I haven't done the QFK yet but I tried the "pillowcase" method and was less than pleased. When I tried FMQ in it I had lots of puckers so I just cheated :roll: and cut off the sides and ends and put binding (machine) on it. I don't do anything by hand. :lol: Turned out so much better! I do the pillow case method on some table runners that I don't put batting in and they work fine.

I tried some spray on basting which really helps with the "pillowcase method". It's pricey but really compensates for my lack of experience. Something to try if you encounter a sale.

I wrote about this just last week I think. I don't like it when I commit to something for a charity and then they ask me for more. Someone wisely said, if you can't do it with love, then don't do it. I decided not to. I'll keep asking for kits and sewing them together--but I'm supplying the batting, the thread, and the cost of mailing it back. I think that's enough. There's no requirement that you send back an additional quilt--it's only a request. I'm happy to spend the time on the kit they send me, but then my time and fabric is my own.

I do the pillowcase, then stitch close to the edge all the way around when it's right side out. That finishes it for me much quicker than binding. I am on my fourth or fifth Downy quilt. It is fun to work on a project that's already matched up and pre-cut!

Wow, Thank you! I never even thought of that. I have both 505 and Sulky KK2000. Duh!, that's why I love this board. :thumbup: I'll try it on the next one.

Do you do any quilting on the quilt it's self? I have puckers on mine.

What is the site to go to for this.... I have a stash that would love this type of project.

I finished the top and got it all set to quilt within a few weeks, and now to the machine quilting. I have never done a quilt on the machine, and have no idea how to start.

Where do you get the kits?

I have taken forever to finish mine. I keep putting it down, like I do with all the other ones. I tend to rotate lol. Anyway when I am finished I will mail that one back in. It would take alot longer for me to make another one.

I layered and pin basted then machine stitched in the ditch around the squares. I mitered the binding and sewed it by machine. It turned out very flat and square.

I checked the mailing tube and the p.o. didn't have any but the clerk said it would fit fine in one and would be about $5 to mail. I packed the QFK quilt in a Connecting Threads box and it cost me $7.40 to mail back.

Does anyone know of a place that needs small quilts for breast cancer patients? I heard that small cheerful quilts are useful for women undergoing radiation. Thanks!

If you check on Downy and go to chapters, you will find the list of chapters under Pennsylvania. Pick out the closest one to you and contact them. That should work a lot better for you. Edie

Edie,

Thanks, I will do that.

I ordered one early this past December. A mistake on my part because of busy holidays. Mine was returned in about ten weeks instead of as requested because it took me longer to put together and I didn't have time to construct another to send. So I mailed them only the one quilt for which they had sent the fabric. Maybe I'll do another sometime.

Wow Linda. Thank you for joining in to inform us. I am enjoying quilting for these children. I took a break from Project Linus to help with the Downey program. I agree, a Big Thank you to all the sponsors. And to you for it's beginning.

I made one in 4 and 3/4 hour and that included the cutting. I actually haven't made the one they sent me yet.

I only sent one in, when I did mine. It was right between Thanksgiving and Christmas and I just didn't have time to do an extra. Maybe I can later.

the pattern they suggest is very easy i did mine in one afternoon from start to finish . the backing was in my kit

What I like the most about the Downy quilt and the QFK (Quilts for Kids) project is that it is so exciting to see what you get in the mail, the fabric, the pattern and then you just take some quiet time and put it together. It gives you such warm fuzzies while you are working on it knowing that it will help a small child or a baby (I am working on NICU quilts now). It gives you time to pray for a child who is not healthy like your child or may never grow up like your child did but you are giving this child/baby the warm fuzzies too. Each one of these little children are mine while I am making the quilt. I am hoping and praying that they will be all right and grow and flourish and maybe my quilt kept them safe and warm for a little time. I take a picture of each quilt and remember. Edie

Edie, Thank you for sharing. I think that is what I expect to feel too. Since I work with first time mums and babes, I understand all too well what an illness or premature birth can mean. One of my mums had her little one at 23 weeks 4 days gestation...waaaaayy too early. Miraculously after 145 days in the NICU, he came home. Yes, he has some developmental delays and will have to work hard to overcome some issues, but he is 18 mos old and the happiest little one. He got a special Blankie while he was in the NICU and I know it was a comfort to him. This is why I so much, want to participate in this wonderful cause. Eventually, I would like to participate in Quilts of Valor also, but the little ones will always have a special place in my quilters heart.

Forgot to add, I use the spray basting for the pillowcase mthod. It really helps!

I use basting spray, and a few pins, I have few puckers if any when I turn it . Directions say to use a lot of quilting to hold it together thru many washings. I do diagonal across the squares and stitch in the ditch, as well as some extra in the border area. My puckers are usually hidden by the time I quilt and wash!

I also am in the process of making a Downy quilt. For the second on I am doing a rubber ducky fleece and backing it with a solid color, sewing it together inside out and turning it. Then I can do some simple quilting like X's. Hope this helps.

I wanted to make one, but they have too many restrictions (good reasons of course)....my hubby smokes, and I have dogs!

You can still do this! They ask that the quilts be washed before you send them, so any smoke/pet hair would be taken care of in the wash. As soon as it is done in the dryer..stuff that quilt immediately into a trash bag and close it up. Quilts should really be put in a plastic bag of some kind to help prevent damage during shipping. Same goes with fabric too. If this is something you want to do..then go for it. We have cats and my mom has dogs and we both have done a few of these. Just go for it!!

I have a quick question? Just how big are these little quilts...in size?

wow I guess they should make that clear to people, that's really not fare if you don't have fabric to do an extra quilt. call them and ask them. God bless you for doing that. Penny

I did one but had to take an unexpected trip between getting the pattern and sending it. Just after I had mailed the finished quilt I got a gentle reminder from them by e-mail. I enjoyed doing this project and also prayed for the child and the family as I worked on the quilt. I haven't done a second one yet but will definitely do another as time permits. It was an easy project.