I recently learned of a wonderful program called
Quilts for Kids. They donate quilts to children who are in the hospital. You can send in your own quilt or request a kit from them. I have been wanting to do something like this for a long time. I requested a kit and it arrived very quickly. It contained pre cut pieces, the binding, and the backing. All I had to supply was the batting. It took me four days to make the quilt. It was an easy pattern and went together quickly. I had to follow some specific instructions such as making sure there were no lifted edges that could get caught on IV poles. I also had to make sure to quilt the whole thing including the binding.
I had a bit of trouble with the stippling. I am not sure why. I was really worried that it wouldn't hold up in the wash. One of the requirements is that the quilt can withstand being washed repeatedly. But it washed well and actually looks better now.
I always try to teach my boys about charity and giving to others. We donated shoes for the earthquake victims in Haiti. I also explained to them what this quilt was and who it was for. They began to call it the hospital quilt. As I was making it I tried to talk to them about who would get the quilt and why I was making it. I am taking the quilt to the post office tomorrow to send it off. There is a place to register the quilt to let people know who you are and why you made the quilt. Then there is a place for the recipient of the quilt to enter their thoughts. I really hope I get a response. I would love to know about the child that this quilt benefits.
This is my second Quilts for Kids quilt. I named it Happy Dog. My first one is already (hopefully) on its way to child in need. 
I made the whole thing in about two days. But then my machine broke and I had to take a long break while I waited for my machine to be fixed. Then one of the boys got sick and then I got sick and then we were so busy. Well that is how life goes. But anyway I finished it yesterday.
My machine is back. I was so lonely without it. My family is healthy. I finished this quilt and am excited to start a new project called String Quilting.
