how precious these quilts are to the recipients, because my two deaf grandchildrens' interpreter, Krishenda, was the recipient of one.  Such a wonderful way to express love to those who give so much of themselves every day!  

So here is how you can help with this initiative, also in Sue's words...

The Caregivers drive, here's what I'm thinking.  I'd like this to be more like 100 quilts for kids.   Everyone knows a caregiver that has gone above and beyond.  Make a quilt, give the quilt to that caregiver and share the story of caregiving.  I can provide a hashtag  for use on Facebook and/or Instagram.  My group will be making a number of quilts as we do every year,  so if there are some that know caregivers and just can't make a quilt for whatever reason, we will gladly help out!!  

But wouldn't it be wonderful if during the first year there were say 20 quilts for caregivers for 2020?  Caregivers come in all walks of life and we are surrounded by them constantly.  It may be hard to recognize them because they are caring for someone who may be in dire need, or caring for someone that may just need help to get through the day.  Often we see those who are needing the care and overlook those providing the care.  We had a physicist, a librarian, 2 nurses, a psychologist, a housewife and a retired mother among the recipients last year.  Each of them had a unique story and each were so surprised and touched by the act of caring towards them.  You could actually see an exhale when they realized the quilt being presented was for them. The whole body changing the moment they realized that someone saw them and appreciated their act of caring.  It touched my heart. 

What do you think?  I'm thinking ask people to make the quilts, lap size is great.  Present them to the well deserving caregiver before Hands2Help 2020 is over and share the story of the caregiver on your check-ins, on Instagram, or on Facebook. 

So this is a little bit different - you will gift your quilt locally to a caregiver of your own acquaintance - but surely we can help reach a goal of 20 caregivers for 2020!    

Charity #4 - Mercyful Quilts

The Merriam-Webster definition of mercy includes compassionate care of those in distress.  So many of us have provided quilts for compassionate reasons, to help those in need or distress.  Mercyful Quilts is the heart-child of Bernie Kringle, who blogs at Needle & Foot.  Mercyful Quilts benefit the Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, CA.  The quilts are given to patients as they reach end of life stages.  The quilt provides comfort to the patient, and after the patient passes away, the family is able to take it home as a remembrance of their loved one.  If you want to learn more about Bernie's efforts, you can read this post or this one.

Here are details about what kind of quilts are needed:  lap size only, approximately 60" x 70", but there aren't any firm rules. Not huge, as they are used for patients in a hospital bed.  Adult fabric only, as this hospital doesn't serve children or teens.  Fabrics for men, women, or gender neutral fabrics are great.  If you want to do a Quilt of Valor with patriotic fabric, they do serve veterans and it is nice to offer this if they have them available.  Finish the quilt with machine binding or hand stitching, either is fine.  Quilts can be hand quilted, machine quilted or tied.

Charity #5 - Quilts For Cure

Did you know there are about 40,000 children in the US currently in treatment for childhood cancers?  About 42 kids will be diagnosed today alone.  Part of the mission of Quilts for Cure is to give quilts to as many of those kiddos as they can, and you can be a part of their outreach through Hands2Help this year.  

Here are their requests for quilts donated to them:

DONATION QUILT GUIDELINES:

DUE TO THE SENSITIVITIES OF CHILDREN BEING TREATED FOR CANCER, PLEASE FOLLOW ALL GUIDELINES CAREFULLY.

• 100% Cotton fabric and batting
• 100% New Materials (no upcycling or recycling please)
• Size: between 36 x 36 inches (infant) and 70 x 90 inches (twin sized). Throw sized quilts are the most versatile.
• Any tasteful pattern or design (remember, these quilts are for kids)
• Machine quilting preferred for durability
• Washed before mailing in a fragrance and dye-free detergent (Example: All Free and Clear). It is VERY IMPORTANT that the quilts be free from dust, animal hair, and smoke
• Labeled: Your first name, last initial, home state, year completed, and "Quilts for Cure"
  
  

Charity #6 - Little Lambs Foundation: A Late Addition!

Many of you may remember Little Lambs Foundation for Kids from H2H 2018, when it was a participant favorite.  I received a DM from them asking if they could be included in this year's challenge, as they have a huge need for baby quilts this year.  (Of course I said yes!)  They provide baby comfort kits and have been overwhelmed with the number of requests for babies going into foster care.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Little Lambs Foundation, it is a non profit 501(c)3 organization operating out of Utah which provides comfort kits to children ages newborn to 17 years old who are transitioning into foster care, emergency shelters or who have been hospitalized, by providing them with a little comfort in a bag.

Most children are removed from their home with nothing but the clothes on their backs and if they are able to take anything with them, they carry their precious belongings in a black trash bag.  Can you even imagine?  Little Lambs provides a backpack full of much needed hygiene and comfort items that can provide these children with something they can call their own, give them dignity and show them that their community loves them.

They are requesting baby quilts only at this time, which is perfect for many of you.  Suggested size is 36-42 inches per side.  They will also send charitable tax receipts upon request.

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With six great charities to choose from this year, you can make a wide variety of sizes and styles of quilts - something for everyone!! And if you're torn between the charities, feel free to make more than one quilt!  Just think how many wonderful designs you can try.... ;-)

And to encourage more international participants, if you live outside North America and want to participate, you can choose a local charitable cause to give your quilt to.  So come on and join in, all you Aussies, Brits, and Kiwis!  And anyone else who wants to join in!  

Ready to sign up?  Fill in the form below (place your cursor in the box below, scroll down to see all the fields to enter, then click SUBMIT) and you'll be all set!

Initial signups will be Sunday March 22nd through Saturday, March 28th.  You will receive one entry for signing up, and can get additional entries for putting the button on your blog sidebar, and/or posting about the challenge to encourage others to join in!  (You can sign up after this time, but this is the period to sign up to be part of the signup giveaway. And if you signed up before March 22nd, you'll be entered in the signup giveaway too!)

The following Sunday, March 29th, we'll announce the winners of the signup giveaway.  

And then there's the guest bloggers!  You will definitely want to be here on April 5th, April 12th, April 19th, April 26th, May 3rd, May 10th, May 17th, and May 24th as we get to peek into the creative lives of some of our fellow H2Hers!  

There will also be check-in dates like last year, when you can link up and show your progress....  April 26th and May 17th.

Quilts should be completed by the week beginning Sunday, May 31st.  There will be a linky party (May 31st through June 5th) to link your finished quilt and show it off, and giveaways for people who link up their quilts.  We've got some great sponsors this year!  Winners will be announced on June 7th.

Quilts should be mailed to the appropriate charity by Friday, June 12th.

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Whew!  That's a lot of information to digest - but the important thing to remember is that signups start today!   

Woohoo!!  Let's get started!!

Hugs!

Sarah