Quilts for Kids, Hagerstown Chapter

Fabric Donation

2011-12-28T07:54:00.003-05:00

A big thank you to Vicki S. for large donation of fabric. I picked up all the bags & boxes yesterday in the rain. I started to sort through it last night and finding some great fabrics. Should be plenty to keep us going all year.

Hickory/Eastern School Delivery

2011-12-17T15:32:00.005-05:00

I realized that I forgot to post the photo from the delivery for Hickory and Eastern Elementary Schools. These quilts will be used for the school's Christmas gifts. We donated a total of 31 quilts.

Final Yearly Distribution

2011-12-12T18:42:00.004-05:00

I've made the last of the distributions bringing our total quilts donated this year at 520. A big thank you to everyone for all your hard work. And with that, it's the time of year that I put charity quilts aside and make something for me. I've gotten a good start on Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt. Trying to play catch up. If you'd like to play along visit her site for directions www.quiltville.blogspot.com

I bought an Accuquilt Go cutter so playing with it also. Hope to use it to help cut kits next year.

Christmas Party

2011-12-10T16:06:00.007-05:00

Today Carol & I attended the Christmas party given for the Parent/Child Center. There were 75 children in attendance plus parents. After feasting on hotdogs and homemade noodle soup, we handed out the quilts. All the kids were so delighted with their quilts, even the teenaged boys and girls. Just look at these smiles. Make it all worthwhile.

November Workshop

2011-11-21T14:21:00.002-05:00

A big thanks to Melissa for leading our November workshop. And thanks for all the finished quilts that you guys brought. I have filled all the remaining requests for this year and will be making deliveries soon.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Happy Anniversary

2011-09-30T07:58:00.002-04:00

It has been so long since I've posted anything here and I apologize. I vow to keep it up to date. This month we are celebrating our 2nd anniversary. And believe it or not, we will go over the 1000 quilts mark with our next delivery. Amazing!!!!

Starting next month we will be back at the White Swan for our monthly workshops. I haven't decided on a quilt project as yet but I have been busy cutting kits and quilting tops. I better get busy, 3rd Sunday will be here before I know it.

Double Framed Pattern

2011-03-23T11:37:00.002-04:00

I had a request to post the picture of the double framed pattern that I had in kits at our last workshop. The main thing to remember is to start adding strips to the sides on 10 blocks, while starting at top & bottom on the remaining 10 blocks. This way your seams will lay better. And press seams toward the strips. Be sure to press after adding each piece. The layout is 4 blocks x 5 blocks

Chevron Steps

2011-03-12T18:54:00.001-05:00

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Today's Workshop Quilt Directions

2011-03-12T16:15:00.006-05:00

I promised to write directions for today's quilt but am finding it difficult to explain so we will repeat this quilt next time. In the meantime, if I can write better directions I will post here.

Quilt Delivery

2011-03-04T16:48:00.003-05:00

Jeff & I dropped off 70 quilts to U of MD Medical Center today. They were so appreciative and said their closet is almost empty. Glad we could help. I asked them if they have any special requests and their answer was larger quilts for teen boys. Seems like a recurring theme. I guess we don't think teen boys would be interested in a quilt but they are.

February Workshop

2011-02-23T15:44:00.004-05:00

It has been so long since I posted anything here so thought I'd update. We had a great turnout this past Sunday for our workshop. If I counted correctly there were 12 people at various times. Welcome to some new members. We hope you will continue to join us. And for those who could not make it, we missed you. In case anybody is having trouble with the layout, here's the finished quilt (double click on it to biggy size). Can't wait to see how different everybody's will be even though we started with the same animal fabrics.
Since I won't be in town for our next scheduled workshop on March 20, looks like the majority would like to meet another day in March. We could meet either Saturday, the 12th or Sunday the 13th. Either way we would most likely have to work at my house. Let me know what works best.
Well better get back to work on quilting, came home with 28 tops on Sunday.

