In 1988 four-year-old Grace passed away at Harborview Medical Center. The family was given a bereavement kit that included a quilt. Grace was the niece of one of our guild members, Debbie Fortman. The guild was so touched by this act kindness that they began a program called “Gracie Quilts” in memory of Grace. Through this program guild members made and donated quilts to various hospitals.
Though over the years some things have changed the Busy Bee Quilters remain committed to honoring Grace by making and donating quilts.
Throughout the year quilts are donated to child focused charities within Snohomish County. The response from those that receive our quilts are overwhelmingly grateful.
We have 3 sizes our quilters can choose to make
- Crib Size: 36” x 45”
- Lap Size: 45” x 60”
- Large Lap Size: 54” x 72”
The quilters choose their pattern, batting, and quilting method (hand or machine).Materials need to be washable with cotton tops and flannel backing.
Gracie Quilts
Doll Quilts
Annually the Busy Bee Quilters make and donate approximately 200 doll quilts to local community service organizations. Some organizations match our quilts with dolls that that they have received. They are then given to children in need throughout the year, especially in December. By doing this we hope to bring joy to a child in our community and foster an appreciation for quilts for generations to come.
Doll Quilt Guildlines:
- Size approx. 24” x 24”
- Pattern / Design are quilter’s choice
- Material: Washable and good quality to it will last
- Batting; Thin so it will fold nicely around dolls
- Quilting Method: hand, machine or tied
Pillow Cases
Another community service project our members enjoy is making pillowcases. These go to organizations that support foster children and teens. They can provide comfort and dignity providing a better alternative for them to carry their belongings in instead of a garbage bag.
Food Drives
The Busy Bee’s support local food banks throughout the year
Fidget Quilts
A fidget quilt is also known as a sensory, busy, or activity blanket. It is a small quilt with various fabric with different textures and items attached to interactive with. Sample fabrics can include soft fleece, rough corduroy, satin, and Minky fabric. Interactive items samples are pockets, zippers, buttons, rings, keys, buckles, Velcro and small stuffed animal. You could also position things like keys and small stuffed animal to fit inside the pockets. They can provide tactile stimulation and cognitive focus. They can help soothe, engage, occupy restless hands, and encourage fine motor skills. People who can benefit from fidget quilts include those with dementia, Alzheimer’s and anxiety.
Fidget Quilt Guidelines:
Sizes: 18" to 24" wide by 24" to 30" long
Design: your choice
Materials: Washable assorted textures -- may include flannel, fleece, Minke, fake fur, lace, eyelet, dotted swiss, corduroy, ultrasuede, upholstery, twill, etc.
Embellishments:
1. A "Textures Only" fidget quilt may have pieces of ric-rac, lace, ribbon, or an applique patch added after assembly so the stitching adds to the quilting lines.
2. "Activity" fidget quilts have SECURELY ATTACHED buttons, beads, snaps, zipper, pocket, fringe, elastic, mini-toy, fringe, ruffles, etc. added to the textures of the quilt. Think safety in choosing fidgets; no pins, tie-tac backs, nothing you wouldn't let a 2-year-old play with.
Backing: Non-slip, such as flannel or corduroy.
Batting: Lightweight batting with flannel backing, but no batting is needed with corduroy or similar weight backing.
Quilting: Machine or tied, enough for quilt to keep its shape.