Quilt Relief for Katrina Survivors

By request - sizes of quilts:

If you make a quilt using 12 inch blocks, and use three inch strips of fabric for sashing - once you figure in the 1/4 inch seam allowance, you will need 24 blocks - laid out 4 across by 6 down - to make a twin sized quilt.

For a full sized quilt, you'll want to have what is essentially a square quilt - 6 blocks wide by 6 blocks long.

If you don't want to sash your quilt - consider making 16 inch blocks - then use the same layout.

One of the best quilts I ever made was based on 16 inch blocks, and was simple pinwheels - which I tied with embroidery thread instead of quilting it. My daughter still uses it, it's been washed MANY times in the last 15 years.

Details on what sort of quilts to make, how to package them, what to include with them

At present, the most immediate need is for twin size quilts that can be used on cots.

As time goes by, and evacuees move into more permanent housing, there will be a great need for full and queen sized quilts.

We have had many questions about crib quilts. Some sites are saying not to send them.

Quilt Relief is a twofold project:

- To provide immediate blanket needs.

Twin or Full are the sizes to go for immediate need. Remember that these immediate need quilts will be used in evacuation centers, on cots, on floors, and in tents. Choose colors and patterns that won't show dirt as much, and use sturdy fabric and machine quilting if you can.

- To replace the heirlooms that have been lost.

If your heart is telling you to make crib quilts and quilts for children, then by all means, do so. But - consider making your crib quilt the masterpiece of your abilities as a quilter. Make that crib quilt one that will be sent down through the generations of the future.

One Quilt or Ten?

We would like you to consider making at least one of the quilts you send the best quilt ever. A quilt you would be proud to give as a wedding gift to someone you love. A quilt that the new owner will be proud to own and show off ten years from now.

But - if you can whip out ten immediate need quilts, by all means, do so - just keep that heirloom quilt in your mind to create when you've sent your heavy duty quilts out.

Avoid the Following

Refugees of a natural disaster really don't want to be reminded of it every time they cover themselves. Don't make applique blocks, embroidery, or other images on your quilt about the storm.

Consider the Memories

It is possible that many of the evacuees will never be able to return to New Orleans.

If you have the talent, and the time, consider making a quilt that evokes the look and feel of the city as it was before the hurricane.

Marking Your Quilt

Include a pocket on the back of your quilt, if you can, and slip a note inside that pocket that says:

"This quilt is a gift to you from (Insert your name and address) as part of the Quiltzine.com Quilt Relief Effort."

Then, say what your heart tells you to say. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a sheet of paper so that they can let you know your quilt was received and who they are, where they came from.

Packing Your Quilt

You'll want to package your quilt inside a plastic bag - just in case the box is temporarily stored somewhere the elements might compromise it.

Use large plastic bags - your local dry cleaner may donate them to you. Or, use really big department store bags, and tape them securely as you can everywhere you think a crawly might get in.

Mail your quilt using USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation. This way, you will know when your quilt arrived, or if it is lost in transit. You may want to insure it - then, if it does happen to get lost, you can make a claim and send the money on the the Salvation Army, or one of the other Relief Agencies.

What Kinds of Quilts to Make for Katrina Quilt Relief

Send your Quilts to one of these churches

Links to Other Sites Doing Quilts

Buy Electric Quilt from Joann's using our link. Buying through us helps us keep this site free.