Saturday, March 17, 2007

International Quilting Day - Taunton style

Well here we have the net result of all those plaits from yesterday - Wild Hair or what?!?!?
She loves it though - mad child :o)
As no doubt the vast majority of you are aware today is International Quilting Day. This isn't something that has hit the same celebratory dizzy heights here in the UK as over there in America. However when, about nine months ago, I suggested to our Monday evening speaker group that we maybe should consider an event to mark the day it was met with pockets of enthusiasm.
The net result of the suggestion and a huge amount of effort and organisation by Lin (another member of the group) was a lovely day for about 20 of us.
A local hall was hired, copious quantities of fabric and wadding amassed from people's generous donations and about two dozen children's lap size quilts was the outcome.
Lots of us didn't even know each other well enough to say hello to at the group so today was a wonderful way to get to know each other a little better.
The recipients of the quilts will be the children who, through no fault of their own, end up arriving at the local Women's Refuge, often in the middle of the night with only the clothes they stand up in, generally as a direct result of horrific domestic violence.
As the co-ordinator from the refuge said these little quilts will mark the start of their new life giving them something soft and cuddly with no previous history or memories. A real loving hug!
Here's mine - I've spent the evening hand stitching the binding in front of the tv - Today's simple piecing and quilting has made a welcome change from Spencer's Stars which is now about two thirds quilted.

15 comments:

Tanya said...

What a neat thing to do! It must be so much fun to have lots of people to quilt with! I have three friends but except for that bazaar quilt we all sort of do our own things. I hope someday I'll be able to join a group who does charity quilts.

Doodlebug Gail said...

What a wonderful day you had! 24 quilts - that's fantastic and for such a good cause as well. Great job on the quilt you did.

Libby said...

What an outstanding way to spend Quilting Day - there's nothing like the hug from a quilt.

Love that frizzy hair *s*

Carolyn said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate the day! congratulations on a job well done!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Sounds like you had a fab day....and it looks like it was a great venue for sewing...light and airy and spacious!
BTW, your daughter's hair is great...just hope she isn't hoping for that hairstyle several times a week...oohh all those plaits! LOL

Fiona said...

Looks like a productive day was had by all - sometimes it's really good just to be able to make a quick quilt instead of slogging over a complicated one for weeks.

CONNIE W said...

Wow, your day sounds so wonderful. I'm enjoying the photos. :D

Michele Bilyeu said...

What a lovely and wonderful thing to do! It is similar what we did,here in Salem, Oregon and how our little Monday quilting group began. The quilting group spirit is a wonderful thing! I loved reading about this!

meggie said...

Nice post Anne. Love your daughter's hair!
Lovely quilts to comfort children, lovely idea.

Quilts And Pieces said...

My Jenna's hair looks like that everyday without trying! All the quilts look wonderful!

Ali Honey said...

That's such a great result. Congratulations to all the Taunton ladies for being so generous while having a great time together. Looks like fun!

Ruth's Place said...

What a lovely way to mark the day. I love the quilting on Spencer's Stars, and I'm going to have to try the freezer paper technique you mentioned.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Job well done, and for such a great cause! Happy Quilting Day everyone.

Unknown said...

Congratulations to all of you for the beautiful quilts for such a good cause. I love the way Spencer´s stars is turning. The quilting is gorgeous and thank you for the tip with the freezer paper. Take care

Lily Mulholland said...

What a great idea. Well done.

And I also love the crazy hair!