It is our community service project to make baby size or larger quilts that are donated each year to Baxter Regional Medical Center or any other area agency that is approved by the Guild executive board. Currently those include the To date,

1. Baxter Regional Medical Center Women’s Center Nursery

2, Hospice House

3. Serenity House

4.The Call/Casa

5. Center for Hope

6. Gamma House

7. Marion County Health Department

8. Police and Fire departments

9. Into The Light

10. Alpha House

The Guild has a commitment of one quilt per member and encourages members to make additional quilts.  A new point system was developed–one point each for top, quilting, binding–15 points earns a special pin

Some guidelines to consider for your community quilt donation:

Label–All quilts should have a label sewn onto the back indicating that it is a gift from Hill ‘N Hollow Quilters Guild.  Preprinted labels will be available from the chairperson or you may make your own.  IMPORTANT–Copy and print directly onto colorfast printer fabric and follow directions carefully or use  “Bubble Jet Set”

Labels for Community Quilts 2018

Fabric – We tend to use 100% cotton fabrics in our quilting projects, but baby quilts are an opportunity to use up some cotton/polyester blends that might be in our stash.  Flannel may also be used.  The choice is up to the member.

Size –  Baby quilt panels are 36 x 44 and baby quilts should be at least that size or slightly larger.

Batting – Batting loft and fiber appropriate for the type of quilt should be used.  Leftover batting strips of the same type may be pieced to make the size needed.  Packaged crib batting is 45” x 60” or you can cut up a queen-size batt (90” x 108”) and get four 45” x 54” batts or six 36” x 45” batts.  Crib batting is frequently available from the Community Service Quilt Chair.

Tops – Any pattern of the maker’s choice may be used.  It may be a single fabric (plain or printed), pieced or appliqued.

Backs – These may be made of single fabric (easily done if you limit one dimension to no more the 45”) or you may use larger leftovers to quickly piece a back.

Quilting – Baby quilts may be tied, machine quilted, or hand quilted.  Please DO NOT use invisible nylon thread, as it can be dangerous to babies

Finishing – Baby quilts may have a traditional binding or be made envelope style by turning

Lap robes (approx. 52 x 64) and twin size (approx. 72 x 90) quilts that are appropriate for older children or adults may also be turned in to the Community Service Quilt Chair at any meeting.  They should also follow the above guidelines, except for size.  You will be given credit toward earning a pin for these also.

Be sure to carefully check all quilts for any forgotten pins before turning them in.

Have fun!  Be creative!  Try out a technique or method you might want to incorporate in another project you are considering.  It will not be judged.  But it will be appreciated.

Sandy found several free patterns from Pat Sloan. Click on the link to download instructions. Photos samples are below.

pat-sloan-block-23-directions-solstice-challenge

Turn in your quilt(s) to the Community Service Quilt Chair, Sandy Beasley, so that you are credited with your donation.

NEW-– If you cannot quilt your Community Quilt Top, you may give to Sandy to include in a 5 quilt agreement with Ditsy Fish. The quilt must be given to Sandy (or Prez Angie Lindberg  or VP Carolyn Bisbee who will give to Sandy) along with affordable cost for quilting.  The contract with Charity Beckley (Ditsy Fish) shows $10 for quilts up to 70×90; larger than 70×90 will be $15 each quilt. Checks are made out to Hill ‘N Hollow Quilters.

Quilt Sew-in

The Community Service Quilt Chair may also determine a time for a group sewing event to make baby or other community service quilts as the need arises.