You start the day fresh, a newspaper or laptop open on the table as you sip your morning coffee and catch up on the news. But the barrage of natural and human-made disasters leaves you feeling helpless and hopeless. You shut your laptop, fold your paper, and walk away. What can you do? These two women have decided to stitch quilts — and are asking others to help.
Victoria Findlay Wolfe and Anna Maria Horner live nearly 900 miles apart, but both women were struck with a similar instinct. When they learned of families in need, they did what came naturally — they started putting together quilt blocks and asked their blog readers to join them.
Victoria had participated in charity quilting in the past, including making quilts to be auctioned off for Craft Hope (to aid earthquake victims in Haiti) and Love Without Boundaries, an organization that helps Chinese orphans in need of medical attention. She had extra blocks from these and other projects and wanted to help people nearer her New York home. She asked a friend at Basics, Inc., an organization that helps disadvantaged families in the South Bronx, whether they could use a few quilts. His response: “Do you have 700?”
Although she was taken aback by the answer, she asked readers of her BumbleBeans blog to send quilt blocks and soon had 550, enough for 80 quilts. To date, Victoria has completed 40, with the help of Connecticut’s Canton Quilt Works and a few friends. Despite their progress, she realized that coming close to the goal of 700 quilts required more help. So she put out a request for completed quilts and they rolled in, too! Her current plan is to have 200 quilts by fall: a number of them will be auctioned off at a fundraiser to aid Basics in their quest to help homeless families, while others will go to families as they move from transitional housing to more permanent homes.
Victoria works with local children
Victoria also worked with children in transitional housing to create two special quilts for the fall fundraising auctions. “I’m fortunate to be where I am in life,” she says. “I’m happy and doing well and so the thing to do next is to help someone else. This started as a little idea that grew and turned into a wonderful cause.”
Enter woman number two. Farther south, in Nashville, Tennessee, fabric designer and author Anna Maria Horner and her family watched in May, horrified, as rising waters covered large portions of their city. Schools were closed for a week and the Horner family was glued to their television, trying to learn what was happening. As a result, they heard myriad accounts of destruction and loss.
“With all six kids home I couldn’t go out and get my hands dirty,” she says. “We donated monetarily and in other ways too, but we felt a little helpless. The entire downtown was under water and the Opryland district was flooded and is still closed. Thousands of people were — and still are — displaced from their homes and jobs.”
Photos by Anna Maria Horner
Anna Maria’s home sustained only minor damage, and her instinct was much like Victoria’s — she decided to help those in need through her blog and her contacts in the quilting world. She put out the call for quilt blocks and in a little over two weeks had 220, enough for five full-sized quilts. She also received corporate donations from Westminster Fabrics (backing fabric) and Hobbs Bonded Fibers (batting). Additionally, several stitchers with longarm machines have volunteered to do the quilting, once the blocks are sewn together.
Some of the blocks are designs based on drawings by Anna Maria’s kids. They were just as frustrated as she was at not being able to help in the days following the floods, and she wanted them to feel that they were a part of the process, too. Blocks are currently stacked, by color, in drawers in her studio. She plans at least one “sew-in” to which people bring their sewing machines and stitch blocks together. “We’ll sew for a few hours and socialize for a few hours,” she says. The goal is to distribute quilts by late fall, when the sticky Nashville summer gives way to cooler temperatures.
Both women acknowledge that some may question this focus on quilts as a response to crisis — when you’ve lost everything, or are just starting out with the barest of basics, how can a quilt help?
“I’ve thought a lot about the kinds of things people lost,” says Anna Maria. “It’s not just the necessities, it’s the heirlooms, the sentimental things, too. FEMA and other kinds of aid provide help with replacing the necessities. But I hope these quilts can help fill the emotional void. Even though the quilts aren’t made by people who are a part of each family’s personal history, they’re coming to them out of love and care and I hope they will literally and figuratively warm them, and help fill some gaps in their loss.”
Photo from Bumble Beans Basics
Victoria echoes that thought. “I have quilts from my grandmother and I know the time and love that went into them. It’s great for these families to know that someone cared enough to make a quilt, and for them to be wrapped in something with so much love in it. There’s nothing better than that.”
For information on submitting completed quilts for Victoria’s project with Basics, Inc., visit this website. To participate in the block gathering by Anna Maria for Tennessee flood victims, click here. Check out this Flickr group to see many of the completed blocks.
Countless other opportunities for charity quilting projects exist. Quilt guilds and other local organizations throughout the U.S. typically make and donate quilts to local hospitals, domestic violence shelters, hospices, and other causes. Other national organizations gathering quilts and quilt blocks are listed here: Project Linus, Quilts of Valor, The Sleeping Bag Project, Binky Patrol, Wrap Them in Love, The Snuggles Project for Homeless Animals, Newborns in Need.
