Fabric Donations
08-30-2020, 02:03 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 619
About 10 years ago I was involved with a group making dignity gowns for women undergoing radiation for breast cancer. At the time in our area women undergoing radiation had to lay on the table fully exposed, an acquaintance started making the gowns after her doctor friend told her how demeaning it was so she designed a gown where only the area being radiated had to be exposed.
We used our own fabrics, often sending out appeals for fabric to different sewing groups. Did receive much response, most of it usable. As anyone knows who has received donated fabric sometimes it is just too moldy or bug infested to use, but was donated with good intention by families clearing out grandma's attic or garage.
Through an Internet search I found a list of American companies producing cotton fabrics, there weren't many, but I wrote to them about our mission, I think I included the form for charity deduction, can't remember all the details. One company did graciously respond and sent several bolts of beautiful cotton, perfect for the gowns.
The group eventually disbanded, the local hospitals started having more rules about outside donations due to infection risk but the gowns were well received at the time. Many of the women receiving them sent beautiful notes of thanks.
So it is worthwhile to try.
We used our own fabrics, often sending out appeals for fabric to different sewing groups. Did receive much response, most of it usable. As anyone knows who has received donated fabric sometimes it is just too moldy or bug infested to use, but was donated with good intention by families clearing out grandma's attic or garage.
Through an Internet search I found a list of American companies producing cotton fabrics, there weren't many, but I wrote to them about our mission, I think I included the form for charity deduction, can't remember all the details. One company did graciously respond and sent several bolts of beautiful cotton, perfect for the gowns.
The group eventually disbanded, the local hospitals started having more rules about outside donations due to infection risk but the gowns were well received at the time. Many of the women receiving them sent beautiful notes of thanks.
So it is worthwhile to try.
08-31-2020, 10:40 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Penn Yan, NY
Posts: 547
I don't want to sound negative, but save your self the time and don't bother.
As a LQS owner who spends 10's of thousands of dollars with vendors every year, we can't get vendors/manufacturers to donate fabric or batting for charity projects. Truth be told, the are overwhelmed by requests and cannot possibly donate to everyone who asks.
We have a small group of quilters who work on charity projects all year long. The majority of the fabric comes out of their stashes or from other customers who donate to the cause.
Check with your local guilds, put an ad in the paper, or on Facebook marketplace seeking donations. You'll probably get better results.
Good luck!
As a LQS owner who spends 10's of thousands of dollars with vendors every year, we can't get vendors/manufacturers to donate fabric or batting for charity projects. Truth be told, the are overwhelmed by requests and cannot possibly donate to everyone who asks.
We have a small group of quilters who work on charity projects all year long. The majority of the fabric comes out of their stashes or from other customers who donate to the cause.
Check with your local guilds, put an ad in the paper, or on Facebook marketplace seeking donations. You'll probably get better results.
Good luck!
