Not Built In A Day

  Late last summer I heard about the opportunity to make quilts for families who were among the fire victims in our state, east of the Cascade Mountains.  This response to devastation and loss was organized by a wonderful quilter who lives south of Olympia, our state capital.  Because I haven't asked her permission yet to include her name and blog links, I can only tell you she has a huge heart and is a tireless worker for those who are in need.

I got out flannels and cottons from my stash, and made several quilts based on a traditional pattern from Eleanor Burns' Quilt in a Day series of books, to be donated to the families in need through the quilter I mentioned above.  While they weren't 'art' quilts by any definition other than due to their color palette, I trust my quilts warm the hearts of the folks who receive them.
  There are countless opportunities to turn our new quilts into gifts that warm both heart and body.  This New Year of 2016, my resolution is to focus on making additional quilts for donation.  Some of the opportunities [among thousands] include the Ronald McDonald House families who come to Seattle Children's Hospital for healing, Quilts of Valor Foundation, Project Linus, Eastside Baby and Westside Baby, Jubilee Women's Center, Mary's Place, Quilts For Kids, and countless other churches and quilt groups and charity auctions for whom quilts are made and funds are raised to help others in need.
  My challenge for you, Dear Reader, is to pick an organization near and dear to your heart, and make a quilt and send it off this month!  Read websites and/or contact the organization for any requirements they have for donations:  size, washing instructions, removing all pins, quilting spacing [so quilts can stand up to frequent washings], types of fabric, etc.  Then, have a wonderful time creating something from your heart to another's.  And, after you've made one quilt, make another!