Donating Afghans or Blankets

[Kirby]

I like to crochet but don't want my finished product to just sit around. Do anyone know if there is an organization that accepts crocheted blankets (afghans)? I think there is one out there somewhere that gives small blankets to children but I can't remember the name.

 

[AlwaysGoofy]

I work with Project Linus. I mostly make quilts, but I am pretty sure they also take knit and crocheted blankets as well. The last few summers I have made quilts for a camp for children who have lost a parent to cancer. It's a wonderful way to share your talent.

 

[Kirby]

Thanks! I'll check into that.

 

[Imzadi]

I remember there was a woman on Oprah who did the same thing. I forget the name, but maybe you can do a search over on her website boards & find out.

 

[lewdyan1]

My DD's girl scout troop made and donated blankets to the VA hospital this Christmas. It was really appreciated!

 

[Kirby]

Thanks! I'll check into both of those.

 

[logan&tylersmama]

how about battered womans shelters or homeless shelter for families in your area might be looking for donations
just a thought
Jennifer

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Our Methodist church has a group of ladies that make Prayer shawls. I am currently "attempting" to make my first one. I first learned of this when my DM was presented a shawl when first diagnosed with breast cancer.

 

[Kirby]

All good ideas!

I looked into the Oprah site and the story was for Project Linus. There isn't a chapter local here but I'm thinking of contacting one that's about and hour away.

I'm also going to look into some of the local shelters here too.

Thanks for the help!

 

[MamaKto3]

Someone beat me to it, but Project Linus!
My DD3 was in the NICU for a week after she was born, and received a beautiful crocheted blanket while she was there. All of the NICU babies got one; some were knitted, some crocheted, some fleece, etc.
My DD still loves her blankie, and sleeps with it every night. The tag that said Project Linus is barely hanging on (that's her taggie), has been re-attatched numerous times. I'm waiting for her to rub her fingers all the way through the tag!

It's a wonderful organization. I plan to "pay it forward" in a few years, when I have a few minutes of free time... maybe when the kids start school. <sigh>

 

[Imzadi]

Hmmm, you've given me the idea now. I love to quilt. I prefer small projects as my interest & focus changes all the time. I'd also like to do something with my projects than have them sitting around on a shelf gathering dust. I never thought of baby blankets, or donating them.

 

[Jen117]

Project Linus week is coming up in the middle of February. My chapter is north of me, but they have other drop off places and one is in my town. Contact the closest chapter and see if they have any other drop off places. I made several kids quilts last year for Project Linus and have always received a Thank You.

 

[Imzadi]

I made several kids quilts last year for Project Linus and have always received a Thank You.

Jen, what size should baby quilts be approximately? Any guidelines for materials to stay away from, or that are better for quilting them with?

 

[dianemb]

Check A C Moore or Michaels. They should have the "blanket accross America" Project going on now. Or google it and get the info and project directions. I do this with all my left over yarn. I also do a project where I work with the Salvation army at Christmas. We fill stockings and dress teddy bears to give to children at Christmas. I make an afghan for each bear that I do and I have started making sweaters for each on too insted of buying clothes. These are usually aimed more for the boys because I think most of the contributors dress them for girls so I only do boys.

 

[vanyel]

My grandmother used to crochet and knit lap robes for a local nursing home. SHe used her scraps of yarn from larger afghans and made them with different patterns and colors. I went with her when I was a teenager to bring them in several times and it was wonderful to see some of the residents using theirs.

 

[Jen117]

I think the Project Linus website had the recommended sized for quilts and afghans. They take blankets for infants on up to teenagers. The quilts I made last year were about 36 inches across, so they could be used for a baby blanket or toddler. I used leftover cotton fabrics that I had in my stash. Cotton is a safe bet if you want to make a quilt. I quilted mine on the machine, but I noticed others were tied. I find quilting easier. All I did were diagonal wavy lines through all the blocks, start on one end and cruise across to the other. This worked well and looked great.

 

[Jen117]

I found a pic of a couple of the quilts I made last year. These were very simple, but turned out so nice! These I just did a stitch in the ditch quilting... so easy and quick.

 

[Imzadi]

Jen, those quilts look fabulous!

Thanks for the quilting tips. It's also nice to know the different ages I can make a quilt for. Makes for more variety.

 

[Jen117]

Project Linus is a great way to use up leftovers or fabrics you don't have use for anymore. This year I am making a Green Bay Packer Quilt (or 2) that will be perfect for boys. My grandmother in law donated me lots of fabric for donation quilts, so it has been fun.

 

[sjh801]

There's a site called Warm Up America that requests 7" x 9" rectangles to assemble into afghans or quilts. There is also a site to knit, crochet or sew "snugglies" for pets in shelters. They are 14x14, 24x 24 or 36x36. They are like a thick pad to cushion the bottom of the crates that the animals are in. I'll see if I can find the site again. I was looking at it yesterday and am using up some yarn for those.