Thank you for the kind words for my son...he is feeling much better. His illness was brief....and I am very grateful for that. There are children who are not so fortunate....some are seriously ill and some are in great need of comfort due to a tragedy. As I was thinking about this I remembered a wonderful presentation in Houston for Fall Quilt Market. It was a School House Presentation given by Linda Arye for Robert Kaufman Fabric Company.
Linda is the founder of Quilts for Kids. Their mission is, "Transforming discontinued, unwanted and other fabrics into patchwork quilts that comfort children with life-threatening illnesses and children of abuse".
P&G and Downy and Robert Kaufman Fabrics are just two sponsors of the Quilts for Kids project. There are many more and you can read all about their wonderful program the Quilts for Kids website. Please take the time to go over and read about their program.
Since I promised TWO Giveaways today, I thought it was apropos to offer some Animal Party Too! charm packs.
Robert Kaufman Fabric Company has a line of 33 fabrics by Amy Schimler that benefit Quilts for Kids. How incredibly wonderful is that? The talent of Amy Schimler coupled with the generosity of Robert Kaufman Fabrics....now that is something to smile about, right? Right!
Look how cheerful the fabrics are in the Animal Party Too! line. I never understood what folks do with one charm pack. Am I alone here? I'm always thinking two is good start and then you can add some fabric for borders, right? Tell me what your thoughts are on the subject.
Since it's my blog....for today....I'm saying ya need two charm packs and there will be two winners chosen. Do you have that? Two winners will each get two Animal Party Too! charm packs compliments of Robert Kaufman Fabrics by way of the IHAN blog (they were kind enough to provide them for a giveaway).
To enter, visit the Quilts for Kids website and come back and tell me something you learned. If you have participated in the Quilts for Kids project, tell us about your experience. I'll choose TWO winners on Wednesday December 22nd. Feel free to spread the word if you are so inclined :)
Smiles,
Kelly
PS....if you are looking for something incredibly fun to do with your kids, or the kid in you, check out Dave's Snowflake Patterns....I love making these during the winter months :)
I did do the Downey Quilts for Kids. It was a lot of fun and my first donation quilt.
ReplyDeleteBillie
I did not know that fabric mills had been moving out of the USA. No wonder i keep hearing about prices increases in 2011..... Thanks for sharing the link - nice to hear about people helping others in need.
ReplyDeleteI learned that these quilts have landed in my hometown!
ReplyDeleteThere is a letter from the folks at Levine Children's Hospital part of the CMC medical complex in Charlotte.
I live outside Charlotte.
I'm glad your son is doing better.
ReplyDeleteI use charm packs in miniature scrap quilts.
Thank you for this giveaway. I do believe that this winner would have to make a kids for quilt donation with this lovely fabric.
ReplyDeleteI found out that a friend from a quilt study group that I belong to is a local coordinator. If I win I'll make a quilt to give to her for our local community. Great giveaway. Kathie L in Allentown
ReplyDeleteI have not donated thrugh that organisation, I am part of a younger group that donates quilts specifically to Seattle Children's Hospital, the hospital that saved my dads life when he was 5. in what I read, I was impressed with the start of the organsation, just trying to save fabric from landfils while brightening up ill childrens kids.
ReplyDeleteand I have made a cute quilt out of one charm pack that I won (any time I win a giveaway so far I'be made a quilt for Seattle Childrens with it. Can't guarantee I ALWAYS will but 98% of the time) and a few yards of fabric, but two would have been bigger and better! I just did 2 1/2" strips between the charms and then a 5" border (all prior to seams) then bound. Toddler/lap size
I have done several of the Q4K kits. I love the interesting fabrics they send and it gives me a great deal of practice on the quilting frame. I suggested to a friend she request a kit so she could learn to use her 18x8 Mega Quilter. She's on her second kit so far.
ReplyDeleteI belong to a guild in Ft. Wayne, IN and we make kids quilts for Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do every year. It's a camp for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Every child gets a quilt.
ReplyDeleteI learned that this is a wonderful program that uses discontinued fabrics to make quilts for sick kids. What a comfort it must be to these kids and their families to know that a stranger cared enough to make something for them. They also have some free patterns for simple quilts to make for their program, so even beginners can help out!
ReplyDeleteDarling fabric for the giveaway...I love charm packs, and I'd love to use these to make a quilt to donate.
MGM
I made a Quilts For Kids quilt and it was so fun. It was a great combination of fabric with a kung fu panda theme and easy to add a back and binding! I'm sure it made some child smile.
