Community Outreach Projects

This is a listing of the items that the community needs. I will at times announce that the

requests for a certain item is heavy and we can concentrate on that item for a bit. These items

listed are things that I will always be able to donate. I do not want anyone to think or feel that

this is required by the members. You are welcome to do as much or little as your life allows at

the moment.

BABY QUILTS

Baby quilts are donated to Morton Plant Hospital which sends them to many local hospitals.

We also donate quilts to Healthy Start Pinellas. They work with expectant moms doing

educational programs.

Quilts can be square or rectangular shape. There is no strict size requirement If they are

baby quilt size up to a twin or throw size quilt I can find a home for it!

Shop your stash. Try a new pattern or technique. It can be a panel print. They do not have to

be something that would go in a quilt show. Try something new without committing to a big

project. I want everyone to feel comfortable with their own skill level to participate if they

would like to.

They need to be sturdy so machine quilting is preferred. The quilting can be as simple as using

a walking foot going around the block or diagonally. I have seen many quilters advance their

skill level by just trying something different.

I would like you to show them at the meetings. They have been truly beautiful and moms are

so happy to have them.

REHAB CENTER QUILTS/ LAP SIZED QUILTS

If you have fabrics to use that are not good color or print for babies you can make a quilt for a

man or woman. They can be distributed to the rehab centers. Lap quilts can be used as well.

Use your best judgement for the sizes. I will find a home for them!

TEDDY BEARS

These are made for the kids who go thru the ER. They are given a bear to take home after their

trip to the hospital. They are so cute when they are done in fun prints with a ribbon around

their neck. No buttons attached for safety reasons.

DEVELOPMENTAL HEARTS

These are small flannel unstuffed hearts. They place one next to moms skin and then under the

baby's head to help with bonding. They are fast to make and use up stash from your sewing

room.

CHEMO HEART SHAPED PILLOWS

These are used for comfort after surgery. They are stuffed and made from cotton fabric and go

to the hospitals to distribute.

BURP CLOTHS

Make from flannel they are distributed to the new moms at the hospitals

INFUSION PILLOWS/ SEAT BELT PILLOWS

This is a new project. They are small pillows that can be used for support during treatment

time. They are 4x7 inches and can be used in several ways. They have 2 velcro straps to

attach to the seat belt for those who need padding near their neck or pacemaker areas or

chemo ports.

SCARVES/SHAWLS/HATS

I understand the treatment area for men and for women is cold at the hospital. If you are a

knitter or crocheter and want to make a yarn item that the patient can drape over their

shoulders there is a need there. For example, a small crochet afghan that is about 38 inches

wide and long enough to cover over the shoulders and neck area. Those would go to Morton

Plant.

- Baby hats should be fitting a grapefruit for newborn size. They ask to not use any porn porns

or beads etc for safety reasons.

- Chemo hats should be made of very soft yarn that is washable

ADULT BIBS

These are going to the rehab centers and are always needed. I have a pattern or you may use

any pattern you have on hand. We are trying to go with an adult size to protect the patients

clothing. See me if you would like more info

MESH BAGS FOR CHEMO DRAINS

I have a pattern for a mesh bag that is used to help with showering after surgery. I will have

fabric and specific instructions and an example for you to see if you would like to help. I will

announce at the meeting when we will be needing to do more.

OTHER ITEMS

There are many good tutorials online or you tube if you are looking for items to make that you

enjoy doing with what you have at home. Please see my if you come up with a good idea so I

can share with others

SEWING WORK ROOM

If you would like to gather a few friends and have a sewing group time there is need at Morton

Plant. They have machines there and supplies. They just need more woman power. You can

reach out to TINA at 727-252-8418 for further info

FABRIC/BATTING

I will distribute donations of fabrics and batting as they come available. They are for any of the

charity projects that we participate in. That being said, I am not saying that there is a deadline

for doing the projects. If you have a busy summer planned and won't get to it till fall that is

fine. Or you need something to go with what you have already then help yourself. I have never

found a source for donated stuffing unfortunately.

We provide monetary donation from our 50/50 for the Sylvan Abbey United Methodist Church – Angel Tree.  This money is used by the church to purchase Christmas gifts to local children in Pinellas County. Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning.