I was asked by a friend to make cool ties for the soldiers for an online organization she was part of . I said sure. I made 150 100% cotton brown colored ones and they were rejected because I serged the edges instead of seaming and then turning the tubes. ? Well I gave them to a church member who sent them to her grandson who is in Afghanistan. She makes cool ties for him and always serges them. Anyone know why serging won't be accepted?

I've heard the same thing - but didn't find out the answer, either.
Looking forward to finding out why - -

Some organizations are picky. One in particular will return quilts if they are not made of quilt shop fabric. They suggest you have bake sales and such to raise money for this year's fabric lines. That is totally unrealistic in MY world, so I bring any quilts for veterans directly to the VA hospital, where they have always been graciously received and distributed.

I am sure whoever is using yours is not obsessing over the construction method. You just need to connect with the group that appreciates your efforts. Sometimes the most well-publicized group is not the best fit for everyone.

Wow! I'd think that would get my goat! I guess they didn't need them too bad. The didn't think of all that work you put into them. Lesson learned, find out what the spec's are before making or giving anything to charity or organizations. This was a costly mistake on your part, but I'm glad that they eventually found a good home.

how do you make "cool Ties"?? What are they exactly? Im sure the troops would have loved them regardless of being serged or not.

Being the wife of a soldier I can tell you that they (the soldiers) do not care how the dang thing is put together, as long as it will hold water and keep them cool.

There are also places online that you can adopt a soldier, or a troop and send stuff to them directly. If you know someone that has a family member overseas it is great to get an address and send directly to them and then they will pass out to the rest of the troop.

Thank you for supporting our troops!

There are all kinds of directions online just google cool tie pattern and see what workds best for you!

Here is a link where you can donate the cool ties.

http://www.opgratitude.com/howtohelp...age=individual

Cool ties are tubes that hold crystals that absorb water, they are worn around the neck to cool off your body. They soak them in cold water and they stay cool for quite a while.

Could be that in serging, there's no "fold over" to keep the crystals in? Like teeny crystals when they're dry or even wet can sneak out?

Where do you get the crystals?

[quote=Moonpi]Some organizations are picky. One in particular will return quilts if they are not made of quilt shop fabric. They suggest you have bake sales and such to raise money for this year's fabric lines. That is totally unrealistic in MY world, so I bring any quilts for veterans directly to the VA hospital, where they have always been graciously received and distributed.

My dh is a vet and one day we were at the VA hospital and there was a volunteer with a card of quilts. I asked her what they were for and she said they were giving them to the vets, and asked if I was a vet. I told her dh was (he was standing there) and she said we could have one. We got a gray with penguins on it with a zigzag heart embroidered in the center. It is a summer quilt so it has no batting. Dh like it because it's just right for putting on his feet when I want the fan on :D