fvqg banner
Fraser Valley Quilters' Guild
  slide show
Another stack of preemie quilts arriving at:  Children's & Women's Health Centre of BC,  		 




Preemie Quilt Program

What are Preemie Quilts?

Why do we make them?

Preemie Quilt Specifications:

Since the beginning of 1990 when we started the program, we have given well over 7000 quilts, an average of about 500 each year.

 

 tiny little baby
Free Patterns:

Sept.-Nov 09 Challenge block

Easy Preemie Quilt Pattern

Rail Fence Pattern

  
      What are Preemie Quilts? angel

These are small quilts which the Guild donates to the Special Care Nursery of the Children's & Women's Health Centre of BC, Vancouver BC. 

The quilt accompanies the baby when it is time to leave the hospital. Sadly, some babies do not make it, but the parents get to keep their quilt - sometimes it is the only memento they have, and they are treasured.

  At the September meeting we offered a new challenge block. The pattern is ‘Antique Tile’. We will run this block for at least 3 months, and if all goes well, we will continue with this block or introduce a new one for the following 3 months. We will have a workshop in February, which will be a good opportunity to make the blocks into quilt tops. See above for the link to the block pattern.  
   
Why do we make them?

The Guild is a non-profit association, and as such is required to meet certain conditions, one of which is to participate in a community or charity project. Some years ago the Guild chose to support the program for the Special Care Nursery. This is not an option - it is an obligation. Some 30-40 babies on average pass through the Nursery each month, making a total of 360 to 480 quilts needed per year. As we have often stressed, if every member of the Guild made just one quilt a year we would be very close to our total commitment.

  "Queen of the Preemies" will be awarded to the member (day or evening) who donates the most quilts for the 2009/2010 year. This title will be awarded at the June meeting, so the cut off date will be the May evening meeting. Members who donate preemies will have their names entered into a random draw which will be held every 3rd month. Prizes will be awarded. We will be keeping track of all donations and providing a chart so all can see the progress.  
    rock-a-bye-baby
Preemie Quilt Specifications:
  • Preemie quilts should be 36 inches square (approximately)
  • They can be appliquéd or pieced by hand or machine in any pattern of your choice. There are some very nice cheater panels with very cute pictures on them that are suitable.
  • Fabrics should be prewashed 100% cotton for the tops  -- do not use fabric with glitter or harsh metallic threads.
  • Backing must be prewashed flannelette.
  • Batting can be polyester or cotton.
  • Use 100% cotton thread
  • Quilting can be done by had or machine, but PLEASE put enough stitching on the quilt to hold it securely together. Use at least 1/4 inch seam allowances so the patchwork is going to stay together.
  • Do not use any monofilament or metallic thread as it is too harsh for the fragile skin of the preemie babies. Also do not tie the quilts.
  • A label is attached to the back of the quilt. These labels are available at the preemie table or you can create your own label. It must contain your name and the mailing address and email address of the Guild. The date is optional.

Remember -- These quilts do not have to be elaborate. 
A simple nine patch, or four patch quilt can be lovely!

    
   
For further information about the Preemie Quilt Program,
please Email