A Personal Story
This post is all about Kimberbell's Tiny Hugs initiative and how to join this worthy cause. I'll be giving you all of the details you'll need to participate!
Before I get into all of that, however, I'm going to share a personal heartbreaking experience. (I can be vulnerable on the Kimberbell blog, right? It's a safe space . . .)
So here I go.
When my husband and I got married in 1995, we wanted to have children right away. However, children didn't come and we ended up going through 10 years of fertility treatments.
A few years into these treatments, we joyfully learned I was pregnant. However, joy quickly changed to concern as things weren't quite . . .right. I ended up on bedrest for many weeks.
On December 29, 1999, when I was 14 weeks along, we lost that sweet baby. Because of the circumstances of the miscarriage, I wasn't able to see my baby or hold it or know anything about little him or her.
We just went home.
All I have now of my tiny baby (apart from the memories) is a little box filled with a few ultrasound pictures, a positive pregnancy test strip, and the dried rose petals and cards from condolence flowers.
I never conceived again. We became parents in 2007 and 2012 through adoption—joyful stories for another time! But I think of the baby we lost every December 29th.
That little son or daughter would have turned 25 last June. I'll follow their age for the rest of my life. 💕
Now, I know I'm not alone. You all have experiences with hope and love and devastating loss. You all have your own stories of miscarriages or stillbirths or accidents or childhood disease.
Some of you have children, grandchildren, or friends with special needs or health concerns. Many of you have spent terrifying nights in emergency rooms or have left hospitals with shattered hearts and empty arms.
We ALL know how it feels to hurt and we can help each other through it. That's where Tiny Hugs comes in.
Tiny Hugs
Kimberbell's Tiny Hugs initiative is all about making quilts for families in heartbreaking circumstances.
This effort is headed up by Liz and Mookie from the Kimberbell team, each of whom have their own stories of struggle and devastating loss . . .and of receiving blankets that brought them comfort.
Hear Liz and Mookie's stories from What's New Wednesday HERE! 💕
Those quilts mean a lot to Liz and Mookie. Quilts are love made tangible. They're something to hold, something to bring comfort. Something to snuggle with, to wrap up in.
Quilts are proof that someone cares.
They're comfort for children who are seriously sick and comfort for parents who'd give anything to make it all better. And sometimes, quilts are our only remaining connection to a child we cannot hold.
Donation Centers
So, where do you donate the quilts you make? We've encouraged Kimberbell shops to become donation centers, and many are! You can take your quilts to a participating shop and they'll deliver them for you.
If your shop isn't collecting donations at this time, here's a list of reputable places where you can send the quilts you make! (Note: After clicking the button, scroll to the list at the bottom of the page.)
Quilt Donation Guidelines
Now, some organizations (including hospitals) have rules and regulations for what types of donations are accepted. Here's a guide list that will fit most requirements!
Fabric & Design
- Use new quilting cottons and flannels—no recycled or previously used fabrics.
- Choose fabric that matches the intended recipient's age and demographic.
- Avoid religious, political, or most holiday themes (except Christmas, which is used for December distributions).
Batting & Thread
- Cotton batting is preferred for durability, but 80/20 cotton-poly blend is acceptable. (Kimberbell Project Batting is an 85/15 blend.)
- Use cotton thread—avoid monofilament thread, which can melt.
Quilting & Binding
- Avoid folds or fabric pockets, which can become snag hazards.
- Use machine-stitched binding, securely attached to prevent catching on medical equipment.
Finishing Touches
- Washed
- Free of pet dander, smoke, and strong odors
- Free of pins and loose threads
New Large Scale Background Quilting Designs
Health 4 (KDQ457)
With tiny awareness ribbons, Health 4 is a wonderful way to support those who are battling disease.
💕 Purchase and download the Health 4 design HERE!
Baby 3 (KDQ458)
Kimberbell's large-scale Baby 3 design is perfect for remembering tiny souls who have touched your heart.
💕 Purchase and download the Baby 3 design HERE!
Weather 5 (KDQ468)
💕 Purchase and download the Weather 5 design HERE!
Other new designs will be posted soon! In the meantime . . .
Be sure to check out Chevron 3, Spring 5, Animal 11, Mythic 3, Entertainment 1, Baby 2, Mythic 5, Clothing 1, Space 2, Sport 10, Car 4, and Book 2 designs.
- To learn more about the Kimberbell Background Quilting system, click HERE.
- For information specific to Large-Scale Background Quilting, please click HERE!
FREE Tiny Hugs Quilt Label
And here's another cherry on top: you can personalize your donation quilt with a FREE coordinating label!
Our Tiny Hugs Quilt Label features a sweet sentiment and encouraging message. Use your embroidery machine to add your name and the date, then hand stitch the label to the back of your finished quilt!
💕Click HERE to download this free label!
Donate Today
