Aren't quilters the most generous people? You know what I mean ....
They'll give you their last scrap of their favorite fabric if you need it.
They'll bind your quilt if you break your arm or are running behind.
They'll take the time to explain whatever you need to understand.
They'll encourage you -- no matter where you are in the learning process.
I've been getting batting and backs ready for some charity quilts and I realized that so much of these quilts were actually donated by someone else.
This is a 12" x 12" mini-quilt from a practice block I made YEARS ago in a machine applique class. The local homemakers club is doing a silent auction with all donations going to ovarian cancer research. I echo quilted (tuck included for free) and decided I don't really like trying to do echo quilting 1/4" apart on my Bernina. Lesson learned.
This little quilt is to be donated to the local hospital and I am hoping the right quilting in pink thread can rescue it from itself. I bought a lot (all) of the neutrals at an auction from our local guild with proceeds going to Salvation Army angel tree.
These quilts are also going to the local hospital when I get them quilted. The strips were cut using a friend's Studio cutter -- generously loaned to me for a long long weekend while she was out of town. Having pre-cut strips when I'm under the gun to complete a quilt is an incredible advantage!
This quilt is made from blocks donated to me by monkeymamaquilts. She made them early in her quilting career and this little top is the perfect size for the hospital. More generosity. Interestingly, the backing is a darling lavender polka dotted flannel given to me by mom22smartchix for use in a hospital quilt.
This is another hospital quilt -- with the owl fabric donated by mom22smartchix and the quilting done on monkeymamaquilts HQ16. Thank goodness it's bound and ready to go!
Finally -- and even easier -- monkeymama quilts decided she didn't really have a use for this ABC quilt. Isn't it darling? It's a bit big for the hospital so we agreed that I would quilt it (on her HQ16) and bind it and we'll donate it to Quilts Beyond Borders. If you aren't familiar with this incredible non-profit organization, you can
read about it here. It's wonderful because you can donate tops if you don't have access to a longarmer.
I rest my case -- quilters are the best! I suspect you have had the same experience and been the recipient of another quilter's generosity -- giving us all good reason to pay it forward. I hope you are finding time to quilt -- and give!
Jan
15 comments:
I totally agree! Quilters ARE the best!
What a wonderful group of quilts you're making from the "seeds" planted by your friends!
You know, you're right, Jan -- I never have met a mean quilter! Maybe if we brought sewing machines and fabric to Washington and gave quilting lessons to Congress, even THEY could work out their differences and do some good for a change!
I have that SAME machine applique sample block on my own design wall right now, from a class I took with Harriet Hargrave back in April. Mine is slated for some free motion quilting practice.
Oh, and I'm curious about that quilt that you're trying to "rescue from itself" with the right shade of pink quilting thread. I actually really like that one. I think it needs curved lines in the quilting. If I was hand quilting it, I'd probably trace around a thread spool to mark a circle inside each square and choose the quilting thread for each square to complement that fabric patch, or if machine quilting, I think I'd do an all-over design with some kind of loopy flowers or spiral flowers. I don't know how big that one is, but I think it would be so sweet and snuggly with a pink Minky backing and satin binding on the edges (border the width of the satin binding added first, so you don't cover up the outer squares of your top). But I'm sure whatever you choose to do will be lovely!
Ditto! Ya know my daughter was going thru my blog and said the very same thing: "Mom everyone is so supportive of each other. You've made some real quilting friends."
Really beautiful quilts, beautiful gifts!
Quilters do make life long friendships and are always there to help. You have made some lovely quilts for charities :)
This is a great bunch of community sewing!!! :D
What an inspiring message! You have some wonderful charity quilts and quilting friends with big hearts!
Yes quilters all over the world are wonderful giving people. I have met some amazing friends from everywhere.
Hugs Bunny
Quilters are the best aren't they Jan? I met with my friends Wednesday night to choose fabrics for the next Quilting the Garden block that we are working on and the swapping and sharing was amazing ! Love my quilting friends. Your charity quilts are very special. Thanks for sharing!
I love the peach and blue color combo!
Quilters are the best! What precious quilts! Thanks for sharing.
Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday
Oh what a lovely blog story this week, thanks so much for sharing all those wee treasures you are making for some one special in need. A lovely story to share and yes Quilters are the best. Cheers Glenda Australia.
Absolutely, quilters are the best! These quilts will make some babies and kids very happy!
We agree quilters are the best! Thanks for linking it up in our Crafty Showcase! Our newest showcase is here and we hope you stop in and share again! ---> http://bowdabra.com/?p=413
Susie @Bowdabra
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