Sierra

Is it not a bit odd that one would presume that just because you don't like a fabric now (you did once, or you wouldn't have it, would you) that you don't make it into a quilt to give away. There are so many different ideas of what is attractive, and we all change our perspective over the years. Don't worry about using your less liked fabrics for others... you can't know what they'll like.

Also, be aware, many people who are in need of warm blankets are thrilled by the time and love put into a quilt... they can't see beyond the gift of it to the "artistic/sewing quality" of it.

And what do you do with fabric you don't expect to use if you won't give it away.... ???

quilttiludrop

I use fabric from my stash and buy fabric to match as necessary. Yes, the recipients enjoy a beautiful product and quality workmanship too!

ckcowl

i make charity quilts with the same fabrics i make family member quilts, my own quilts, and show quilts- i would never think of using a lesser quality because i was giving it away- i want it to hold up and be beautiful regardless of who the recipient is.

Sierra

Now to answer the question..... errr sorry if I sounded too strong before...

For children I like to use fleece as a back/batting (just one piece) with a fun fabric quilted onto the front. I don't put batting into it because I've been told, more than once, that fleece is enough warmth. And the feel of it is totally soft and "loving".

For adults I use leftovers, usually done in a simple pattern of squares or rectangles, but with a lot of "trial" placements to give a good design, and put together in a traditional sandwich.

For street people, that's where ugly (but warm) can be best.

Buckeye Rose

I make quilts for Riley Children's Hospital and need to make them so they will stand up to the rigors of hot water (to sanitize) and harsh hospital detergents. I rarely buy fabrics just to make a charity quilt as my budget won't allow for that, but will "shop" from my stash. Those fabrics may come from Walmart, JoAnn's or LQS and most of them will be leftovers from a previous project. I always try to get the most bang for my buck when buying fabric and you can get great buys everywhere.

frugalfabrics

I use the same quality fabrics that I would use to make a quilt for anyone else.

AUQuilter

Was at our LQS day of charity quilt production and there were two beautiful batik quilts and a dozen cotton quilts of varying sizes and patterns. All were good quality fabric even though some of it was obviously from an older stash. The colors are sometimes the giveaway but they are always nicely coordinated.

cathyvv

I think that we all use the fabric we can afford, and that's all anyone can ask of us.

I do have one fabric that I loved when I saw it online, so bought several yards. When it arrived, I took one look at it and said to my husband, "These are supposed to be Christmas sky stars - they look like bulletholes in car windshield glass at night!" He agreed!

Whatever will I do with that? Should have sent it back, but didn't. Luckily, it was on sale. One of these days, I will find something to do with it.

Barbm

I use the same quality I do for all my quilts. I recently purchased some panels for quick charity quilts. I can't believe how many requests come in! I wish I had time to make more....

raedar63

I would use anything that is avalible to me, that being said I use the same for myself and family. I am currently crocheting plastic sacks together for goodness sakes, so that shows you how un-picky I am lol.(In case you wonder they make wonderful mud rugs,mats to sit on outside , reusable grocery totes etc, they last a long,long time.)

I have steared away from many,many charities because they require certian " quality materials" Some do not have the luxury of an abundance of high quality fabric, and some of the posts I have seen before on this subject makes some feel inadequate to give from the heart....Remember it is what is in the heart that counts ....