Sunday, June 1, 2025

2025 June Newsletter

As Summer Begins, Our Mission Continues...

While summer might not typically bring blankets to mind, we know that comfort and care are always in season. Even during the warmer months, we continue wrapping our community in love with one blanket at a time.

This summer, we're once again proud to support Utah Royal Kids Camp and many other incredible organizations through our ongoing blanket donations. Thanks to your generosity, we're able to receive and distribute 200 - 300 blankets each month which is a truly remarkable impact.

In this month's newsletter, we share our ongoing commitment to quality, highlight how everyone can find a place at our Blanket Days, recap a fun event at Quilts, Etc., and showcase some of the beautiful blanket donations we received in May.

Karen & Millie
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The Quest for Quality

None of us are perfect but we all strive to do our best. That's exactly how we feel about the blankets we create. Our chapter is dedicated to crafting high-quality, heartfelt blankets that serve as comforting gifts for children in need and can be cherished for a lifetime.

As every crafter knows, handmade items often come with a unique touch, sometimes a "happy mistake" or tiny imperfection that no one else may notice. These are signs of love and humanity and they make each blanket special. Still, we take great pride in the quality of our work and aim to deliver blankets that reflect care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail.

Before each delivery, we inspect every blanket to ensure it meets our standards. We check for things like stains, loose threads, leftover pins, uneven or missed cuts on no-sew fleece, and other issues. Most of which we can and do fix before sending the blankets out.

As you craft blankets for our chapter, please keep the following in mind:

Check for stains, rips, or marks.

Remove all pins. Consider using clips instead.

Trim all loose threads.

Block and shape knit or crocheted blankets and weave in all ends.

Make sure ties on tied quilts are double stitched and secured.

Ask yourself: "Would a child treasure this gift?"

We've occasionally been told that we are "too picky" and we take that as a compliment. While we absolutely recognize and appreciate that each blanket is handmade and unique, we want to ensure every child receives a blanket that feels like a true gift. Organizations we serve consistently praise our blankets for their exceptional quality, and we're proud of that reputation. Let's continue to live up to it, one lovingly made blanket at a time.

There's a Place for Everyone on Blanket Day

If you've joined us for a Blanket Day, you know they're full of activity such as "clip, flip, snip and flip" i.e., cutting fringe around a piece of fleece, flipping the fringe and snipping a hole then flipping the fringe through the hole. And of course, lots of laughter, catching up with others, and teamwork. But did you know there's a role for everyone, no matter your mobility or skill level?

We understand that standing for long periods or using scissors and tools can become challenging. That's why we offer a variety of tasks and can make accommodations to match your comfort and abilities. Whether it's sorting, organizing, packaging, or offering encouragement, every contribution is valuable.

If you'd like to help but have physical limitations, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're happy to find a role that's just right for you. Every hand, in everyway, helps us wrap more children in comfort and care.

Thank you to Quilts, Etc. - Our Current Drop-Off Location

With the recent closing of Joann's stores, Quilts, Etc. is now our sole drop-off location. We're incredibly grateful for their continued support of our project and their generosity in allowing us to use their space for blanket donations.

During a recent visit, Millie had the pleasure of stopping by during their "Margaritaville" event. This event was a fun, Jimmy Buffet themed gathering full of creativity and community spirit. The shop was buzzing with activity, featuring various quilting tables, project patterns, and festive fun for all attendees.

If you haven't yet visited Quilts, Etc., we encourage you to check out their website for upcoming events and classes. Or better yet, stop by in person to see what exciting things are happening!

Once again, a heartfelt thank you to Quilts, Etc. for being such a wonderful partner in supporting our mission.