ReplyDeleteMy quilting club, Franklin Parish Piecemakers, made 26 quilts for Quilts for Kids this year. The kits have fun, bright fabric and are easy to make. We completed the tops in a morning workshop and then took them home to quilt and bind. We got to see the beautiful finished quilts during "Show and Tell" at the next meeting before shipping them back to Quilts for Kids. A lot of fun for the group with a real feeling of accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, I am glad to hear your son is feeling better. I have just finished a P&G-Downey quilt and have another one part way finished. I like using 2 charm packs. I usually make 1/2 square blocks with 1 light & 1 dark charm and then set them together in different patterns.
ReplyDeleteI now know that Robert Kaufmann created a line of 33 fabrics by Amy Schimler to benefit this cause. WTG!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great organization. I found it interesting that you are able to make quilts for your own community if you contact the local chapter. Thanks for sharing this. I will have to share it with my guild.
ReplyDeleteMany of the large quilt fabric compainies (i.e. Moda, Timeless Treasures, etc.) donate materials for their cause.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about that organization - and found out there's a chapter right here! How cool is that!
ReplyDeleteDonation quilts are so much fun to work on. If I get in a creativity slump it seems it may be caused by selfishness. Making a simple something and giving it away will cure the blahs faster than just about anything I know.
ReplyDeleteI visited the Quilt for Kids site and I learned that the Pennsylvania chapter donates to 200 hospitals and that there are 80 other chapters. WOW, that's a lot of comfort. I am going to make a quilt for this amazing charity.
ReplyDeleteI learned that rag quilts can't be accepted for sick children who might have breathing problems.
ReplyDeleteThe fabrics that you're giving away look like a lot of fun!
Well i didn't even know there was such an organisation. I am amazed by how many quilts have been made and donated not just in the US, but worldwide. The stories are so touching and you just know that every one of these quilts is appreciated.
ReplyDeletei had NO IDEA they are headquartered 45 minutes from me. I am definitely going to participate with them and see if our local quilt guild can as well.
ReplyDeleteI have participated in this program, and have a quilt in the works now. The pattern is so simple that it doesn't take much time to complete. I think it's a wonderful program to help sick childen.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly thanks for making this possible. I love Kauffman fabrics. I was really suprised how many quilts have been made and donated. I will be checking to see if there is an equivalent in Western Australia; I would love to be part of giving a quilt to a sick kid - especially at Christmas time. Sam (Sandra) sdownes@oceanbroadband.net
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in AS, I looked into doing some of these quilts for the Downy program, they had to have a physical address....so I am excited to get settled and I sure will be doing some of these.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful fabrics...Kelly, it is Christmas, you need to take a break....you peeps will still be here when you get back......you are well worth the wait!!!
Your postal bill must be out of this world...you are way to generous....did you hear me...wayyyyy too generous.....
You are one amazing person with a heart that will fill up the whole state of TExas.....so take a rest...I know it will be hard...sit on your hands....
I learned that many fabric companies have donated fabric or money to help support this cause! :)
ReplyDeleteI ordered a kit and did a quilt for Quilts For Kids. Since a lot of the cutting was already done, it was really easy.
ReplyDeleteThey send excellent directions -which you return to save on printing costs (smart idea)
I really enjoyed making and giving the quilt.
I wish there was a local chapter. Sadly I am too busy to head one up.
This is a wonderful organization! I will need to look in my area for something similar to help out. The cards and letters from the recipients are heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of donating. Our guild does for the local hospital as well as for all the local preschool programs in the public chool.
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to do this...AND found out that Mother Seton Parish, where my first Quilt of Valor is being quilted by the long arm quilter right now and should be ready in January for donation, is ALSO the group to donate to for THIS project! I had read thru the info months ago, but this info didn't click- I guess I was so focused on the quilt for a soldier, I missed the childrens secion... thanks for the chance, and I am so glad your little guy is ok, Happy Holiday, fondly, Sandy
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, glad to hear the co-worker is better and didn't have anything that will run through the house. I have donated several quilts to Quilts for Kids, one of the things that really stuck with me was they want it heavily quilted including the binding. I do that now in a lot of my children quilts, since they get washed more. I also agree with you that two charm packs is the least amount to play with.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful organization. I wonder why they don't want any 'fleece' quilts? I see there is a chapter about 45 minutes from me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat way to use up fabric instead of them going to the landfill. I am surprised to learn that this organization has been around since 2000 - ten years. I haven't heard about it until now. Sad. Thanks for spreading the word!