New Year

2011-01-03T15:36:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I last posted with the holidays and everything related. Hopefully everyone had a great holiday and ready to start the new year. Last week I made two deliveries to finish out the year, 30 quilts to Child Advocacy Center and 30to Summit Health both in Chambersburg. This brings our year total to 663.

I have been busy cutting kits, quilting tops and planning for future workshops. In addition, I've been working on Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt which started on black Friday. I haven't been able to keep up completely but maybe I'll have it sewn together before we meet on the 16th. For anyone who doesn't know, I just LOVE her quilts. So with that said, its back to the sewing room. Later

Year End Totals

2010-12-16T18:01:00.001-05:00

Today I totaled our quilt donations for 2010 and am beyond amazed and so appreciative to everyone who has contributed to our group this year. Here’s the tally:

Johns Hopkins Hospital – 212
Parent Child Center – 122
National Children’s Hospital – 166
CASA of Washington Co. – 50
Pangborn Elem. School – 50
Directly to individuals – 3

All for a total of 603!!!! And although about 200 of these were quilts I brought back from HQ’s, the majority came from our chapter. Way to go. Everyone deserves a pat on the back.

January's Quilt

2010-12-12T19:28:00.004-05:00

Thought I'd post a picture of the quilt we will be making in January. Our goal for the new year is to make more quilts for teens. I'm not sure what fabrics would be good for older boys, girls are easy. Any ideas are appreciated.

Busy Week

2010-12-12T19:06:00.006-05:00

It's been a very busy week for deliveries. On Thursday, Kathy Hose and I delivered 50 quilts to Pangborn Elementary School to be used as Christmas gifts to needy children.

Then yesterday I helped at the Christmas party given by the Parent/Child Center. We handed out the quilts that we donated throughout the year. It is so heartwarming to see the joy on the kid's faces. Everybody wanted their picture taken. So cute.

November Pattern

2010-12-06T13:40:00.003-05:00

At our November workshop we started a pattern entitled Piano Keys. They don't look anything like piano keys to me, but I have seen the term used many times. If anybody is having any problems finishing this quilt, please let know.

I sent everybody home with "homework" for January. Since I neglected to make copies I'll recap what you are to do. On the back side of the light colored 10" squares draw a line corner to corner creating an X. Place light & dark fabrics right sides Also, you should have 2 pieces of fabric 9 1/2" x WOF. From these cut 16pcs - 4 1/2" x 9 1/2". And your homework is finished. Bring everything with you in January.

I was also asked to give a list of scrap sizes that we most frequently use for anybody who wants to cut scraps.

For the Brown Bags the pieces are 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" (you need at least 96 for a small quilt)
For H blocks you need 2 pcs 3 1/2"x 9 1/2" and 1 pc 3 1/2" sq. of same fabric; also 2 3 1/2" sq of WOW, white, cream, etc.

I also save strips 1 1/2", novelty fabric blocks both 6" & 6 1/2". I save others too but these are the most frequently used for making scrap quilts.

Quilts Received

2010-11-08T10:37:00.002-05:00

This past week I received several packages of quilt tops from members of the online chapter, Quilted With Love. I received 13 tops from Karen King in Wisconsin, 30 tops from Terri Nice from Keymar, MD and 25 from Lori Wenig in Kentucky. So, needless to say I will be very busy quilting these in addition to all the tops you guys have provided.

Kits

2010-10-16T15:40:00.003-04:00

I have been busy these past few weeks cutting kits for everyone. I need to replenish the basket at Traditions tomorrow. I have other kits for our group and lots of finished quilts to give back to some of you. Hope to see everyone tomorrow.

Anniversary Picnic

2010-09-19T16:38:00.002-04:00

We had a great turn out today for our anniversary picnic. And wonderful food!! Thank you to everyone for your contributions.

For those who took "homework" for next month's meeting, here are the directions. You should have 6 sets of 6"x WOF pieces. Sew each set together. Press toward dark fabric. Subcut into 6" pieces. Sew 2 of these pieces together to make a 4-patch block that should measure 11 1/2" sq. Repeat with the remainder for a total of 20 blocks. Do nothing else with these until our October meeting. Any questions, give me a call.

