Charity Quilts

I'm happy to report that I haven't gotten too out of control with my exit shopping. Just because we're leaving in five weeks doesn't mean I have to take the entire output of the country with me. I did finally break down and buy one of these new-made-to-look-old coffee urns. I'm guessing that this is meant to be Beduoin, since a lot of their jewelry uses old "coins" in this manner.

Sweetie of course just said you bought this??? and for how much??? Well I love it and I'm sure the cats would too if they could get at it.

Since one of the "suggestions" (I hate the word "rules") of the Take the Leap Challenge is that the quilt be donated to charity, I thought I would post a couple of links to worthwhile causes for you, in case you don't already have something in mind.

First off, Wrap Them in Love, which donates quilts to children in need around the world. They recommend that the quilt be heavily quilted or tied and sturdy, since they're going to get lots of loving and laundering. Their preferred size is 40" x 60".

Another is the U.S. Project Linus. They were the lucky recipient of loads of fabric when I cleaned out my stash before moving overseas. Their mission is to "provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need... Quilts can be as small as 36" X 36". The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called "crib size." Blankets could be as large as twin size for teens."

Have to admit I never realized that crib size was that big. I've always aimed for 45" squarish when making baby blankets for friends. I don't know what size preemie quilts should be. I'm guessing darn small...

I received an email asking what kind of batting/wadding should be used and does the material need to be 100% cotton. I don't know if there is a preference. I didn't see one when I scanned through these two sites. If anyone out there has some good tips for making baby quilts for charity projects, that would be appreciated.

Links to check out:

Tazzie has absolutely made my day. Way back when, Tazzie commented that she wanted to be more adventurous in her quilting, but was afraid to take the leap. That was how the Take the Leap Challenge got started. So I'm thrilled that she's tried the instructions and learned that it wasn't as scary as she thought it would be. Woohoo!

Quilt Pixie has gone wild, unsurprisingly enough since she used all sorts of wonkier than wonky houses and letters in her home quilt. Now she's making fantastic hugs and kisses to go with her "supernovas" and "sinkholes." I wonder if I can be considered a child in need, heh heh heh.

ClickertyClick Linda in Adelaide is a fairly new blogger - a knitter and quilter. She's making letters and they're looking great and she knitted an a that's very clever.