When the quilt closet gets too full, it’s time to send some to various organizations that use them as comfort quilts. Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati has been a favorite over the years, in part because they are so appreciative when the lady from our group brings the quilts to them. Therefore, these 8 are going to them.
This first quilt was made in 2009. It hasn’t been given away yet in part because I love all those floral fabrics and in part because it was pulled a bit out of shape by an inexperienced quilter who will remain nameless. The pattern is called Crumbs, notwithstanding that the name has been used for a very different quilt since that time.
Second is this quilt made last year and entitled Bright Scraps. No pattern; I made it up as I went along.
Bright Scraps, one of many scrap quilts made last year. And no, the scrap pile has NOT diminished!
Splendid Stars, 2021, is one of several quilts I’ve made from star blocks left from other projects.
Splendid Stars, 51″ x 53″, was made from orphan blocks left from numerous projects
And here is another quilt made in 2022 from my sizeable stash of floral fabrics.
This quilt, called Summer Night, was made in 2005 and includes fabrics with stars that glow in the dark!
The quilt below is one of my favorite “rescue” quilts. The circles were cut from blocks that had failed two or three other arrangements. I cut them out and sewed them onto a background I had already quilted.
The following quilt was made from a free pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew. Thanks to my friend Gwen, the “Textile Ranger”, who identified the source.
And finally, this quilt is called Candy Cubes. It was made in 2020 from the book New Patchwork and Quilting Basics by Jo Avery.
And if this seems like a lot of quilts to donate, consider that I’ve now made over 500 and they need to go to folks who can use them. As some other quilters have noted, I don’t want to leave a lot of “stuff” for my daughter to have to dispose of–when I die many years from now!
Zippy Quilts 
Oh wow, Mary! I am so impressed with your generosity! Every one of these quilts is great! Believe me, I understand the feeling of wanting to hang onto a quilt that you like. Whether it’s made with favorite fabrics; contains countless hours of work (for me that’s usually domestic machine quilting); or has a flaw that keeps it from perfection, it’s tough to give them ALL away. That’s the case for me too, even with my two latest scrap quilt finishes. I’m aiming to give mine to special people in my life, but there’s also a good possibility they’ll be donated. A little piece of my heart breaks off when I give away a quilt. I think that’s because it’s hard to imagine who will get it, or how it will be treated… and the maker NEVER knows. Giving away calls for trust, and that’s hard for me.
One of the things taught in my spiritual tradition is that I am responsible for the gift but not responsible for how it is received. When I donate a quilt I let it go. I’m sure some are loved and some are used for rags, but that’s not on me. My favorite quilt-donation-related joke is Garrison Keillor’s observation that many quilts made for foreign aid are sent to tropical countries where their best use would be as mulch! I used to think about that and smile when I worked with a donation quilt group at my local Lutheran church, where our quilts were sent out of the country.
These quilts will surely give comfort to those in need.
Thanks, Chela! Good to hear from you 😀
I love the Summer Night quilt. Is there a pattern? Thanks.
Thanks for liking my quilt. I offered it to a couple of magazines when I designed it several years ago, but it was turned down, so there is no pattern. Sometimes I win, sometimes I learn, but I never lose 😀 Sorry there’s no pattern for you.
Too bad. But I’d like to add that it’s a perfect marriage of fabric & pattern!
I love all the quilts . I’m impressed with the quantity, the work and that you donate.
Thanks, Kathy. I love to make quilts, and somebody has to love them, so I give them away 😀
That first one is a great way to make use of flower prints without looking cheezy – and yes, I used that term intentionally. Because, I was wondering if the orange-yellow fabric is indeed the color called ‘cheddar’ back in the day? If so, that’s an even more effective use of that color in a quilt!
The 2022 quilt puts a more contemporary twist on using your beloved flower prints, to great effect. I say all this because I’m not a huge flower print enthusiast – so – I’m impressed! HA!
Plus, donating such high quality quilts makes an impact on the receiver’s artistic awareness along with the cuddle effect, IMHO.
Thank you, Laura. Yes, I think it’s important for the design to be good, perhaps especially if the recipient isn’t even aware of the fact. I appreciate your comments.
These are all beautiful. You are so generous and I know the people who receive them will feel wrapped in your caring and talent.
Thank you, Melanie, and as always it’s great to hear from you.
I love this line-up and you inspire all of us to let those quilts out of our clutches and send them out into the world. I remember you making these, and as usual, they are all colorful and bright and certainly will brighten someone’s life/room/space or mulch for their garden (horrors! but I agree). 500 quilts! You are an inspiration.
Thank you. And if mulch is the best use, so be it.
Wow, think of all the people you may never meet that are wrapped up on quilt love from you – amazing and you are doing good work in the world!
Thanks, Tierney 😀
What a wonderful array! Thanks for the reminder about RMcD. Our guild charity chairs are compiling a list of places to donate quilts. You’re fortunate that someone can deliver them for you since shipping is so expensive.
Hi Nann! I’m going to turn my donation quilt making time in as volunteer time for DAR. Do you do that?
You could have a mini exhibition with all these beautiful quilts. I am sure they will be treasured by the people out there who are in for a wonderful surprise.
500 quilts, and counting! That must surely be a record?
Hi Mariss! No, I’m pretty sure that is not a record! I know a lot of prolific quilters. And thanks for liking my quilts 😀
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