Charity..It brings comfort to many

Since I retired in September of 21, I have struggled with finding a way to fill my days. Of course, quilting is on top of the list every day, but let's be honest--I can only have so many quilts sitting around and my entire familly has their share. I enjoy the creative process-choosing fabrics, deciding on a pattern, using up my stash, and watching the top come to life. But let's be real-the actual quilting and binding are not my favorites. I have a tote full of tops, a pile of tops/backs/battings to layer and quilt and quite a lot of boxes of cut pieces, not to mention all the UFO's and orphan blocks! Geez! It's overwhelming! For several months I was crazy making stuff for my Farmer's Market booth. Let's just say--I'm good for the next 2 seasons!

Then there were the 5 months spent working on the Viking Quilt, so that kept me busy.

But I needed more, a purpose again. I found my way to Yankee Quilters. Every Monday they meet to work on Comfort Quilts for Dana Farber chemo patients and a shelter for women and children. It is the perfect outlet for me! I can sew all day and try out new designs, and someone else quilts most of them. After a couple weeks i started being sent home with fabrics, UFO's, and boxes full of squares and strips. :( Lots and lots of squares! I've been working through my UFO bags and having fun coming up with ideas. Every week I have at lease one top and one quilted quilt (yes I am layering and quilting one a week, if possible) My machine binding game is improving and I am trying different stipple designs and playing with my rulers. Perfection is not important and as Emma used to say "Charity doesn't care".

Since September I have made new friends and am filling my days with lots and lots of creativity. Our group was just introduced to a group called "Wrap Ukraine with Quilts". They have expanded to the whole world, have delivered over 30,000 quilts, and are just amazing!Please check them out at hellocottons.com.

We coincidentally were just gifted a LOT of tops and are spending the summer tying them to send. It's exciting! Please check out this video. (I don't seem to be able to put in a link so here's the info. On IMDB the show is called Making Good and the episode is called Wrap Ukraine With Quilts. I dare you not to cry! I forgot to take pictures of my comfort quilts but am very thankful to my friend Lorri for her picture taking and here are a few. There was first the strip stage, then the square stage, and then all the florals! Enjoy the show!