Please need advice for Baby donations
 

Its sorta a long story so please bear with me. 5 weeks ago I had a anterior repair . I have a wonderful OB/GYN he also did my total in 2013.

I asked him if the maternity ward here could use some baby hats. I explained I use to do alot of donations to Rainbows baby and childrens Hospital but no longer can do them. Well I can BUT I just can't make the drive anymore to Cleveland.

I volunteer 3 days a week as a PCA at our local hospice and have made Quilts for vets coming into the Hospice center.

I had 50 crocheted hats of different sizes for babies and asked if they could use them. he said yes and I had told him I would bring them to my post op visit. Well Friday was that visit. This wonderful dr took me up to the maternity ward to meet the manger and give her the hats.

She was so happy to get them. When i asked if she could use anything else she said we sure can. They get alot of low income patients who don't have much at all and they can use anything . in fact when they get any kind of donations they use them to give to the new moms who they know who really need and would appreciate the items.

Or first here's were i could use some advice. Do you have any favorite websites for say baby hats, booties, blankets,quilts patterns that are free. Crochet patterns I have alot of and since friday I have made 5 sets of baby hat and matching booties. i'm a dast crocheter and have alot of yarn stash.

Thats it i want to use my stash since funds are low right now. Do you think it would be ok to use cotton fabric thats isn't baby fabric? I have some as well as some flannel but lot a whole lot. I do have a good amount of regular fabric.
Do you think it would be ok to use it? Don't plan to make fancy quilts just solid squares. How big do you think they should be? These would mostly be for full term newborns. I always made for premee's so this will be new for me. They do need a few for the tiny little ones but the full term mostly.

Please help me with advice with ideas also of other items you think new moms would like. Since I'm 64 its been awhile since i have any experience in what would be needed.
THANKS everyone!!

I think any quilt that looks nice would be acceptable.

The Downy Quilts for Kids site has some nice, simple patterns for free. http://www.quiltsforkids.org/patterns/

Many large pattern manufacturers will offer different free patterns each month. You just need to check back regularly.

Two items I make that are very popular with new moms are a simple hand-sewn felt rattle (I have an applique pattern that I sewed together to make a stuffed animal & I taped together 2 iced tea lids with a bit of rice inside and shoved that into the center of the fiberfill) and a changing pad. The changing pads are super popular. I took the measurements from one pattern & added a simple tie made from bias tape I saw on another site (make it roll up instead of the weird folding required with this one's velcro closure. Here is the link:
http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/sewt...-changing.html

Note: It says to use pre-quilted flannel, but I just made a sandwich -- cotton, cotton batting, flannel. Then I quilted it, bound it & added the tie. It's super easy to make -- can finish the whole thing in an hour or two and that's if you hand-bind it. I've also made bibs, but it seems like those are lower on the priorities list for moms who really don't have the basics. A diaper bag makes another nice gift & you could quilt it or not.

PS -- Kids will love anything that is made just for them & new moms get so overwhelmed so quickly that the colors in a gift quilt are likely to be the farthest thing from their mind. You can always add some fun textures when quilting if you're really concerned about making it more "child friendly". Heather Thomas makes a lot of baby quilts & says that circles/bubbles are very popular because the little guys love touching the puffy textures.

36x54" is what I often find as the "standard" definition of a crib quilt. Of course, none of mine have been exactly that size, but that should give you a rough estimate.

Remember that babies aren't babies forever. If you make a small quilt out of fabric that isn't juvenile, eventually the child will grow into it!

I am a new grandmother so have done lots of searching for patterns. Pinterest has lots of patterns and ideas for free. I made a diaper changing pad with a pocket to hold diapers and wipes. It has Velcro to close. My daughter loves this as it makes it so easy to find a place to change the baby. Burp clothes made from flannel are also a big hit.

I think any pretty fabrics would be fine. I'm sure to them it will look wondeful.

Bundles of Love charity in Minnesota has many free patterns for both sewing and knotting/crocheting on their website.

As a guild, we support a outreach program called Good Beginnings. We provide them with quilts to give to their new Moms. Many of the quilts are made with leftovers from members previous projects. Some are juvenile in theme but most are not. What we hear from the organization is that the new moms who receive them - love them.

I have just finished two - one made with the "Wickedly Easy Quilt" from pastel FQs 42x50", the other a 36x45" simple Irish chain in white and lavender paisley fabric. Two more that I have quilted for guild - one a 42x42" scrappy floating star alternating with a four patch and the other a scrappy 36x36" Snails Trail.

None of these are elaborate. The fabrics range in style - oriental blenders, 30's, Civil War Repros, some juvenile - but when put tog they are cute and someone will love them.

Burp pads small quilts and diaper clutches are super popular! ! Any colors just remember no embellishments!

I think any color would be fine. If the parents have little, they are not decorating the baby room in any particular theme. Just having a special quilt for their baby is going to be special in their eyes and hearts. If you keep the width of a quilt within 40 inches, you do not have to piece backing.

I have made hundreds of Linus quilts. They are usually a yard by the width of the fabric. I use child friendly prints and back them with flannel. I make them envelope style and then burp them. This requires no binding. I then machine quilt them with a decorative stitch every four inches the length of the quilt. Most of those who receive them would not know the difference between my simple quilts and a masterpiece. They just are grateful that someone cares. I have a large collection of thank you notes from families that have received one of my "blankets". I think of Linus quilts like the picture on the little label we sew on each of them. It shows "Linus" clutching a quilt to his head and sucking his thumb. It is basically a comfort thing. Those of us who are mothers know that all of our children had something that they clung to when they were upset.

I don't have any suggestions. It sounds like you have a lot of great ones already. I just want to say, 'bless you for your kindness.' There are so many in need around us. What a wonderful thing you've chosen to do.

I make baby blanket using 1 yard of flannel and one yard of cotton I place them right sides together, then I sew all the way around them -- leaving a 5 inch opening -- then turn them inside out. I then make sure the corners are out and then sew a scant 1/4 " around the whole outside then I take pearl cotton and tie in about 6 places to hold the fabric together. I also have made a lot of these sewing different ribbons around the outside edges so when I turn them outside the ribbons have tabbies on them the babies love them. I will post picture in the picture section -- I will call them Tabbie Blankets... you can see one there..... God Bless You !

Great suggestions here! What a generous group the members of this Board are!!!

A Free pattern that is quick and easy: "My favorite Donation quilt" A strip quilt. Just google. May be bigger than you really want. Can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. Requires only 3 fabrics- focus, tone on tone, and a contrasting. Sounds like you are going to be a busy one. Good luck.

In the apt senior complex I live in, there is a knitting group that makes hats for babies for the local hospital, but they only use the soft baby yarn. I had a friend who use to make those burp pads from two pieces of flannel. After turning them inside out, she would do a fancy stitching on her DSM that really made the pad's edge prettier. Do you have any contact with the lady you gave the hats to?? she probably could tell you if there are any restrictions on what is allowed in the ward. Good Luck.

Any pretty fabric should be just fine, for babies. Just remember to make sure everything is washable, including any toys! Since babies can be very messy (spitting up, diaper leaks, etc.), they tend to go through lots of those light-weight blankets/quilts. Moms can also use the lighter covers as cover-ups, for breastfeeding.

Another idea would be small car seat blankets. They are about the size of a fq. I use minky or soft and cuddly fabric for the backing they are great to tuck the baby in while in the car seat. Its not bulky or folded so you don't have to stress over the baby pulling it up and suffocating. I am making a few for my baby when she is born in October.

Thanks! I so agree. Have to admit doing this and all my volunteer work makes me feel like I am making a difference. I have been told I should send some of the dobations to other countries. Hope I don't sound horrible BUT we have so many here in the US that need help I prefer to help right here.

Thanks everyone efor all the ideas I plan to use all of them LOL!! Well till my stash is gone anyway. You gals are the best!!

There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to concentrate on helping those, in your own country. The fact that you're helping, is what's important.

Debbieoh,
I agree, there are so many needy right here. Thanks for what you are doing.
Where is Sheffield Village? I know I should know where it is but right at the moment, I am blank.

I agree while it is nice to help other in other countries, there is really a huge need here with children. I know of at least 4 groups in my area that help single moms and teen moms and kids. I try and help them as much as possible. Glad to hear you want to help locally.

Annie123: Thanks for referring her to the Bundles of Love site! I am a volunteer for this organization.

A good baby quilt size is a minimum of 38" by 45". I recently saw a donation of receiving blankets that had two pieces of flannel sewn together at about 30" square. The gal had done a pillowcase turn and then crocheted all along the edges. They were really nice.

If you have a serger, you can cut bibs, receiving blankets, wash mitts, and burp cloths from flannel and then serge the edges. The bibs can have Velcro or snaps on them.

Afghans can be made about 30" square.

You can use any type of material for a hat. Where I volunteer, they make a tam hat with 6 pieces of fabric sewn together with ribbing. When doing baby hats, put both of your hands together in fists and then put them together inside the hat. If they fit, that is a good newborn size.

Thank you for volunteering!

Connie

You might want to try the Self Binding Baby blanket from Missouri Star Quilt Co. It is two layers of flannel, sewn so that there is a border around it. All machine done, no batting. Sort of a nice heavy receiving blanket. They go really fast and are useful for nursing covers as well. I like to make baby quilts from bright colors, don't worry about whether they are juvenile prints or not. Use what you have.

