Quilting for a Cure

Quilting for a Cure has proven to be quite popular! This is especially great because all of the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society. Last Saturday, five people participated in our first quilting for a cure activity. All but one were inexperienced quilters, but all of them left the activity with 20 quilt blocks ready to put together!!! At least two have set their blocks into the quilt top, one has decided to make ten more blocks to make a larger quilt and two are working on setting theirs together. All of them have asked, "What are we going to do the next time?" That means I better get some ideas rolling and get another one planned.

I think that next time we will do a "mystery" quilt. Everyone chooses and purchases their own fabrics in the color scheme they like. They have directions on the amount of fabric to buy how to cut the fabrics, but have no idea what the pattern will be. Everyone seemed to like the idea and it is great fun. I have done many mysteries. I am also thinking about having a day set aside before the actual quilting day to assist folks in cutting their fabric. Some of the newer quilters expressed their concern over not being able to cut the fabrics.

Here's the plan:

• I choose the mystery, send out the list of fabrics, and set the date for the cutting assistance and the date for the actual sewing of the mystery.
• Participants who want help cutting will schedule a time to come cut under my supervision. Part of this cutting deal is that you do learn to do it!
• Participants bring their machine, cut fabric, a snack and drink for an evening fill with clues.
• As you finish one step (clue), you will receive the next one.
• During the evening, your blocks will begin to resemble a quilt!
• Have talked with my cousin, Elaine, who has a house for sale. There is no furniture in it, but there is running water, heat, and a kitchen that works. We can move tables in and set up to sew! We just have to be sure and leave the house cleaner than we found it!
• The group on Saturday thought that getting together on Friday evening and pulling an "all nighter" sounded like fun. Bring along a pillow and pallet and take a little nap if you get tired.
• Let me know if you're in! Will set the date soon.