Happy Anniversary

2010-09-05T14:31:00.003-04:00

Its hard to believe a year has past since we first met but we're celebrating our first anniversary this month. At our first meeting there were 4 of us, and 3 were new to quilting. You guys have come a long way. We are now at 19 members, although most are sewing on their own at home. I am totally amazed at the quilts we've delivered:

244 to Johns Hopkins
166 to National Childrens Hospital in DC
147 to Parent/Child Center
6 directly to individuals
All for a total 563 quilts (some of these were from HQ's that needed to be delivered)

In addition, we now have over 200 finished quilts waiting for delivery.

All I can say is way to go everybody and thanks from the bottom of my heart!!! You have helped brighten the life of alot of children.

Quilt Delivery

2010-08-11T10:57:00.002-04:00

We have over 200 quilts ready for delivery to Johns Hopkins. Carol and her husband have offered to make the delivery on Monday. Thanks so much. Hopefully I'll have pictures to share.

July Project

2010-07-19T17:53:00.003-04:00

For everyone who could not make it on Sunday, here's a photo of this month's project.

For each block you will need a 6 1/2" block and a 1 1/2"xWOF strip. Recut the 1 1/2" strip into 2 pcs 6 1/2" long. Sew these to either side of the 6 1/2" block. Press away from the block. From the remaining strip cut 2 pcs 8 1/2" long. Sew to opposite sides and press away from center. Lay out your blocks 4 wide x 5 long. Add 3 1/2" borders.

If anybody would like a kit for this project, just give me a call. Enjoy.

My next quilt project

2010-07-16T19:36:00.003-04:00

This is a photo of a quilt that was hanging outside (in the direct sun )at one store. We hope it was there for just the day. I purchased the pattern so this is going to be my next "me" project. It's done in teals and browns, very stunning but not sure what I'll do it in.

Lancaster Trip

2010-07-16T19:26:00.003-04:00

Well everybody survived our trip to Lancaster yesterday. Although we were afraid Melissa was coming down with a case of quilting pox and wouldn't make it to work today. Everyone managed to find some fabric so the only thing lighter were our wallets. Funny thing about this photo that we realized coming home, this was taken inside the only store where we didn't buy anything!! We visited six fabric stores. It's so unbelievable that you don't see the same fabrics in any of the stores. Even at Sauder's and Zook's, who are owned by the same people. So now we have lots of fabric to sew, sew, sew.

Warm Company

2010-06-11T06:42:00.002-04:00

The batting from Warm Co arrived about 2 weeks ago. They sent 3 large boxes of 90" wide batting. I received an email from HQ's the other day that Warm decided to donate the batting AND pay shipping costs. They are fantastic!! So now we have money available to buy fabric in Lancaster.

Also, I received an email from another organization in Ohio, Moe's Place, that has 100+ yds of fabric to donate. Be sure to check out their website www.moesplace.org. For you dog owners consider buying a dog scarf. The proceeds are donated to animal shelters.

May Workshop

2010-05-16T18:36:00.002-04:00

We met today at Traditions for our monthly workshop. We had 3 new people join our group. Welcome to Kathy, Kim and Dorothy.

This month's pattern was a stack and slash which went very quickly. And most were able to finish during our workshop. Next month we will be meeting at my home due to changed hours at Traditions. We'll see how it works out over the summer and if necessary make a change in the fall.

And finally, the quilt count for this month is 23 finished quilts and 20 tops to be quilted.

Quilt Delivery

2010-05-05T16:56:00.006-04:00

Carol,Kathy & I left my house this morning around 7:45 headed for National Children's Hospital. Carol's van was filled to capacity with 17 bags of quilts. After fighting traffic, we arrived at the hospital and were greeted with nothing but enthusiastic assistance. The folks in volunteer services were so very pleased to receive the quilts and before we finished taking a few photos one bag was on its way to the kids.

