I believe with all my heart in community quilting. Being part of a community, part of something bigger than yourself, that creates and gives back to others. Group quilting teaches us so much about working with others and working for a greater cause, as well.
Whenever we join groups, or participate in 'bees' of any kind, you have to learn to not only work with one another, but around one another's personality and flaws. I've learned to be part of a group, while still expressing my own creative ideals of scrappy quilting without perfectionism, to see beauty in all things, of all colors, shapes and sizes and to not criticize or negatively critique another or another's creation even when not to my own personal style.
Some people can do this, some cannot ;) But, I continue to participate once a month in Salem's quilting guild and to quilt for charitable causes every Monday at a downtown church.
I am currently working on a quilt for a Kenyan mission that will go through the First Methodist Church, a quilt for Turkey that will go through the First Baptist Church, a QOV that will go to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veteran's Association to a Veteran's Hospital in Roseburg, Oregon and I have cut out a comfort quilt for the Salem Hospital's Hospice program and a tiny quilt for the preemie ward.
Now, I'm not saying how long these might take me! Nor, how perfect any of them might be. Each is in a state of process right now. But I have learned allow myself that state and that space for loving each and every quilt that I might make...flaws and all. If the rumples don't quilt out, that's ok. I like them a bit crinkly and crumpled...there are so many more folds and corners for love to both squeeze in and fit in that way!
It truly lifts my spirits to know that these comfort quilts are in process..both in my heart and in its outward expression. I'm off today for my Community Quilting Monday
And on the last Tuesday of every month, you can find me at the :Mid-Valley Quilt Guild
With Heart and Hands
From the Heart of a Quilter
8 comments:
Oh how I wish I had a quilting guild here. They had one years ago, however most of the ladies are now in their late 80's or 90's and just aren't up to it.
I purchased a quilting frame and will pick it up at the end of the month. I'm hoping by doing this I can get something started.
Until then, I'll continue to make quilts for the North in my province. Like you I believe in giving to others. My dream is to see every child in the north (our First Nations people) have a quilt.
My quilts aren't perfect and won't ever be. I'm like you in that I love quilting and colors and they are made with love and prayer.
Hope you have a wonderful day. It's so nice to "know" someone who cares so much for others. Hugs
Nicely stated Michele. I've always felt like if we take care of our neighbors, community, county then we become a stronger world. Keep up the wonderful work.
I enjoy your blog.
It takes a village.
What a lovely post. Very inspiring.
I hope to take up quilting just need to find a group not too far away.
That's a lot of quilts to be working on all at once, but it looks like you are making terrific progress on all of them.
I, too, believe in community. I have recently finished 9 of 10 knitted hats, a very large stack of crocheted 7" afghan squares, a crocheted preemie blanket and a Project Linus crocheted blanket. Instead of donating the unused yarn to a thrift store I worked it into useful items for others.
Greetings!
I just "stumbled" upon your blog and wanted to say hello! I am a volunteer at Historic Deepwood Estate and we are a supporting partner for Quiltopia 2009. I am looking for a couple of individuals who would be interested in helping us make our events a special part of this great weekend. Would you be interested or know anyone who might want to "play with quilts" for our lovely historic Queen Anne style home?
Thanks for any help you can provide!
Betty :)
Your blog always inspires me to sew more! I'm not sure if that's good or not *VBG*
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