ReplyDeleteI learned that this is a wonderful organization and I will be considering them for a future donation. I already donate locally but this group sounds fabulous too. I also learned that there is no chapter close to me = ( Thank you for sharing this group with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI was able to make a quilt for Quilt for Kids. It was so much fun and was a quick project that left me feeling good! you can see the quilt here:
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.petitdesignco.com/2010/08/quilts-for-kids-update.html
and a finished picture here:
http://blog.petitdesignco.com/2010/08/quilts-for-kids-update.html
I plan on doing it again this year!
I did the Downey quilts for kids...they send you the fabric and easy pattern for a cute quilt, and then I did a second from scraps to send back. It was nice and easy and I'll definitely do it again.
ReplyDeleteLove the animal print line....thanks for a great giveaway.
I have done 4 quilts for the Quilts For Kids program. They turned out so cute. Plan to do more in the near future.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to help kids.. if you volunteer, there is no charge for them to send you a quilt kit :) now that is nice! And you can make a quilt for some kids and make their day!
ReplyDeleteNow the fabric you are offering is bright, beautiful and cheery, what child wouldn't be happy to snuggle there!
I think QFK is a wonderful project. I've made 3 QFK quilts. They were so much fun to make. I have 6 more in progress from my stash fabrics ... need to get on with those after the first of the year. Charms are perfect for small quilts. Thanks for the chance to win some!
ReplyDeleteI learned that I can cry in 1.2 seconds looking at those pictures. And I am incredibly blessed and fortunate to have 2 healthy children.
ReplyDeletehey thanks Kelly, that is awesome! They have a need for teenage boy quilts and I know I have some boy flannel downstairs so this might be the perfect opportunity to use it. I bought it to make pillowcases out of, but Con Kerr wouldn't accept flannel so I'm surprised to see it accepted here. One question I have is, what does this mean? (it's a quote from the website)
ReplyDelete"Remember, some of these kids are going through chemo, so please try to color coordinate your quilts."
I have done a few Q4Kids - no one seems to have mentioned that when you sign up, they send you enough fabric already cut for the design. If you want to do any more, you can use your own stash fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI've always sent back at least one from my own. It's a good program. Thx for talking about it. Downey is the main sponsor, btw.
I make a lot of community quilts but hadn't heard about Quilts for Kids. It seems to be primarily an East coast and Midwest activity, but I was surprised to find out that there are 2 chapters in Arizona (where I live).
ReplyDeleteI am currently making a string quilt from red, white and blue material left over from a quilt...it will be just the right size to send to Quilts for Kids...thanks for the website and thanks for the giveaway...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. On the Quilts for Kids website I learned that before 2007 they were getting free fabric samples from the mills, but then the mills moved offshore, so now they depend on their supporters to buy fabric at reduced prices from the fabric companies.
ReplyDeleteQuilts for Kids is a great organization. I have done several of their kits - the fabrics are wonderful to work with, the patterns are super easy. I also have fun checking back from time to time to see where my quilts end up!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a great thing to do - it feels like I'm sending a big hug to someone who needs it.
Thanks for mentioning this great group. I hope more people get active and make Quilts for Kids!
Beth in Dallas
What a great organization. A group of ladies I quilt with will be making a few of the quilts to donate in the Florida area - sometime after the first of the year. Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteI learned that their HQ is in my state of PA! Thanks for the chance, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteI did not realize all the fabric companies had moved out of the US as of 2007.
ReplyDeleteRosemary
cntryways@att.net
Sounds like a great organization! I learned that's something I can help out with :-). Thanks for the pointer!
ReplyDeleteWell I learned (not really I already knew) that quilters are wonderful kind giving people.
ReplyDeleteI have not done Quilts for Kids since I do Project Linus (similar org) and can't afford to donate to both. But hats off to all who donate to these causes.
When asked I always do include Quilts for Kids as a place people can donate. I leave the cause up to the donors choice.
I am so thrilled that we have people like Donna Rhodes that are completely devoted to helping others through quilts!! She drove 6 hrs----oh my, what a fantastic lady and so worth it too to see those happy smiling faces of the sick kids!
ReplyDeleteI've made two for Quilts for Kids, one with the kit they sent me and one with fabric from my stash. As a parent of a child who had cancer, I think it is a wonderful cause and I know my son would have loved to have recieved a quilt when he was going through treatment, but that was before QFK was started. Anything we can do to brighten the days of those kids is a plus, they go through so much.
ReplyDeleteI learned they won an award from Ladies Home Journal...impressive! I'd love to win the charm packs, and promise to make something wonderful with them!
ReplyDeleteAdorable fabric!!! I learned that there are 2 chapters near me that I can donate to. Thanks for the opportunity to win!=)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this info and the Giveaway. I have worked for Project Linus quite a bit in the past, but not this one. I did not know they will send you a Kit and pattern to start you...that is great.
