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Preemie Quilts program is one of the most popular and
successful activities of QA, and an easy and fun one for
every member to take part in. This QA program was started
in 1986 by a member whose husband was in charge of the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital in
Seattle. The program has expanded to serve Evergreen
Hospital NICU in Kirkland, as well. Every year, QA members
produce between 400 and 600 quilts a year for the premature
babies being cared for in the NICU. Each baby goes home
with his or her special quilt, and we frequently receive
notes from grateful parents as well as the NICU nurses
thanking us for these soft, colorful quilts. In the past
several years, members (and some relatives) have also
created hundreds of knitted caps and booties, as well as
flannel sheets and burp cloths. (Patterns and
specifications are available.) |
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Some members celebrate their own birthdays by making a
preemie quilt. Donations of 100% cotton flannel and
fabrics for the quilt tops or baby yarn for the knitted
items are always welcome, and members are free to use any of
the donated materials. |
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QA
provides flannel for quilt backs. The committee pre-washes
and cuts the flannel, and has a supply of these quilt backs
available at the meetings for members to take home and
combine with their own materials for the quilt tops. Just
look for the box of flannel backs and sign-out book in the
front alcove of the meeting area, on the left-hand side. Be
sure to take one of the printed handouts on sizing and
construction details of the quilt (also available on this
website), as there are some special requirements. Then when
you bring back your completed quilt, it will be displayed on
the high rack up front with all the others turned in that
month. Finished quilts are delivered to the NICU each
month. |
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If you choose a specific holiday theme, e.g. Christmas or
Valentine's Day, ideally those quilts should be turned in
one to two months ahead of the holiday. |
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a Preemie Quilt gives you a chance to play with many
different designs and experiment on a small scale, even as
you create a useful and appreciated item. The NICU nurses
from both hospitals advise us that they can easily use 40 to
50 quilts per month, so your participation will be
extremely worthwhile. Questions? Call the committee chair
listed in your latest newsletter, or check with one of the
committee members near the quilt display ahead of a meeting
or during the break. |
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