Quilt To Give: A Quilt Expo Tradition
Sewing a quilt and giving it as a gift is gratifying. Sewing a quilt for someone in need or who is going through tough times shows compassion. Most importantly, the recipient feels loved. Win. Win!
This will be the seventh year that the Quilt to Give quilt pattern will be sewn and quilted during the annual Quilt Expo in Madison, WI, September 7–9. If you aren’t able to be at the event, you, too, can make a twin-sized quilt, then donate it to a local shelter or charity.
I made the first Quilt to Give design in 10-days, sewing a little each day. I chronicled the 10-day journey with full instructions on how to make the quilt on my blog. My hope is that sometime in the near future, you or your quilting group will consider making this easy quilt design made with columns instead of blocks and then give it away. Hence the name Quilt to Give.
Quilt to Give community service project
The project will again be the community service project at our annual Quilt Expo, Last year over 27 twin-size, or larger, quilts were made and/or donated by participants.
Several kind souls presented us with completely finished quilts.
Quilting groups also took on the challenge.
Quilting groups also took on the challenge.
Others donate time during the Quilt Expo event.
Twin-sized quilts are in demand
I know that I’ll see some of my blog readers at the Quilt Expo in Madison, WI, September 7–9, 2017. For some of you, the logistics of attending aren’t in the cards. Yet, I encourage you to make one of these easy Quilt to Give projects with the intent of giving it away!
This year we’re asking for twin-sized quilt donations—that is the size we’ll be sewing during the event, too. Why? The two organizations that will be receiving the finished quilts, Enchanted Makeovers and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) both requested this particular size. Enchanted Makeovers services women’s shelters and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) is a woman’s shelter with twin-sized beds in each room. This year, we’re also planning to send finished quilts to Houston. Our Baby Lock Retailer friends, in the Houston area, will distribute the quilts to those in need that have been affected by the recent flooding.
Make a quilting plan
- Download the twin-sized quilt worksheet. Click here to download the twin-sized quilt worksheet. It will assist you in sorting and cutting fabrics.
- Sort fabrics from your stash. Begin by selecting a print or prints that will be used as the inspirational fabrics. Then choose other fabrics that coordinate with the inspirational fabric.
- Gather solid-color fabrics that coordinate or match with the inspirational fabrics. Choose many solids or mottled fabrics (subtle prints that appear as solid colors from a distance) as possible for this project. Click here to read the full lesson on sorting fabrics.
- Determine which fabrics will be the outside columns (the more solid the better) and which will be used for the scrappy center columns. Fill out the worksheet to denote which fabric colors will go where.
Free online instructions
For links to all 10 Quilt to Give lessons, click here or visit QuiltToGive.com.
The Easiest Ever Quilt to Give Design
During our first community quilting project, a donation of four yards of striped fabric with a salsa flavor was given. Great donation, but it just didn’t seem to fit with any other fabrics.
Then, it dawned on me to use the striped fabric as the center section of each column—no piecing needed for the center columns! You’ll find optional fabric cutting instructions when using a striped fabric when you download the twin-sized quilt worksheet
The randomly selected winner of a copy of the The Best Sweatshirt Makeovers book from Nancy’s Notions is Kathy Wells.
Her comment is, “I will use the idea of putting a facing in the top of a cut-out neck T-shirt. Also, I will try a clipped out and faced hem on the sides of the shirt. I would love to have the Sweatshirt Makeovers book for further reference for great gifts.”
Bye for now,
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Robyn
One amazing lady…what more can I say…
Stella
Thank you for being such an inspiration and for not only teaching us to sew but for teaching us compassion and how to use our talents for others. I haven’t been well for a long time and in constant pain and my family wish list has grown immensely. I am planning to watch your blog to learn from you how to quilt a little each day. Your ability to continue sewing and teaching while going through all that you have has inspired me to find a way somehow to sew a little each day. You have been a big part of my life for many years and I cried when I received your email. Thank you for teaching me how to sew and for dedicating your life to teaching us without charge on television. You will always be a part of my life. Continued prayers for you. Much love.
Pat from ND
Dear Nancy, I was so sorry to hear about your health issues and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You will always be in my heart. I have the greatest respect for all that you have done and accomplished. I just have to tell you that you were the best inspiration for sewing my daughter’s wedding dress and I couldn’t have done it without you. May your faith keep you strong. God bless you and your family.
MaryLou W
Nancy, It is with heavy heart I write this to you but want you to know my prayers are with you and your Family. It is wonderful that you have such strong Faith -it will get you through.
Thank you for all you have done for the sewing world-you have taught me many things that I will treasure always.
Many Blessings and warm hugs, MaryLou
Rosie
Thank You for all your contributions to the sewing world. You have been a big inspiration to me and sewers everywhere. I have watched your tv show for years to get the latest tips on sewing and have learned so much. Have also enjoyed all your great guests. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you and your family.
Joyce M Hopkins
Dear Nancy, my prayers are with you. I have watch you on tv, purchased some of your books and videos for over 30 years and learned so much from you. God’s blessings on you. My favorite bible verse is proverbs 3:5-6 also.
Barbara Howes
You have the uncanny ability to make your viewers feel a personal connection with you, even though most of us have never met you in person. You share techniques and ideas while encouraging us to use those things to reach out to others, whether through organized groups or individual efforts. You are a good friend to each of us and a great ambassador to the art and craft of sewing, and you can never know all the lives you have, and will, impact(ed). Thank you.
