We do dialysis quilts in one of guilds - about same width but make them about 72 inches long so a patient can be covered from chin to over the toes. Remember there are tall people out there (this from a vertically challenged female of about 60 inches!!). Sincen we don't have a clue about a patient's height, we make them all the longer length. Only problem we have is getting them quilted. Most of our members do not like to make quilts that big - which really isn't that big at all (I have a friend who makes and quilts mking-size quilts on her domestic sewing machine! Brave girl!!

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

I'll certainly make a couple ! Sarq

Oh! You and your new ministry are heaven sent! With many family members having been on dialysis and a son with a kidney transplant, this "work" is just what I want and need to do. I had just reorganized my fabric and wondered who with what need would like a quilt.
Thanks for the answer!
And bless all of you who give your quilts to those in need.

I made 2 quilts with music fabrics. One a D9P, and the other a simple 9P. My DH's favorite is the 9P.

Our guild makes quilts for the local dialysi clinic. The clinic suggests quilts be made from darker fabrics as lighter fabrics show more stains. We try to keep the clinic supplied with extra quilts for any new patients

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have 2 with white fabrics, but I will be choosing dark for future quilts. I also like the idea to use flannel backing. I started out making denim/flannel quilts so I will be making a few of those also. Thanks again to you all for such positive response.

I'm sure whether they are on dialysis or taking chemo a snuggly blanket would be most welcome.

One of Ministers was having dialysis a few years ago and our quilting group at the church made quilts for all of the people there and they were so appreciated.

Peg-Tx

What a wonderful thing you are doing. I wish I had thought of something like this when my nephew was going through dialysis several years ago. Maybe the nurse kept him warm - he wound up marrying his dialysis nurse and they've been married 3 years now. Another happy ending after receiving a transplant from his cousin.

My sister is on dialysis and I am making her a quilt too. She has a small one that the center gave her but it is not quite large enough to keep her warm. When they remove all their blood to filter and clean it, it is returned to the body at below body temp besides the fact that the rooms are kept cool just like an OR is at the hospital to help with the germs and the heat that all the equipment puts off. One thing that needs to be remembered is that these quilts will get a lot of use and laundering so they need to be sturdy and well constructed. I know that my sister has extremely dry skin since her dialysis and the flannel or fleece would not be great for her so I am sticking with cottons and a thin low-loft batting like I would put in a baby quilt that can handle the laundry conditions it will experience.

I would like to help! I soon will have a LA with a 10 foot table, if I can machine quilt for you let me know! Would only charge for the thread and batting if needed... If this sounds ok, let me know...
MJ

I found a website that gives the simple quilt pattern used by a quilt guild for their dialysis center:
"Quick donation quilt"
www.stcroixquilters.com/Guild%sub-we

They also mention that the size needed is 45x70.
Do not use white fabrics.
Use 100% cotton or flannel.
Quilts should not be too bulky-please use a thin batting.
Use any pattern you like or the quick pattern below byJen Lacasse.

A picture is shown also.
Hope this helps with ideas!

Oops, this is the website URL:

http://www.stcroixquilters.com/Guild...APRIL%2009.pdf

That's the size I made for my sister for her chemo. Sadly she only got to use it for two months. These quilts are really nice. What is the pattern for the second one? I'd like to try that one. And I love the colors combination.

Dianne Dye of Designs by Diane came in one Saturday to teach this design to our guild. It was suppose to be a table runner and I decided to make it a little larger so my placement were an afterthought. This is really a quick and easy pattern. Diane uses 4 1/2 inch strips. I posted to the link below. It is in her Season 1 videos called Positively Negative.

http://www.dbdquilts.com/quiltvideos.asp?V=Positive


I also found this pattern using a 2 1/2 inch strips by Eleanor Burns. Her blocks are called Twin Sisters. The blocks are smaller but very pretty. Here is the link.

http://quilterstv.com/channel/video/1255

Thanks so much MJ

Love this idea. In fact, just talked with a cousin who has a daughter turning 9. For her birthday, she is requesting a FQ rather than a birthday gift......then we are going to put it together and donate it as you suggested! THANKS for the idea!!! :-P

My first husband was on dialysis for about 6 years before passing away 10 years ago. He brought his own blanket and he talked about how cold it was, not just any blanket would do either, for none would keep he warm enough. Just thought I'd let you know.

The blanket or quilt should be big enough to wrap around. My chemo unit had leather recliners, not conducive to warmth, but if I wrapped my quilt around me, like a sleeping bag, I was ok and could easily get up if needed.

I have been on dialysis and you are cold. I was lucky enough to have good friends that supplied me with quilts.

