Size of Block: each block will be 9 inches x 9 inches (approximately 23cm x 23cm). This applies to both crafted blocks as well as material taken from items of clothing or fabric swatches. If you’re sewing your own block, please keep these dimensions in mind, including leaving an appropriately spaced border around your design.
Type of material: unfortunately, some types of fabric are simply impossible for us to include in a finished quilt. Thicker fabrics such as heavy or open weave knits, towelling, heavy denim, coats, hats or gloves, or PVC, leather, rubber, lycra/very stretchy items, treated fabrics like raincoats or macs, and any item made from fabric that can’t be ironed cannot be used in our quilts. Instead, if you’re donating a piece of clothing, think more about baby and children’s clothes, t-shirts, shirts, blouses, dresses, lightweight sweaters, baby grows, crib sheets, rugby shirts, suit trousers, lightweight denim, tea towels, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, bed linen and other similar items, comfort blankets, bibs, or maternity clothes.
Quality of material: for many of us, the most worn items of clothing are often our favourites. However, please be aware that the more stretched, worn or washed something is, the more difficult it is for our quiltmakers to work with. As we intend for our Memory Quilts to be used at Winchester Hospice, please make sure that the fabric, clothes or block you donate can stand the test of time – including being regularly washed. Blocks or fabric deemed too delicate by our quiltmakers may not be included in a finished quilt.
Washing: please wash your fabric, clothes, or block before you donate it to St John’s. This is to ensure it is both hygienic for our quiltmakers, whilst also enabling you to guarantee that any dyed colours do not run. All finished quilts will be washed at 60 degrees before they are displayed and donated to Winchester Hospice.
Donation process: the donation process requires both a block (or item of clothing/piece of fabric) and a block donation form. Without the block donation form, your block may not be included in a final quilt. All forms – whether submitted in hard copy or digitally/online – must include a photo of the block/item of clothing/fabric. This is to ensure we can connect the right block to the donor and associated story.
To donate your block:
- Post your block to:
- St John’s Winchester, ATTN: Maddie Cowell, 32 St John’s South, The Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9LN
- Drop off:
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Drop off: drop off your block directly to the St John’s Winchester office (same address as above) during office hours (8:30am – 4:30pm) or drop your block and block donation form to one of the Community Sewing Days. You can also drop your block and block donation form to BellaCrafts, 13-14, Kings Walk, Silver Hill, Winchester, SO23 8AF.Please make sure you use sturdy packaging that will guarantee your block arrives undamaged and in one piece.
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To submit your block donation form:
- Online:
- Fill in the block donation form below.
- Email:
- Post:
- Print out the word doc or PDF version of the appropriate block donation form and post it (along with your block) to the address listed above.
01962 854 226
office@stjohnswinchester.co.uk