BOM's for Charity

BOM's for Charity is a project that our quilt guild has been working on over the past year. We meet monthly to sew and quilt. Karleen and I coordinated a monthly "block of the month" project, giving instructions for a different designed block for each month of the year. Guild members stitched two of each block; one to keep and one to donate for charity quilts. Some had so much fun sewing them that they stitched more than their assigned "one". 

At the end of the year we had a drawing for project participants. The winner won a gift basket that we filled with homemade items, gadgets, pretty things, and quilters tools.

We had enough blocks for 12-plus quilts. But, of course all those blocks needed to be stitched together into quilt tops and then quilted and bound. The group decided that we should meet for an extra sewing day each month and dedicate that day to working on our charity quilts.

It has been so much fun! We start bright and early. There's a lot of chatting happening as we sew. The production line plan has worked well. We break for sack lunches and ice cream, and then get right back to work.

Each quilt will be large enough for a double-sized bed. And everything is made from scraps donated by guild members. Thus, each quilt is different and has a characteristic all its own.

Here's an example of one quilt top that's made up of some of the "extra" blocks. I think this one is my favorite!

And this is an example of a BOM or "block of the month" quilt that represents each month of the year. This shows what the other 10-plus look like.

The quilts will be given to individuals in our community who are ill, homeless, or victims of a house fire. The guild members are generous and give freely from their hearts. I am most blessed to know them!

Lessons from Quilting

The local quilt guild ladies have been busy! Each month they continue to share their beautiful projects at our guild sewing sessions.

Additionally, they participated willingly in a "block of the month" project last year, stitching a block each month to donate to a communal project. By the end of the year, there were enough blocks donated to put together twelve quilts for charity. 

It was decided that there were not enough hours during our monthly sewing session to get the charity quilts done fast enough, so we decided to add another monthly sewing session to our calendars. The additional sewing session is for sewing community donor quilts only.

It's amazing what a few people can accomplish during a morning of sewing. A production line was set up and everyone got to work.

Friendly chatter accompanied the whir of the sewing machines.

We took a break for lunch and ice cream, and then got back to work. In the end we accomplished much.

The quilts are not finished yet, but progress has been made. I'll be sure to show you pictures when the projects are done. Our club quilts are given to people in our rural community who are in need. They go to homeless students, victims of fire, and individuals who are sick. It feels good to give from the heart. What a gracious group of ladies. I have been blessed by observing their generosity.

Quilter's Show & Tell

 

One of my favorite parts of our "small town" quilt guild meeting each month is the "show and tell" by group members. Each person brings the quilts they created since last month's meeting, and with a group as prolific as ours, there's a lot to share and see!

Judy made this quilt which is just perfect for spring! Does it remind you of pinwheels and whirligigs?

She also made a table runner with showy machine-embroidered cowboy boots!

Debbie used "jelly rolls" for this darling quilt for her granddaughter. All the little critters are machine-embroidered and are SO cute!

Jane made this purple quilt for her painting instructor. Her teacher provided the large floral blocks, which at one time were curtains in her house! Recycle, reuse, love, and enjoy!

Jane got into "jelly-roll" mode and kids quilts because of Debbie's influence. Her comment about this kind of quilt is that it is "so easy" that she was able to make each top in an hour and a half. See the cute little bugs she machine embroidered in the corners?

Louise shares a pretty quilt she made for a grandchild.

 And look at this stunner! Detailed, patriotic, and showy! I think it's just lovely!

When Women Create

 

The quilt guild ladies don't seem to ever slow down! 

Such energy and passion for quilting! 

For five days last week, guild members were busy sewing up a storm at this beautiful bed & breakfast.

A calm and gently flowing river sits on one side of the yellow bed & breakfast.

And on the other side is a quilt shop that is filled with bolt after bolt of quilt fabric! There's enough fabric to fill two buildings. Fabric is tucked into every crook, cranny, and corner! It is amazing!

Sewing machines, ironing boards, and cutting tables

fill the main rooms in this beautiful old house.

Unique and special hand-made quilts cover the beds in every sleeping room. Each is beautiful and exemplifies the care that the keeper of the house so willingly gives. The breakfasts she prepares each morning get rave reviews from guests!

Crock pots and tea kettles are a quilters friend. They can be filled and allowed to simmer the day away while everyone sews.

Such diligence reaps wonderful reward! The reward is not just an abundance of completed quilts, but friendships that will last a lifetime.

When women create...unbreakable bonds are formed.

Pour Yourself a Cuppa Tea

Pour yourself a cuppa tea. It's time for a little "show and tell". 

The ladies at our small, rural quilt guild are amazing! They are such prolific and talented quilters. At each monthly sewing bee, group members arrive with quilts that they have completed. Each has a story to tell. Most quilts are made by loving mothers, grandmothers, or aunts for someone who lights up their life. These are the quilts that were brought for "show and tell" at our March sewing session.

Some creators have comments like "It was nothing, just two jelly rolls from Walmart and an idea". But, I think this one really turned into something charming!

This quilt is a stunning maze of many small pieces! The border alone would take me forever to piece! Isn't it pretty?

And another pieced quilt, this one in a beautiful palate of rust and blue.

And a quilt just perfect for March! Kites! It's so spring-like and whimsical. Such a delight! This quilt is another example of "no pattern, just an idea" that was implemented to perfection!

How blessed I am to know these talented, creative women!