The Church I used to go to sent crocheted and knitted hats for Preemies and 22 inch Square incubator Covers to Rainbow Babies Hospital in Cleveland because of a young mom at the church who had a preemie.. Don't know if they still do it or not.. Clothing items we sent were The little undershirts ( the ones who couldn't crochet or knit and could buy ) , basic nightgowns ( They fit until the baby is about 10 lbs) and little blankets/Quilts Width of Fabric x 1 yard.
Just basic 4 to 6 inch blocks bright colors of what ever fabrics they had.and she tied it with Embroidery Floss. another lady had a Serger and she made the Serged Flannel receiving Blankets... .

What ever is made is given in Love and Received with an open heart... and Appreciated... Hello from the other side of OHIO.

I just had a new granddaughter, and the hospital there gave her a gallon-sized baggie with a crocheted hat, booties, a blanket with crocheted edging, and a bag to put it all in. I think that is just a wonderful thing you are doing!!

It is so GREAT of you to make donations stuff. There are so many needy people out there. I also crochet baby hats and give them to a hospitle in Akron. I buy a large ball of baby sport yarn for $6.00 at a local big bix store and I can get abiut 30 hats from one ball. It is multi colored yarn and then I put a row of DC in either pink or blue. Pattern only takes about 1 hr to make- no pompom on top. If anyone is interested in the pattern PM me and I will share the pattern. I also make hats and scarfs set for grade school kids and give them to my DG school. SO many needy kids!!!!!


Here is a link for making small quilts for stillborn babies. I have never made any but what a great idea.

http://www.with-heart-and-hands.com/...-blankets.html

You have a wonderful heart and a wonderful opportunity to bless parents. My one caution is that now parents are taught to not use blankets, quilts, covers of any kind in cribs as on of may ways to avoid SIDS deaths and or suffocation. So if you are making quilts for new little ones the hospital may also give the quilt with a "wise use" message. This warning is for children too young to turn over on their own with ease. I know, we know that little ones need an interesting place to lay on the floor for tummy time and play time, to cover mom while nursing or to cover the car seat when going from inside to outside to the car. So make and give your quilts and bless those families. It is my understanding that Project Linus quilts are generally for those little bit older children, toddlers and up that need that special snugly and comfort blanket while going through a hospital procedure or extended stay. Quilt on debbieoh!

I have two DD and when they were young, they had no end of ear problems so my 'go-to-gift' is a blanket and matching hat. I liked being able to wrap them and have a matching hat. My all time favorite was a leopard flannel that had the hat, and the hat had little ears with pink inside. It was so cute that both of my DD wore it and so did DGD. Leopard may be passé, bit the idea is cute.

*** If the recipients has nearly nothing
*** I think they would be over joyed to get anything.
***
*** your Crown will be waiting in Heaven when you arrive.
***

All the "baby" quilts I have ever made have been made from bright "adult" fabrics. Babies are attracted to bright colors especially colors with lots of contrast. I spy quilts will be great intros for conversations with the baby, even as newborns. Use whatever you have and make it interesting and with contrast. No embellishments or even ties (as these may get wound around baby fingers and toes.) Thank you for your kindness to others.

What a very kind thing for you to do. Baby quilts do not necessarily have to be made with baby fabric, in fact they grow up so fast, any pretty, bright or fun fabric would do and I'm sure they would be greatly appreciated.

when my granddaughter was stillborn, i made two identical quilts... one to bury with the infant and one for the parent s to have as a memorial.

Sheffile village is between Cleveland and Sandusky.

I use to make burial outfits for Rainbows. I designed a wrap to wrap the babies in with a angel on the front.

Here is a link for a project I was doing when I was not able to quilt. If you would PM me your e-mail address, I will send you the pattern if you are interested in doing any of these. GOD Bless

http://www.quiltingboard.com/general...t-t198494.html

a 24" square for Premies, and a 36" square for Newbies should be good. What a wonderful thing you are doing. I am sure that they will be appreciated. The premie size is great because Mommy always feels like the baby gets lost in a bigger size. I am doing quilts for the families of Hospice patients because so many of us have sat at a bedside night and day, and most folks think of the patient, but the caregivers need a hug too

You are so right about the families of hospice patients. I have been a PCA Volunteer at our hospice for 5 years. I have made capes, and neck pillows for family members as well as the patients. I also made over 20 lapsize quilts for the veterans who are in our hospice program. All really appreciate it. What a wonderful thing you are doing

Just reaad and watched a video to makae these. Looks confusing but easy. THANKS so much. Will be making them and alot if I don't mess it up LOL!!

That is where i use to make and donate like crazy as well as thr Ronald McDonald House. I would make the dolls they used and gowns to fit the. I was also asked to make memory quilts thats what started me in quilting.They were lapquilts just made with plain fabric blocks. some had to be a solid light color block, Than the nurses would help the patient write messages to their families. , draw pictures , put hand prints and misc on the solid blocks. Than when the patient passed the quilt was given to the family. When they told me that how could I not do it. Did it for many years. But now I'm just not able to drive into Cleveland 30 minute ride is just too much.