QFS Closer to Home

Last fall's delivery of quilts, tops and blocks for Quilts for Survivors was a huge undertaking by my circle of quilters, one that required that our four large boxes of goodies be delivered to Timmins, approximately an eight hour drive from here. Thankfully, a couple from our church was up for an adventure and delivered them in person, taking time to enjoy the fall colours along the way. It saved us a bundle in shipping costs!

Since then, Anne has made two additional quilts and found a way to donate them directly to survivors in our area, saving the need for shipping and creating a personal connection with the women who received them.

For approximately 18 months, she has been learning how to bead at The Hub (apparently it is much more difficult than it appears). It's a relatively new Indigenous-run gathering place designed for sharing and providing support where all are welcome. Her first project was this beaded feather.

And she's now working on a dream catcher.

But back to the quilts. 

As we were making our quilts last year, Anne held one back for Betty, one of the women that she had befriended there. A kind soul, she still suffers from her time in residential school and is very grateful for the support of this caring community. She just could not believe that someone would make her a quilt. 

It's very pretty, made with a simple four patch block and lovely green cornerstones. That light pinky-mauve fabric is such a beautiful colour.

And the blue and white toile backing worked so nicely for it; I love the scrappy binding. 

The second is one she designed specifically for  Susan, a beader. Susan makes beautiful earrings with a chevron design that Anne used as a jumping off point, which was a brilliant idea.

In no time at all, the blocks were up on her design wall.

The black print in this one contained a very special 'Smile girl' message.

Susan was thrilled with her gift.

If you want to donate a quilt to a residential school survivor in your area, it's quite easy. Just complete the QFS online Quilt Request form and someone will follow up with you regarding next steps, which includes sending you a label, letter and poem to include with the quilt. You will eventually send them a photo of the quilt you want to donate. This helps QFS avoid shipping duplicate quilts and keep an accurate count of all quilts that have been sent. It also saves them shipping costs.

Susan and Betty are beautiful friends. How wonderful that they now share this additional bond....M