Clovis
Thank you.
Harriet
There are not enough words to say to you….thanks just not enough…but know our love and prayers are with you and your staff and family….
Judy G.
Nancy, I have watched you for many years, and have enjoyed, and learned from you and your shows. I am having a good cry now that you will not be in my life. You will be teaching the Angels to sew. I am not telling you good bye. I will just say see you later.
Doris Hall
I was heart broken when I read your email. I met you in person and had my picture taken with you. You have been a blessing to everyone that sews. Anyone that has followed you through the years and has read your book, knows how your courage and faith have carried you through. You are a special lady.
Marva Sloan
My prayers and love are with you. Thank you for being such a BIG inspiration in my life. Because of you I have started a ministry of sewing for Missions and have used many of your patterns and instructions.
Love you dearly!!!
Marva Sloan
Linda Martindale
Nancy, I hope that you will be able to continue to inspire all of us that admire you for as long as you can. I just wonder if you even realize how much you are loved by all of us who have followed you from the beginning of your career? I’m praying for you daily and still believe in miracles. So I follow your lead to put your trust in God, and His will be done. I hope you are able to continue to sew and quilt, since it brings you so much happiness. Hugs to you from me, all the way in El Paso, Texas.
Lady
Dear Nancy, I don’t have words… this is so sad. You are a sweet person and a wonderful teacher!
Later, I will try to post a comment, now…. I can’t.
In this tipe of situation is when I wondering if there is God or not.
Susie
Dear Nancy,
You continue to inspire me as you have from the beginning, with your PBS programs, and numerous tools and books over the years. Your recent news is heart-breaking for those of us who know you only from afar, but feel as though we know you as a friend. It has been one of your many gifts. Keep the faith; Proverbs 3:5-6 says it all. God Bless you and your family always and please know you and your events have always put a smile on my face and in my heart. You are in my prayers…
Jan H
Nancy, You have been an inspiration to the entire sewing community whether it is garment sewing, quilting, or home dec sewing. Your many wonderful programs containing tips have taught me to be a better seamstress. My heart is heavy for you as you journey through the next days and months. You and your family will be in my prayers . May God bless you with strength and grace. You are a grand lady!
Cheryl E.
So saddened to read your good bye email. Thank you for sharing and preserving through your health issues! I too have been through them and the good Lord has guided me. I pray that He will give you and your family peace and wisdom for the days ahead! May it be His will to restore your health is my prayer. To Him be the glory!!
DeBrina Williams
Nancy,
You are as you have always been a blessing.
I hope you know that.
God has always been with you and He will keep you close during these trying times.
I pray His mercy and His grace give you perfect peace.
You are my sewing Hero,
DeBrina
Linda
Sending love ❤️ and prayers
Cindy
So very difficult to the right words. As many have said, I feel I know you. Prayers and positive thoughts are being sent to you and your family. Thank you Nancy..I’ve learned so much. Love to you Cindy
Sadie Bartosik
Dear Nancy,
My neighbor & I had the pleasure & privilege of meeting you during one of the sewing events in Beaver Dam a few years ago. I am so very glad we were lucky enough to have had a picture of the three of us taken & which currently sits on an end table in our TV room. This picture has always been dear to my heart & now is even more precious because it is a constant reminder of the VERY special lady that you are & always will be. Our loving thoughts &
prayers are with you constantly. God bless & keep you.
Sadie
Bette
As so many have already said – you are truly an inspiration and have taught me so much. I always look forward to Sat morning when your show airs as I could always learn more from you. I am saddened also but know your faith is strong and God is still in control. Bette
Cecilia
Oh my , this breaks my heart. Have watched your show for many years, and thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. You truly have been an inspiration, and have learned so much from you, your books and cds. Have purchased items online and have always been pleased with every order. As you go through this journey, please know God and all of us are with you. May God wrap His loving arms around you and your family and team of business members. We will always love you for coming into our homes each week, you will be sorely missed. Cecilia Huether
Gail Beam
Nancy, Thank you so much for all of the videos, tutorials, and books. I have enjoyed and learned a lot from all of them. Wishing you all the best.
Nancy
Nancy thank you for teaching me so much and the encouragement to try anything. You will be missed and I hope you still show us something you have made occasionally. I know sewing and quilting has keep me going when I am ill. Thank you for all your time and knowledge nancy
Nancy
Nancy thank you for teaching me so much and the encouragement to try anything. You will be missed and I hope you still show us something you have made occasionally. I know sewing and quilting has keep me going when I am ill. Thank you for all your time and knowledge
Helen in KY
Nancy, it deeply saddens me of your illness. I never had the opportunity to meet you in person (due to distance) however, I always felt and considered you a special friend. I began watching you in 1979 and have been with you every step of the way. Through your wonderful teaching, books, & dvds, I became a sewer and live & breathe it daily. I was so touched by your book on your life and felt such a connection to you. I will continue to pray for you and your family and trust our Lord and Savior will find a miracle for you. You are truly a treasure. Helen
Mary Austin
Nancy,
Thank you for sharing your gifts and life examples both past and present. I have enjoyed your show since the begining. My prayers are with you and your family.
Jeannie H
Nancy, you are so loved. You have provided a wonderful legacy for us to uphold until we all meet one day with the Lord. I am committed to making a Quilt To Give in your sweet pattern specifically to honor all you’ve done for us.