Jun 22, 2009

Virtual Quilting Bee For Charity


Quilting for fun and giving quilts away, is my favorite thing in the whole world to do! I have quilted for a number of hospitals, for Veteran's organizations, for various quilting for children programs, for Habitat for Humanity, for African and Indian missions, for families in distress (hurricane relief, etc) and I also just quilt for no reason and all reasons!

So, why not start a 'Virtual Quilting Bee for Charity'? Let's quilt as we can, no matter how little or how big, or for whatever cause. But dedicate whatever amount of time you can give...this week and into the next and do two weeks...or maybe, more....for a quilt made with love and then give it away. A virtual random act of kindness with a tangible reward (and a real quilt) at the finish line. We'll all be winners... and spread our love, good deeds and quilts to the world. Two weeks of spreading love into the world. How can anyone say no to that ;)

Now, I gave myself a head start...as I've already got a number of quilts started. But, I've smelled the UFO fabric piles, baskets, bins, and stacks out there...and so do YOU!

Quilt for charity, take a pile of scraps, a bin of blocks, a flimsy, a whimsy, and decide to finish one thing...start to finish in the next two weeks and donate it to someone in need. It's as simple as making a child's quilt 36"x 36" and then just bringing it down to the check-in desk at the nearest hospital, a homeless shelter, a day care center, a family down the street who is unemployed...the list goes on and on!

Finish a quilt in the next two weeks and pass it on. The new 'Pay My Own Life Forward With a Quilt' plan!

We are all SO blessed. Spread the blessings With Heart and Hands and join in the fun!

15 comments:

SewCalGal said...

Great idea. And I love testing new patterns with the test quilt going to charity.

Let's Pay It Forward by quilting and giving from our hearts!

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Sarah or Semmy said...

I have been doing this for years. What a wonderful feeling when I give a quilt away, for myself and the person recieving. Most of the time the reciever never knows that I gave it and to me that is more exciting. Sarah e4e

Scrappy quilter said...

Wonderful idea. I've done this since 2005 with my Quilts for the North. It feels so good to help others, doing something we truly love. I received a few pictures a couple weeks ago showing some of the ladies from up north receiving their quilts. Usually I don't. What a blessing to me to see the smiles on their faces.

Hope you have a wonderful day quilting!!

Margie said...

Read your blog often and do enjoy it. I make quilts (mostly baby) all year long and then come Christmas time they go in the boxes that the firemen, police, etc. put out to be filled to help the less fortunate. Makes you feel good!!

Bee Quilter said...

I just love how you all excited about this topic! I love giving away quilts the most of all!

Michele Bilyeu said...

I just love how you all inspire ME!! Thanks for wonderful comments and if you come back and read this, please check your email settings so we can write you nice things back!

Anonymous said...

I don't have a blog, but I sure love reading them (especially yours) Thanks for inspiring us with so many of your posts. Makes me want to start a quilt right this minute *VBG*

Finn said...

Hi Michele, what a great post! I'll jump on board with you *VBS* and hope lots more do also. I've been working on those flannel strips,strings and bits. It's a little slower since you have to sew also of pieces to get there, but I love it and it's definitely both frugal and improv! I'm approaching the finish line on last weeks, but I'll carry on and add your message to my blog. *VBS* Hugs, Finn

jovaliquilts said...

Always a great idea! I've got some in the works.

Quilt Junquee said...

I really hope quilters who blog link up to this great idea. I've still never made a blog yet but I will pass this on and do it myself!

Anonymous said...

I don't have a blog either. But I read here all the time. I know I can make a simple little baby quilt and bring it down to the hospital nursery for a new baby pretty easily! Love this idea.

Anonymous said...

Its nice to see a smile on someones face when we give a quilt to someone, my next charity will be for the homeless

Junie Moon said...

I love projects like this, it's wonderful. You've got such a beautiful heart.

Cher said...

yes...since 1999 that is what I have always done-made more quilts to give than I have kept or given to family.
It always, always put a smile on my face and a song in my heart knowing that somewhere my quilt effort will spread joy. Love your inspiration and urging others to join in the giving from the heart.

Magpie Sue said...

I just found out about this more organized effort to "spread the love" - via Finn's blogs (Scrapbag and Orphan Train). Count me in; I have a flannel top just about ready to back and quilt.