Went to a meeting today of RSVP, http://www.csv-rsvp.org.uk/site/home.htm of which I am a member and we have decided to make this a new project for us.

I am going to make quillows with a handle like this one: http://acuppaandacatchup.com/2011/05/quillow-tutorial/ as I feel it would make it easier for them to carry and of course they will have a nice warm place for their cold feet. Also quillows are an ideal size from what I have picked up here, will post a pic when I have one finished.

Once I have a tester one done it is going to be circulated throughout RSVP, isn't that great result :thumbup:

Dialysis centrs are going up everywhere in our area. Diabetes is spreading. I have been told that I will need to go on dialysis. I have opted to do it at night using what they call the cycler. I have thought of doing quilts for the centers but I get so emotional. I will send a letter to the center and see if they need quilts.

Dear Doreen,

I'm so sorry to know that you need dialysis. Please take good care of your very precious self! (Maybe even make yourself the quilt you've always wanted!)

Sushi

Doreen, My heart aches for you having to go on dialysis. My brother was on for a long time which is why I love to make quilts for the unit as well as the chemo unit. I will hold you close in my heart that it all goes well for you and gives you a new lease on life!! Huggggggggs and smiless,

Thank you for your support. I've read so much on this subject. I hope I can hold on for quite awhile. I'm trying to keep my body in good shape. I've seen some patients so delibitated.

A good positive attitude and approach is so important. Just remember the song, There's a miracle everywhere you go!!!

Today I have finished my first quillow for the local Dialysis unit. I decided to make a quillow for easy of carrying so I have also put a handle on it, they can cut if off if it gets in the way.

Oops another double posting. I used a panel as I have been given a load of them and I thought the colouring was muted enough to not show any stains if an accident occurs.

This one is a small one, 3' x 4', I will be making larger ones if required but I want to take it to the Renal unit first for their comments.

I tried it on for size, I am 5' 8" and a cuddly size 22 and I could tuck my feet in the pocket and it came up to my bust with a comfortable but not huge overhang on the sides, looked and felt right to me, but I am not the patient.

I like these. What a beautiful panel. Did you put batting in yours?

Yes, a light one, I use curtain interlining for lightness, and price!

I finally got the quilt finished that you inspired me to do. I called different hospitals to get a young patient on dialysis. Since there were none, I did some research and come up with a little girl who was 10 that was in need of a heart transplant. So, for Olivia's 10th birthday, instead of presents - she received 1/4 yard cuts of material and this is what I came up with. I don't know if you can see the fringed flowers or not but I tried to make it a bit girly-girly!! There were only 3 attendees but did those girls enjoy their day decorating cupcakes, flip flops, and riding the horse in tea party style! Since the birthday, we have received word the little girl received her heart transplant and is doing great!! We have never met her but she has certainly made an impact on these girls.

They are beautiful girls. I am so just the messager. I am so happy. I am working on quilt 6 & 7 now. One of the ladies in my guild told me she found out the man who does her yard is on dialysis so she made him a quilt. This has been just what I needed to motivate me to finish my quilts. The hardest part is trying not to let others take me away from something I enjoy doing. Especially people who don't sew.

I just now saw this post!

I'm about to finish up a quilt that I made for a friend of ours that's been on dialysis for 18 years! John was offered a transplant, and declined, saying that those are for young folks and married people. He's the sweetest man I know, next to my own spousal unit, and I can't wait to give him the quilt we made for him! He's always so cold....

Isn't it a wonderful feeling we get from doing this with our quilting? No way we can call them charity quilts when we get so much ourselves from creating them and giving them where they are needed. :D

I so agree! We can't call them charity quilts....they definately do much more for us!!! I'm so sorry Doreen but I am so glad to hear you are thinking about taking care of your body. I am the "silly" person around my friends and family as I try to opt out of SUGAR........and many other processed foods. I think it may be our biggest fault for all the dibetic issues but that's just my thinking. You hang in there girl and we'll certainly keep you on our prayer list if you don't mind. I see my quilt didn't appear so will try and post it again. I'm really not very good at this yet.....

Kloey's quilt is wonderful!!!!! Hugs and smiles and keep on taking care of ourselves so we can keep on quilting!!!

I love the colors. Tell Olivia to keep up the great work.

I love this idea and am inspired to make some quilts for our local dialysis center, thanks for starting this thread.

I have been inspired by so many on this board who give so much of themselves, shared their work and ideas. This board have truely changed my life. I am glad I can inspire others as I have been. Reading the positive feedback you all leave makes me more determine to stay on task. Thank you all.