ReplyDeleteQuilts For Kids provides the kits! Sounds wonderful. Thanks for providing this valuable information. Sounds like a great project to add to the 2011 list!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, I particpated in the Quilts for Kids program earlier this year by making 2 quilts. I have a couple more planned to do soon. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of this charity, but never participated.
ReplyDeleteI learned that I can help by:
ADOPTING A QUILT. A financial donation of any sort will go toward shipping quilts to children at children’s hospitals across the country. It will also help fund us in purchasing fabrics for quilts for the more than 6 million children in children’s hospitals around the country
Thanks for the give away and information!
SheilaC
I learned that, not surprisingly, there is a big need for quilts for teenage boys right now. I think solid color quilts and stripes work well for quilts for them.
ReplyDeleteAlso, with one charm pack, you can add lots of solids (borders, squares, etc) and still have a great quilt! Especially if you're making a lap size quilt like the ones for Quilts for Kids.
I learned that the fabric companies have helped Quilts for Kids to recieve the fabric needed either donated or at a reduced price. This is very kind, and as a mom with a chronically ill child, I appreciate that it is the little cuddly things that count in helping these wonderful and amazing kids hang on. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeletebridgestranslation at yahoo dot com
I really liked the idea of journals for the kids, in addition to the quilts. I think that I may have found a great place to use all of the smaller pieces of fabric I have. Now I have to find the journals at the Dollar Store!
ReplyDeletePlus I have another way to use the fabric that I have to make donation quilts-I like the size that they have to be---not too big, not too small.
Thanks for reminding us how lucky we all are and that we can be helping others.
I learned that there are no local chapters near where i live. I'd never heard of this organization before now, so I obviously have never donated.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible organization! I've learned waaaay too much to summarize here, so THANK YOU for opening my eyes to them! It's really neat that they can help soooo many, but it's sad that the fabric manufacturers no longer donate their remnants. :(
ReplyDeleteIt's mighty generous of you to donate so much fabric, too - like you, I've often wondered why people spend so much for so little fabric in a charm pack. Seemed kinda useless to me, or maybe just a way to get you hooked so you go buy more? I dunno - I've only just recently purchased my first FQ's, and only 'cuz what I was doing was specifically designed to use 2 FQ's. :)
I checked the local chapters, and there aren't any down my way - hopefully, that's 'cuz there's not so much of a need here...but it's probably more like the weather just doesn't demand quilts. Soooo, I'm gonna sign up to get one & return it. I'll have to keep an eye out to see where it goes! Thank you for such a good outlet!!! God Bless!
I particiapted in the Downy quilt for kids challenge. It opened my eyes for an easier way of kid quilts and I have made many more since for different charities. Secret for me: I always delay to finish a quilt because of piecing the backing. But now I keep my kid quilts under 40" width and can just use a piece of fabric and am done!
ReplyDeleteI haven't done the QFK's yet, but hope to as my quilting skills improve. I really think this is a worthwhile organization and look forward to be able to help.
ReplyDeleteFirst... I didn't know this group existed! What a Great Great thing! Second... I didn't know you could order a "kit" to complete. (I'm a newer quilter so have a pretty small stash) If I don't have the fabric, what a great way to create a quilt and give back!! I LOVE IT!! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI never knew you could Adopt a quilt for those that don't sew. It's a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI learned that this is a wonderful organization I had not heard about before. My guild donates about 300 quilts a year and some of them go to children´s hospital locally.
ReplyDeleteAlda, Fl
I visited the site and learned that we do not have a local chapter, but I can send a quilt to the national headquarters. I have made Project Linus quilts before and NICU quilts for our local hospital and 2 charm packs would definitely make a good quilt. If I win I will make a quilt for Quilts for Kids. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWhen we adopted our older son, the only things he came with was a borrowed sleeper, 2 bottles of formula and a couple of diapers from the hospital. But the most important thing he came with was quilt from the ABC Quilts project. Now 18 years later, we've re-done his room. The quilt always hung over his bed. I asked if he still wanted it up, and he said, "Why wouldn't I?" So thanks to all of you who make and give away quilts for special kids. Ours is truly loved.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of this organization per se, though had read about Downy doing some events (none in our area). After reading this, I see that QFK has been active since 2000. It sounds interesting and will be reading more later. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
ReplyDeleteI've made several Downey quilts and had no idea the fabrics were discontinued.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard about this organization. But I learned they use discontinued fabric to make quilts for sick children.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great organization!
thanks!
I have participated in the Quilts for Kids. They send you a package really quickly via UPS. It contains precut fabrics and a pattern to make a quilt top. You provide the batting and backing. This is a great project to do to work on your machine quilting skills!