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T15:50:00.002-04:00

Here's wishing everybody a wonderful Easter. We'll be meeting this month at my home to pack the quilts for delivery to National Children's Hospital on May 5.

February Quilt

2010-01-21T17:48:00.002-05:00

I've been putting together kits for our February workshop. I hope everybody will enjoy this project. The block appears to be difficult but you'll all be surprised how easy it is. Here's the picture. Happy sewing until next time.

January Workshop

2010-01-17T17:49:00.003-05:00

To spite the weather we had a good turnout today. Welcome new members Deb and Carol. So glad you both found our group.

Everybody brought lots of pinwheel blocks to be finished so we picked sashing colors for each. Can't wait to see the finished results next month. And no one wants me to have down time on the longarm as I have 8 new tops to finish before we meet again.

To recap the directions for finishing the pinwheels:

Your blocks should measure 8 1/2" square. You will need to cut 8 pcs of sashing 2" x 8 1/2". Layout your pinwheels 3 blocks wide x 4 blocks long. Sew sashings to sides of blocks in each row. Press. Now measure the length of each row. Cut 3 sashing pieces 2" x width of row. Attach these between the four rows. Press. Measure the total length and cut 2 sashing pieces 2" x length. Sew to right and left sides. Press seam to outside Repeat top and bottom. Again repeat with 3 1/2" sashing pieces. And you're finished.

Be sure to call me with any questions.

New Year Projections

2010-01-04T12:17:00.003-05:00

The new year is here and time to make our 2010 projections for completed quilts. I feel that we should be able to distribute 100 quilts this year. That's two completed quilts per month for each of us.

Also, check the Martinsburg Journal today for an article on our group.

Holiday Wishes

2009-12-22T07:02:00.001-05:00

It's been quite some time since my last post. Hope everybody has been busy with their holiday projects. Just wishing you a wonderful holiday and look forward to seeing everyone in January.

Big Donation

2009-11-24T06:57:00.003-05:00

I received a call regarding thread that was available to us from a sewing factory that closed. What a surprise when I picked it up, there were numerous boxes of 6000 yd cones in various colors! I have offered to trade thread for fabric with other chapters and have several groups that are interested. Also, in two boxes were about 2000 zippers. Since we have no need for these I'm open to any suggestions for selling or whatever.

November Workshop

2009-11-16T19:13:00.003-05:00

We had a great time at this month's workshop. Everybody returned with several finished tops so now I need to get busy quilting. We had two new faces, welcome Patty and Liz. Hope you'll be joining us regularly.

Traditions was participating in a shop hop and some of their stock was sitting in the classroom tempting us all afternoon. I was unable to resist and had to buy some fabric. And thank you Dick for donating some additional fabric. Rene added it to the pile of fabric she was cutting into kits as it matched so nice with the froggie fabric. And thanks to Rene everybody left with new kits to work on until our next meeting in January (we decided to skip December since our regular day falls so close to Christmas). I've posted a picture of the block so everybody is able to see the layout. Enjoy

Newpaper Article

2009-11-15T09:55:00.003-05:00

The article was finally published on Friday, November 13. I was pleased with it. So far it has not sparked interest from anyone. Maybe we'll have some new faces at today's workshop.

Quilt Distribution

2009-11-08T12:28:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday I delivered 25 quilts to the Parent Child Center in Hagerstown to be used for their Christmas party. Lori Bennett accepted on behalf of the organization that educates parents to prevent child abuse. I'm hoping that next year we will be able to provide more since their need is about 100 quilts. Something to work towards!!

Newpaper Article

2009-11-01T07:08:00.004-05:00

Be sure to check the newspaper this week. Marlo Barnhart came to my house last week to write a story about Quilts for Kids. Also, I will be filming a segment for WHAG25 with Mark Kramm to be aired on Nov 18 at 9 am.
I'm open to any suggestions anybody may have for getting information out there about our workshops.

