Since the beginning of 2023, my friend Cynthia (Quilting is more fun than Housework) has been running a series of block drives. She then assembles the blocks she receives into quilts and donates them to her local hospital. These Compassion Quilts support multiple programs; from palliative care to a family housing program (similar to a Ronald McDonald house) to recipients that local clergy and social workers identify.
For the last quarter of 2023, Cynthia will be focusing the drive on quilts for kids and as such, she has requested the creation of “Happy Blocks“. The blocks are quick to sew together!
Happy Blocks {Compassion Quilts Block Drive}
I don’t have the widest variety of novelty prints in my stash, but I do tend to keep a really nice selection of prints with rainbows of color (I love a good rainbow). I started with the rainbow prints as my centers and then looked for bright blenders in the requested popsicle colors to frame the blocks. I also remembered the fun airplane print and loved that I was able to pair those fussy cut airplanes with a few polka dot prints for the frames.
Compassion Quilts Thread Donation
In addition to this block drive request, Cynthia mentioned that she could use thread to help keep this passion project going. I don’t tend to use the small spools of Aurifil thread that I have in my stash, so I collected up a variety of 50wt small spools that I had lingering. I also had a cone of 50wt Aurifil in a color that I never use, so I sent that along as well.
Dripping Stars Ombré Baby Quilt
While the 12 Happy Blocks that I made for the drive would fit in a USPS flat rate envelope, I needed to up-size to a medium priority box to get the thread shipped. But then the box still had some empty volume, so I filled the rest of the space with the Dripping Stars baby quilt that I made in July. I’m confident that the blocks, thread, and quilt will all be put to good use.
Happy Blocks {Compassion Quilts Block Drive}
Thank you, Cynthia, for your big heart and all you do. I’m so glad I had the time and prints in my stash that worked well enough to contribute to this block drive. If you want more information and would like to participate, you can read more about the Compassion Quilts and the current Happy Blocks block drive on Cynthia’s website.
How generous of you to send not only the pretty blocks but the thread and a finished quilt too!
Glad you contribute with beautiful blocks and your wonderful quilt.
Fabulous. I love the blocks you made and the additional contributions are so wonderful. I will keep this in mind as a good use of my time – I do love making benefit quilts.
Oh heck ya – those blocks are amazing and will be so cute with all the others she gets!!!
love that you were able to stick a finished quilt in there too – very generous!!!
She will be so happy to open this package!!! I sent a few blocks to her as well, I found a few kids type prints when I was cleaning out a few bins! They were quick and easy blocks!!
Thanks for the pointer to the Happy Blocks drive. Most of the quilts I make go to the comfort quilt programs at the 2 clubs I belong to, but I always have time & fabric to send some love to another group.
What a generous contribution. Nice you could include thread too!
Yvonne- you have such a generous soul. Cynthia will be thrilled with your contributions! I remember the excitement of opening a box filled with lap quilts you donated to Mercyful Qullts a while back. Your kindness is far reaching.
Love those blocks, they are really bright and fun. It’s been so amazing to watch Cynthia take all those blocks and make such amazing quilts!
Your Happy blocks are adorable. I will go read the post all about the Compassion Quilts.
I’m so glad I read this. I would love to participate so I’m off to get more information. Thanks, Yvonne.