Each year, as one of my New Year's resolutions, I set an amount of square inches that I want to achieve in charity quilts. This is my third year with this resolution. My first goal was 12,000 sq. inches. Second year was 15,000 and this year it was 20,000. I have already made more than 24,000 this year--I was off for the summer!! And, I do not count overages for next year as that would defeat my purpose. The reason for setting an inch requirement is that I am not limited to one size. If I set # of quilts, say 20, I could get away with 20 small quilts. So, instead, I make all size quilts, from double bed to baby. I typically donate to my local Project Linus because they donate to various recipients--not just babies. They include the local hospitals who treat rape victims, babies, children, shelters, and so on. I also love that my quilts stay within my community as it is an economically deprived area in some parts (Sullivan County, NY). I have a huge stash so I pull the quilts from there. The fabrics are all LQS quality as I was taught to give what I would want to receive. Luckily, I can do that with these fabrics. If I didn't use up my stash (which likely will not occur in my lifetime if I live to be 175), what good would it be? I fully believe that I must give back to honor what I was given in this life.
Laurie
Laurie,
You are my kind of generous quilter and I love your approach! I piece tops for my guild's Project Linus group and just turned in 50 tops made from spring to last month. I just make "covers" using my stash and I target boys who are aged in double digits. So few PL quilts work for this group. My fabric acquisitions are now directed to that group and fabric shopping has taken on a whole new (and fun!) dimension. Fortunately, my guild isn't picky about requirements and I piece until the top looks done! Like Laurie, I will not live long enough to sew up my stash but I am trying!!
We have a PL appreciation event annually and hear stories of how our PL quilts found homes. I have also run into a few parents of children who have received PL quilts and that always warms my heart. Laurie, I agree with you; it's a great feeling to know my tops are bringing comfort and warmth right here in my local area!
One final note: for those of you who might question the value of charity quilts to middle and high school aged groups, I retired from education in those aged groups. With the advent of "climate controlled" buildings, many make the switch over from cooling to heat only once in fall and wait to switch back once in spring. This means that unseasonal days are horrible to deal with in these buildings. The solution is to drag your blanket with you to solve the problem! And it happens much more than you think!
Kudos to all my fellow charity quilters wherever you are. May you be blessed warmly and abundantly.