Thread: Gifted fabric - need advice and opinions

I use sheets for back whenever I can for all my quilts no matter if charity or gifts or for myself. I am not a fabric snob

[QUOTE=ManiacQuilter2;7084938]I am sorry, but Harriet Hargrave taught me to use the best fabrics and batting you can afford. Charity quilts should be made out of the same fabric that you would make for yourself. Just my opinion.[/QUOTEooooj

My best fabric may be your worst. If fabric is suitable for the purpose intended, does it matter where it comes from?

I also think donation quilts should be made so they hold together, feel nice, and can survive washing.

My Grandma told me once ( about 30 years ago) that she had been told that some charity quilts should be ugly so they would be less likely to be stolen or sold. The primary purpose was to help keep the recipient warm.

As far as the bags of fabric - keep what you want. Pass the rest along or discard it.

I hang my head in embarrassment at what I donated many years ago! I really did not know any better then.

Some of my cotton poly blends feel wonderful to me. The weave and percentages of the fibers also factors into the feel and suitability.

Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2

I am sorry, but Harriet Hargrave taught me to use the best fabrics and batting you can afford. Charity quilts should be made out of the same fabric that you would make for yourself. Just my opinion.

I disagree.

I didn't take my little ones to Outback when they were little (have only been there 2x in my life, BTW)--it would have been a waste of money-- as they preferred McD's. Why spend $10-15 per kid for a meal when they were happy with $2-3 each for a Happy Meal?

I give away a lot of charity quilts each year to people here in Poland. You do not need to make them the same way and of the same materials you make for yourself or your family! I feel very strongly about this.

I hate using double knit--never liked it when I was a kid when my mom wore it (I'm 52). However, I've been given some double knit (poly) tops to finish. I did. I put them in the "charity quilt pile" as I give people a choice when they get a quilt--at least 10 to choose from. Every single one of my polyester double knit quilts has been chosen. I personally think they are awful, and don't even enjoy touching them but someone can use them and guess what? They even like them. They are warm and will last decades!

So, I strongly disagree wtih the idea that you have to use only highest quality quilt shop 100% cotton for your charity quilts (or even your own quilts). You can use what you have. The needy will be glad. Just do good quality work and the quilt will see many years of service and keep people warm!

Poly is really durable and makes good quilts for the homeless as it can withstand a lot more abuse than regular quilting cotton can.

If you like to make wall hangings, pretty much ANY fabric is fair game for those, assuming you're not going to be washing it. Some heavier fabrics have great textures and can really add a lot of interest.

Tote bags is another great idea. Around here they've banned plastic disposable bags and require retailers charge a dime for paper bags, so handmade tote bags have become popular. The more unique, the better! Fabrics too light for a quilt or a tote could be made into drawstring bags for produce too.

I use old sheets as foundation for crazy quilts. Makes the quilt a bit heavier but works great!

mamaw322, I have successfully combined the cottons and poly cotton blends in many quilts. These two I recently made have poly cotton solids in them. Quilts for friends children

I like them for grocery totes. They wear well. Totally agree with Sewnoma.