October Workshop

2009-10-18T19:16:00.003-04:00

We met today for our workshop. Donna and Sharon were able to finish their brown bag quilts which you see in the picture. We got a good start on the H block quilts. So next month we'll be finishing those plus hopefully I'll have all the brown bags quilted, ready for binding.

October Workshop Quilt

2009-10-09T09:39:00.002-04:00

Our next workshop will be on October 18 at Traditions at the White Swan, 12:30-4. In addition to finishing last months quilt, we will starting on a new block called the "H" or "I" block depending on which way you place it. A very easy block for beginners. A copy of directions and/or kits are available for anyone who cannot make it to our workshop. See ya next week.

2009-10-06T06:28:00.002-04:00

Hope everybody has been working on their projects from last month's workshop. At this month's workshop we will finish those tops and begin working on a new pattern.

Since we last met we've received some donations from individuals plus a Walmart gift card for fabric. Both are greatly appreciated.

First Workshop

2009-09-21T14:46:00.003-04:00

A big thank you to those who participated in our 1st workshop and to Traditions at the White Swan for hosting us. We got a good start on our brown bag quilts once we figured out how to thread the machines provided!! Everyone realized they feel more comfortable with their own machines so I think we'll be bringing them the next time.

2009-09-17T09:01:00.003-04:00

As a new sister chapter,we are in need of donations to help our cause. In addition to volunteer quilt makers, we are in need of the following:
-monetary donations should be made payable to Quilts for Kids, Inc
-gift cards to fabric shops or stores providing any of the following, 100% cotton kid friendly fabrics, plastic storage tubs, 1 gallon size ziplock bags, printer paper, low loft batting.
If you are able to help, please contact me.

2009-09-11T20:47:00.002-04:00

I'm getting really excited about our first workshop. I'm expected hopefully 10-12 people which will be great! We have folks from true beginners to experienced quilters which will make a nice mix. Plan to spend this weekend gathering all my stuff together.

Be sure to remember your own sewing supplies, i.e. scissors, pins, thread, etc. You only need your own machine if you so desire. The great folks at Traditions will have their machines for our use.

2009-09-07T15:43:00.003-04:00

I spent the holiday weekend getting my new ABM Innova longarm quilt machine set up. Was able to finish 3 tops today. It sews like a dream. However, in the 1 1/2 weeks I was without a machine I accumulated 32 tops to be finished. Once I catch up I'll certainly have another batch of quilts ready for distribution.

Quilts Delivered

2009-08-30T09:28:00.003-04:00

I was able to send 32 quilts to John's Hopkins Child Life Center thanks to my friends on the yahoo group Quilted With Love.

Progress

2009-08-20T20:40:00.003-04:00

Have been busy cutting kits for our first workshop. Received some great fabric donations from our other wonderful quilt shop, Wilson's. Have been receiving information requests so I hope we will have a good turn out for workshop!

Workshop Information

2009-08-07T07:05:00.005-04:00

Our first workshop will be held on September 20 at Traditions at the White Swan starting at 12:30. We will be working on a scrappy Brown Bag block. If you have any scraps you'd like to bring with you, please cut them to 2 1/2" x 4 1/2". Great way to use those small pieces of binding that's always left over!!

Workshop location

2009-08-06T16:50:00.003-04:00

I had a meeting today to confirm location for our workshops. Traditions at the White Swan has graciously offered to host our monthly meetings. We will hold them on the 3rd Sunday of each month starting in September. I look forward to working with everyone there and the classroon space is fantastic.

Chapter Progress

2009-08-05T15:47:00.000-04:00

Believe we have a meeting place worked out. Will be meeting with people tomorrow to discuss further. Check back for updates.

2009-08-01T20:30:00.001-04:00

Thanks for visiting this site. At this time we are still in the planning stages for a local chapter. We'll be meeting the 3rd Saturday of each month. I hope to have our first workshop in September but need to find a good location. Check back often for information updates.

For more information on Quilts for Kids, visit the website http://www.quiltsforkids.org/