Its nice to meet you Bev, welcome to the group. What joy you must make for others and yourself with such selfless work. Im making a note... do NOT stockpile material.. use it...use it...use it... then buy more. lol Its a good thing to remember...fabric doesnt last forever. Diana
and fabric donations. I have been doing this for about 4 1/2 years. I
> spend most of my time while there putting together quilt tops (crib, twin,
> and full) to be make into quilts that are distributed to those in need
> around the world. I gain great satisfaction from this work. Another part
> of my job is going through boxes and boxes of people's stashes after they
> pass away and their families box everything up and send it to us. I have
> seen it all! We often get tiny scraps of fabric so small we often use it
> for stuffing in the toys and balls that are made and distributed to
> orphanages. Obviously it is too labor intensive for us to use for quilts.
> I also do lots of sewing for the Center at home, averaging about 20-30 hours
> a week. In my spare time, I cut up larger scraps into 9 1/2" squares (using
> a rotary cutter so pieces are true and easier to assemble into quilt tops).
> I have cut thousands of these! They are then distributed to other
> volunteers to assemble into quilt tops. When people come to the Center
> wanting to do sewing or quilting, they can pick up quilt tops and bottoms
> and just need to provide the batting. Our only criteria is that the
> materials be used for quilts and then the quilts returned to the Center to
> be distributed to the poor and needy. That way we are recycling donations
> and they can have the opportunity of doing service at a minimal cost. I
> love what I do and it does tend to be all-consuming (without a little self > control!).
>
> One thing I have learned from my quilt work at the Center - control your
> stashes, Ladies. What a pain it is for family and others to go through your
> stuff after your death. You know, some of that stuff has a shelf life! I
> have seen powdered (!) bonded knit, polyester by the truck load, cotton so
> old it practically shreds in your hands, cones of thread that break at the
> slightest tug, elastic that has no rebound, etc. This stuff is not usable!
> Storing for a project is good, stock piling till it disintegrates is not. >
> I look forward to being an active member of this group. I am not a purist,
> just a practical quilter who wants to provide warm hugs around the world to
> those who need my help.
>
> From Utah,
>
> Bev
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