Barbara, do you have suggestions as to size and fabrics for lap robes. Currently I am making large receiving blankets for a crisis center . They are 36X36 and lined with flannel so nice and cozy.
I think flannel would make a nice lap robe What size do you suggest ?

What an awesome thing to do! What gratification that must have been! Merry Christmas!!

Call and ask how many they could use. If they give them to the kids to keep you will have to replenish their supply anyway. At Christmastime last year the animal shelter told me they needed 90! So I made them up. I also went online and contacted Project Linus - they give to the sick kids, poor kids, I made quilts for a group our pastor talked about that were camping behind a dumpster near a big store and lived outside. All those kids were attending regular class schedules, trying to get through until June with grades good enough to get into a community college. Got to reward their fortitude.

My sister sewed as well and made crocheted booties as well as quilts for the babies born to unwed or destitute mothers. One hospital called her and asked if it was okay to bury a baby in one of her layettes because it had been born live but had died shortly thereafter. Of course she was honored and the little baby got its burial which I'm sure meant the world to the mom.My sister used to crochet in excess of 100 pairs of booties per month until she got brain cancer and now has lost the use of her left arm. The Cover Up program gives out baby clothes and quilts to babies of teen mothers, abandoned babies, abused children, and the like. There are a ton online (I just mail mine to Project Linus, but a lot of quilt shops will collect and hold items destined for charity and see to it that Project Linus gets them. Their local contact is listed by area and they are happy to fill you in with any info you need. I've even gotten yarn, material and the like from them, they collect items to finish, a project unstarted and that helps the old pocketbook too.
Lulu's Mama

This is why I choose to make childrens charity quilts all year round. I know my efforts are appreciated and they aren't choosy about what the color scheme is or if matches someone's decor. :-D

Isnt it wonderful to know they are truely appreciated? Sometimes I think my family is so used to me making them things that it isnt that special sometimes. You did a wonderful thing and should feel good about it.

Thank you from all of them.

I've never been able to reach so many and do so much with so little, and I thank God for putting me to work making quilts for his children that need help in this hard, cold, world. I prayed for a long time for a job to do for Him, and this is what happened. I don't drive, so can't go out. I can quilt at home. I love talking about how good the Lord is, and the quilts offer tangible proof that He is everywhere. He heard my prayer to show me how to serve Him, and quilting is it. Really enjoy other like souls who love quilting and look at the whole picture as a gift.
Lulu's Mama

You are proof Angels walk among us. Bless you.

Many thanks for such a sweet thought. Just proves, the elderly can be useful too. I can't even think about the end. Too many quilts yet to do, huh? Ha ha.

Lulu's Mama

This is right at the top of my list about why we sew. It's that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you see how much joy you can bring to someone else.

Wow, that's alot of hats...blessings to you for all your work!

My children's quilts are either 36 x 44 or 44 x 60... that way I don't have to piece backings and a 45 inch batting off the roll can be cut without any waste. I use both flannel and cotton, whatever I have. If you do a stitch and flip with flannel, you don't really need batting. And with a flannel stitch and flip, I don't even wash the fabric first, since it shrinks consistently with no batting.

Someone here posted a link to Quiltsforkids.org, a link that Downy has partnered with hospitals and organizations that help children in need. I had never heard of it but I responded to it and am making my first quilt for them. I found out that one of the major hospitals in the loop is about 30 miles from me - Children's Hospital in Little Rock, AR. If I want I can join the group there and all my little quilts will go to them. I was so excited when my first kit came. I can't tell you the feeling. And, the kit is already precut, all I have to do is sew it up, provide the batt and backing and send it back. They also accept any child's quilt I may have on hand or am willing to make. I'm not sure I want to join any group as yet. I think I want God to send my small contributions in the direction He wants them to go. Does that make sense?

I am doing two for Quilts for Kids--right after Xmas--too much to finish right now---
I make as many as I can for various organizations,usually about 35-50 per year,
Many people give me fabric, so that helps....
My biggest problem at the moment is that I did not read the rules carefully enough---Quilts for Kids wants them machine quilted.
My good sewing machine just died--anyone out there that would MQ these 2 when they are finished?

Yes, the instructions I got said to machine piece and quilt closely with low loft batt because they have to be washed and dried every day. They must be sturdy enough to withstand that.

BLESS YOU.

God love ya! I too am donating 10 quilts to children in need locally this Saturday. I always say that as much as these quilts help to enrich these children's lives, making them has enriched my life tenfold. I'm sure you feel the same. Keep up the good work.

You did the Christmas Spirit proud, GOD BLESS!!

God Bless you! This is a wonderful place to share your gifts. I have a question, how did you find out where the place is located. I would think we have one in my area, but I have no idea how to go about locating it. Any suggestions?

Our local battered women's shelter is pretty well know in our community, but I bet any of the local churches, police stations or local social services agencies could direct you.

I don't know which I like more....quilting or giving to those who are in need. I feel their smiles which enriches my day. In the long run, I am the big winner and so thankful I can help others. Thanks for your kind words. Lulu's Mama

You're taking "Pay it Forward" to a whole new level!!

Good for you!