[attachmentid=430] Since Fall is here and the cold breeze is in the air, it is a great time to think about keeping warm. What better way of keeping warm - then with a quilt. [attachmentid=432]

[attachmentid=428] So what is the difference between a blanket and a quilt? They both keep you warm, but a quilt is made by hand with lots of love. [attachmentid=431]

[attachmentid=429] Women have been making quilts for hundreds of years, and why is that? It was a great way to use up scrap pieces of materials to make something of great use. Some would make the quilts with special colors or shapes like a family crest. Others would make them for their hope chest, for when they would get married. There are even quilting circles where women would come together on a day and sit around a table where the quilt would be and all would work on it together. This was also a great way for the ladies to spend time together and talk.

[attachmentid=435] Today it is so easy to go shopping and just buy a blanket, but you can not get the pride of knowing that you made it, or know the love that went into making it when you give it away to someone you love - that will truly treasure it. [attachmentid=437]

[attachmentid=427] Quilts come in different sizes, shapes, colors, patterns and designs. So why not think about making one? Too big - well start off small, like with a pillow or two. Then move up to a baby blanket, and before you know it your working on your first quilt. You can make a quilt any way you want, and you can sew it by hand or use a sewing machine. You can do it alone, or with some friends, or with your sister, mother and/or grandmother. You can make the quilt to keep or to give as a gift.

[attachmentid=436] Making a quilt can be fun, a great way to show your creativity, and a nice way to relax from a long day and all stressed out.

[attachmentid=433] The hardest part is sitting down and drawing out your idea for a quilt pattern and then picking from thousands of different types of fabric. [attachmentid=434]

Where to get the fabric from?

Here is a great free idea, recycle something old.

When the time comes to go through the closets for those items that no longer fit, or maybe there is a stain or even a ripe in it, don't toss it out yet. Take a few minutes and cut out strips or squares from the good parts of the fabric. You can even remove the buttons to use on something else. Put the scraps into a box or paper bag until you have enough pieces to start your quilt.

If you are ever in New York, you may want to go and check out the collections of quilts at the American Folk Art Museum.

Become a “Blankeeter”

Volunteers, known as “blanketeers,” provide new, handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18. It is Project Linus’ policy to accept blankets of all sizes, depending on local chapter needs. All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons.

Check out the site www.projectlinus.org to find a local chapter in your state to join.

Quilting Bee - Author unknown -

In Fellowship they meet,
Their long days to invest,
Snipping and sewing,
only slowing
To visit, to eat or rest.

Calico scraps, heaped on laps,
Each one an exact size
and hue.
Fingers nimble with thread
and thimble,
Create pretty patterns anew.

Heads bent to the task,
you need not ask
If these ladies love to quilt.
Their talented touch,
expresses as much
As piece onto piece it is built.

Friends try to preceive
who will receive
Each quilt that is stitched
from the heart,
With needlework fine,
the patterns entwine
A treasure, a true work of art.