Guild Charity Quilts

One of the things that has impressed me the most as I associate with quilt guilds is the volunteerism and charitable works that are contributed by the group.
It doesn't matter where we live, whether the guild is large or small, quilts are being donated to bring comfort within our communities, and around the world.

I had the opportunity to attend the May meeting with the Delightful Quilters of Scottsdale.
For their work meeting they worked on quilts to be donated to the Tumbleweed Center, a shelter for Youth ages 11-22 who have been abused, abandoned, troubled, or neglected.

If you are looking for ideas for how to organize a sew-in with your guild, I thought I'd share with you how the DQ's successfully involved their members.
Prior to the meeting, members of the guild were asked to bring 4 1/2" batik squares.
I thought a real plus was the display of sample quilts around the room that would be worked on that day.
Patterns and instructions were provided, and groups were organized into stations.
Some sewed, while others ironed.

Many participants donated larger pieces of fabric.
Turning Twenty is made with 20 fat quarters, a great quilt for all skill levels, and easily constructed.
(The instructions say one person can assemble the top in around 3 hours)

I loved this quilt that showed good contrast between lights and darks.
A good way to use up scraps of blues and browns.

And the top was machine quilted using a large zig zag stitch.
I'm certain the Tumbleweed Center will greatly appreciate the donations from the D.Q's.
These quilts will provide so much more than warmth.
They are stitched with love, and filled with a message that someone cares.