Donate - Time

Connected Threads Network Inc. is an opportunity for quilters to get together and create quilts and other items for donation to a variety of agencies and organizations.  The Connected Threads Network Inc. sewing group meets every Thursday from 9:00 am to noon, between September to the end of June at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre on Elphinstone Street in Regina.

You do have to attend the Thrusday gatherings to donate quilts. Many quilters sew at home or with other groups and then donate the quilts.

‍ ‍1.       NICU Quilts: -     make between 38 – 40 inches in length and width – nothing smaller or larger!!   -  do not use buttons or loose thread for embellishments -      over 80% of the babies are boys so keep this in mind when choosing colours. Making quilts in colours that can be used for both girls or boys works well. -      an appliqué on the quilt is very popular with parents when choosing a quilt. -      flannelette is available for backing and is cut 42” x WOF.

2.       Kids’ Quilts:‍ ‍-     minimum width is 40 inches.‍ ‍-     quilts for the agencies that receive quilts for babies should be 40 x 50 inches but can be larger. They can have any type of backing. -     quilts for toddler/smaller kids should be at least 40 x 50 inches – nothing smaller. -     an applique is very popular on kid's quilts -     do not use buttons or loose thread for embellishments

 3.    Other Quilts: -    other quilts for older kids/teens/adults can be any size up to about 60 x 85 inches or a size that you are comfortable quilting. We can donate any size as they are “comfort quilts”.

4.       Bindings: -     bindings can be applied by hand or machine. -     If applying by hand, the stitches should be no more than about 1/8th in length. If you can push a coffee stir stick into the seam (the kind from Starbucks or any pricey coffee shop!), the stitches will not hold up to frequent washing. It is recommended that you machine stitch the binding on any quilt that will be washed frequently. Here is your chance to use all those stitches on your machine!!!!

5.       Labels: -          Labels are provided for all the quilts. They can be put on the bottom of the quilt but can also be applied where you wish.

6.       Odour on Fabric: -     we occasionally receive fabric that has an odour, usually from storage. Wash it in   detergent/fabric softener that is scent-free (before or after sewing) as most of our quilts are donated to the hospitals and should be scent free. All the NICU quilts are washed by the unit.

7.       Inquiries about Quilts -          If someone wants to acquire one of our quilts, please contact Marlene.

8.       Adhesive Spray: -          we are not allowed to use any spray (such as 505) at the Neil Balkwill but you can at home.

9.       Photos of Donated Quilts: -          all photos of our quilts are posted on www.connectedthreadsnetwork.ca .  

Volunteer Testimonials

I have been part of Connected Threads Network Inc. for twenty-four years and enjoy meeting with fellow quilters who are upbeat and willing to share their skills and knowledge.  Although we are from diverse backgrounds and occupations, we share one goal – to create quilts that provide comfort and hope to people facing adverse circumstances. Darlene

I started quilting by making a baby blanket for our neighbors’ newborn son. I enjoy making quilts for younger people. I’m not interested in making fancy quilts. I like doing quilts that have animals, vehicles and birds of all kinds. I have met a lot of people at Connected Threads Network Inc. I will help set up and take down the quilt racks when I can. I guess I just enjoy being there. Jerry

I joined the group two years ago. I became a member because - I love to sew quilts - I enjoy being able to help other people - I love the fellowship in the group Tammy