ReplyDeleteI learned that QFK got an award from Ladies Home Journal! That's neat!
ReplyDeleteI learned that there is NO chapter in Utah at all! Hmmmmmm....guess we'll have to do something about that!!
ReplyDeleteI learned that while they don't take rag quilts they will donate them to shelters. I think that is great that they move on the love of things they cannot use
ReplyDeleteGiveawaymommy at yahoo dot com
my granddaughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a very rare childhood cancer -- solid tumors ... she was treated at primary children's hosp. in salt lake city and memorial sloan-kettering in nyc .... she received blankets (she had two bone marrow transplants and was in hospital for a very long time) from both hospitals, however they were nothing like the ones i saw in your gallery ... they are spectacular ... how wonderful *someone* went to the trouble to make these works of art -- for a sick kid, spending their life, or so it seems to them, these can do nothing but cheer them up ....
ReplyDeletei'm going to sign up to make a quilt or two for quilts for kids ... thanks for the giveaway .... darlene
I would love to make quilts for this program but I live in Canada but maybe there is a program like this in Canada. If I win the fabric I will find someplace I can donate the quilt to.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Sandraan
I just learned about this organisation on BHG American & Patchwork Jan 2011 issue and now you mentioned it too. As of 2010, there are 10s of thousands kids quilts distributed worldwide.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a wonderful organization! It is so heart warming. I hope I can continue to spread the message to our young 4-H'ers of how they can change a life through a quilt. I can't believe the number of people and organizations involved...thanks for sharing I am going to share this with my 4-H'ers at our workshop next week!
ReplyDeleteI leaned they are closed the 24th to Jan 2nd so If I want to request a quilt I better do it now!
ReplyDeleteI worked for P&G for many years and knew that they are an incredibly generous company. I did not know that they were sponsoring Quilt for Kids. I really enjoyed looking at the gallery - esp. loved the cupcake and crayon quilts.
ReplyDeleteI have worked with Quilts for Kids and they send out really great kits. A great organization!
ReplyDeleteOur local quilt guild makes Just For You quilts for children at our local children's hospital. I've seen quilts, but not photos of the children with their quilts like the Quilt for Kids website. What a wonderful project!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
I am new to this wonderful organization. Amazing hearts at work.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that there's an orginzation like Quilts for Kids. I checked to see if there is a local chapter, but the closest one for me is hours away. I have donated many quilts for children through my local guild. Last year we donated a siginificant number of quilts to our state's foster care program just in time for Christmas giving. This year we're concentrating on troubled teens, often the forgotten ones....
ReplyDeleteWow! Great website. I love that Quilts for Kids has such a variety of areas it serves - worldwide! I love that people of all ages participate, including a gal, 92 years old. One of the articles talked about Waste Management delivering quilts for the group. And of course, so important to keep the quilting going with our next generation! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time on this blog. I love that Quilts for Kids reaches kids from all over the world. I love that all ages participate, including a 92 year old gal. They also talked about Waste Management delivering the quilts to help on costs for the group. And of course, quilting with the next generation. Let's keep it going!
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing the quilts for kids site and the cheery quilts on the beds. I bet they give a lot of comfort. I don't think we have this here in the UK but I know we do have project Linus. great website though and thanks for the chance to win! If I win, I will use the fabrics to make a quilt for either Linus or a local hospital as these fabrics would be just perfect for that!
ReplyDeleteWould you believe they put my quilt kit in the mail about 2 days after I requested one???!! Talk about FAST - they must really be in dire need. Can't wait till it arrives!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, THANK YOU for turning me on to Patsy Thompson!!!!!
I learned of the many ways one can participate at Quilts for Kids - make a quilt, donate fabric, start a local chapter AND I learned that this organization exists, I had no idea before you blogged it. Thanks Kelly, have a wonderful and WELL Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteI do Downey quilts for kids. It is amazing how good I feel when I get the quilt all packaged up and ready to mail out.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful feeling to help a child either through difficult times or with a life altering disease. The Quits for Kids program is a great organization.
ReplyDeleteThe guild I belong too in Northern NY, we make and give numerous quilts, pillowcases, stuffed animals with their own quilts to many organizations similiar to this one but in our area. Camp TaKumtah in Vt( asummer camp for children with cancer), Red Cross, the 3 local Hospitals and many fire departments all have received numerous objects created by myself and many others in our guild. Quilts have been custom made and delivered to children that have terminal diseases in this area too through our endeavors that it is heart warming yet humbling to be a part of this generousity. Thank you for spreading the sunshine so others can participate and grow by helping out others. Jane