This quilt has been a long time coming. I originally started it during a quilt-along hosted by Amy Ellis. She had just released a new book. The Comfort Quilt was what the sew-along was created around. The pattern called for all sorts of scraps, but I had a stack of fat quarters on hand, so I decided to use what I had and make it work. I strip-pieced the sections I needed to create the plus signs, which helped the quilt come together faster. Still, because this wasn’t one of my own patterns, it kept slipping to the back burner. Years passed. Other projects took priority. And it became another UFO.
The Giving Challenge Intentions
When November rolled around this year, I felt a real pull to bring back the Giving Challenge. It’s been a couple of years since I focused on it, and I missed the intention and joy that comes from making for others. So I pulled out some UFOs—and this quilt was one of the first I committed to finishing. I actually managed to complete the top before November began, so all I’d need to do was quilt and bind it.
And then… November happened. It was busy and chaotic, and I didn’t quite cross the finish line in the time I hoped. But I gave myself grace and kept going, holding onto the heart of the challenge rather than the calendar. And now—finally—this quilt is done. Checked off the list. Ready to move from “unfinished object” to something loved and used.
I really love how the colors came together on this quilt. I started with the teal floral print and pulled the other colorful fabrics from my stash to complement the fabric palette. The gray background ended up being the perfect choice—it lets the colors pop without the stress of keeping a white quilt clean. I’ve been leaning more into darker backgrounds for that very reason. Joann’s is where I got the background fabric along with the backing which is a yummy light yellow minky that is extra soft and cuddly.
Donating The Comfort Quilt
This quilt will be donated through the Tucson Modern Quilt Guild. For the last few years, our community service project has supported a foster home here in Tucson called La Paloma. They support all ages—from children in foster care to elderly individuals needing stability.
Quilts donated to foster-care organizations are special in a very unique way. Many of these kids move often and rarely have something that is theirs to keep. A handmade quilt becomes a constant companion—something soft, warm, comforting, and made with intention. Adding a simple Quilt Label for Kids to the back gives the gift an extra layer of love, reminding them that someone made something just for them. And it is something they can put their name on.
If you’ve ever wanted to donate quilts to kids in need, I highly encourage it. Even a small lap quilt can make an enormous impact.
Free Quilt Label for Kids
To help you with your own donations, I’ve created a free Quilt Label for Kids that you can print and sew into the back of your quilts.
👉 Download the label here.
You can also order the label as printed fabric through Spoonflower. Taking all the fuss out of having to print it on your own printer.
👉 Click here to order on Spoonflower.
This quilt isn’t an exact match to Amy Ellis’ pattern anymore—not just in construction but in layout. At a certain point, I decided I just needed to finish it. No more worrying about making extra plus blocks or needing to find more fabric. I used what I had, stitched it together, and let the quilt be what it wanted to be. And honestly? I love the finished result. I’m celebrating this finish. One quilt completed. One quilt heading into the community. And one more reminder that even long-paused projects can still become something meaningful. I hope this inspires you to finish a UFO of your own. Maybe even donate a few to a kids’ charity, and possibly add a Quilt Label for Kids before sending it off to someone who needs comfort most.
