We call this method the Hot Dog Method.

I'm involved with my guild's Project Pillowcases and over the past several years we have made and distributed through ConKerr Cancer about 4,000 pillowcases to kids in NJ and NYCity hospitals. It is always so good to hear about a child's reaction upon recieving one of the pillowcases.

We also are careful about the types of fabric used for the pillowcases we make for kids in hospitals, and donate flannel. fleece and other 'not for kids' pillowcases to other groups in need. After sewing the pillowcases they are all washed, dried and packed into quart size baggies so they are sparkling clean and have no chemicals in them.

Anyone intrested in making pillowcases for kids in hospitals should check out conkerrcancer.org and find your area coordinator. They have several methods of making pillowcases on their site. You don't have to make tons of pillowcases just as many as you can.

Sacoons, thanks for the great link. I live in a suburb of Dallas and so this is really helpful to a smidge of happiness into a childs life and that of their family.

"flannel. fleece and other 'not for kids' pillowcases" (May in Jersey)
I'm curious why the flannel would not be appropriate? Many of my 'kid prints' are flannel.

I donate a lot to my quilt group that takes them to different charities. I am amazed that each month there are so many quilts donated, but they seem to be needed.


My granddaughter had emergency surgery and on her second day they came in and gave her a quilt. She was very happy with it. By the way, she is home and doing fine. I want to thank everyone who is so generous and willing to give to help these children have some joy in their misfortune.

Oh what a bummer, but I do understand. I have had issues with clowns as long as I can remember and I don't know why either. It's weird.

It helps to decide where you want the blankets/pillowcases to go and then contact the source and ask what the need is. I almost exclusively make stuff for teenagers since most of the stuff is geared more towards younger children. I'll have to check about pillowcases. Those are fun to make. I haven't tried one with the piping though. I'll give that a shot on a pillow for me.

Some of the local hospitals will no longer accept homemade toys, which is unfortunate. They claim it is because of infection control, but one nurse said it is simply the politics of one or two people since anything autoclavable with no loose parts such as googly eyes is certainly acceptable.

Yes, people do appreciate charity quilts. I was finishing the binding on one to go to the children's hospital while at a laundromat and the guy that came in to fix one of the machines thanked me for making them. His son was given a quilt in Baltimore while being treated for cancer and although he died, they still have the quilt and it really has helped deal with his loss.

I have a very dear friend that is involved with setting up a place where young girls can go if for no other reason than to talk & have someone listen & not judge them. It is all volunteers & donations they do various things like trips to drs. appointments, pharmacies for medications, or for groceries, or just set an listen. Because most of these girls don't have jobs they have no way of buying just the basic things they will need when their little one arrives. So I have been making receiving blankets, nighties, etc putting together a small layette. Letting them know someone cares. I've used up just about all my stash so I'm asking for some help if you have any fabric, patterns etc that would be suitable for these kind of things to be made from that would be great.
Everything is donated, everyone volunteers there time. They are a wonderful group of ladies that want to fill a need that we so need in our area so these girls don't feel they are all alone.
You can reach me thru the Private Message & I'll will get back to you with the information that you need.
Thank You Karissa

Allpeoplequilt.com also has pillowcase patterns available. They are still trying to make their millon pillowcase challenge.

I work at a pediatric clinic in LV and we have been receiving pillowcases. They go pretty quick.

I just read the website about donating cases, and yes they do want them appropriate for teens.

I am amazed at all the comments from my original post. To all of you I will quote something from a charity that I used to be affilliated with "Thank you for giving, and giving enough to care"

Yes, it's nice to know that the donated items do get put to use. Glad your gd is doing ok.