The book Quilting for Peace: Making the World a Better Place One Stitch At A Time by Katherine Bell has many ideas for charity quilting and sewing.
About the author: A lifelong sewer/knitter and former weaver/spinner, Linzee Kull McCray, a.k.a. lkmccray, is a writer and editor living in Iowa. She feels fortunate to meet and write about people, from scientists to stitchers, who are passionate about their work. Her freelance writing appears in Quilts and More, Stitch, Fiberarts, American Patchwork and Quilting and more. For more textile musings, visit her blog.
Do you have a charity quilting project you’d like to share with others?
Tell us about it in the comments below.
More Quilting Articles | Browse the Quilts Category | Craftivism
102 comments
Sign in to add your owngumbygirl says:
The world is a little more blessed when others give a helping hand! Love this posting! Great work ladies!!!
1 year ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
What a great cause! I hope that lots of quilts are raised to help those in need.
1 year ago
thelittlemarket says:
A wonderful way to love your neighbor! Very touching article!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
Inspirational!
1 year ago
Leocardia says:
A wonderful encouraging story and very inspiring quilts. Especially the "Maasai Legends Strip Quilt" and the "Stepping Stones Quilt".
1 year ago
sweetjane says:
I have a good suggestion of how quilters can help. If you want to learn how to machine quilt, make up some simple scrap quilts and then practice your machine quilting on these quilts, and then donate them! That is how I practiced and developed my machine quilting skills. Great article...thanks Linzee
1 year ago
BlueBarnQuilts says:
This is awesome! Going to go check my stash, I'm sure there are completed quilt blocks in there I can donate!
1 year ago
evertonterrace says:
beautiful story. I'm forwarding to friends I know who quilt.
1 year ago
1elegantlady says:
It is nice to know that people care for others les fortunate than themselves. And then take the next step...to actually do it! Thank you for the inspiration.
1 year ago
bellasparty says:
Awesome! So inspiring!
1 year ago
bellasnest says:
Great work!
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
Fantastic what people can do to help. These ladies are the greatest!!!
1 year ago
jcisco112 says:
Lovely Story!
1 year ago
fromlosttofound says:
Sometimes watching or listening to the news depresses me. It all seems to be bad news. This is the kind of good news that should be on the 6:00 news!
1 year ago
StudioCherie says:
Wonderful article and some great new blogs to follow too. Thank you! It is encouraging to see women use their talents to help.
1 year ago
BambuEarth says:
This is so inspirational! Thank you for taking all that time not just towards working but towards loving. :) Really awesome. Much love.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Wonderful story and talents put to a good cause!
1 year ago
teedle says:
What a wonderful story!
1 year ago
CustomDogBandanas says:
This is a beautiful story! I love quilting and I am going to email this to all my quilting friends. Thanks a bunch for posting this story! :) beautiful!
1 year ago
Quilter623 says:
Working with Victoria has been a pleasure for me. Knowing that these quilts are going for a wonderful cause and will wrap many people in warmth is the best part. Victoria is truly giving and is working extremely hard to make this happen for BASICS.
1 year ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
I lost some of my great grandmother's quilts to the flood...the family business was closed down because of it. What a nice way to bring beauty and comfort to those in need. Have a Sweet and Dandy day! ~Jess
1 year ago
ecozuzu says:
was a great story & images!
1 year ago
MeMeandMe says:
I have 3 granddaughters, and I can't think of a better way to start them out to learn to "sew in love" than these causes. The oldest already made a quilt and this is a great cause to teach the younger ones too! ~xoxo~
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
What a great and inspiring story!! Definitely going to spread the word!!!
1 year ago
christinamaedesigns says:
Quilts are so very special. They are beautiful both in their design and in the love that went into them. What a truly wonderful cause!
1 year ago
trinityrocks says:
Inspiring!
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
the world is a better place because of these two ladies!
1 year ago
twirlaway says:
Really really wonderful!
1 year ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
What a great story!
1 year ago
FrillyButts says:
Beautiful quilts! What a great way to help, I will pass this along.
1 year ago
warmnfuzzies says:
Quilters are some of the most giving people I know and this story is just proof of that! Kudos to you all and thank you for featuring my pillow!
1 year ago
ByMartas says:
What a Heart Warming story!!. Thank you. I recently read about a wonderful blog too. http://margaretshopechest.blogspot.com/ who also do alot of charity work, donating quilts for needed families. Keep bringing us wonderful stories and projects to plant the little seed of inspiration in all us.
1 year ago
Quiltingdiva says:
Lovely! Thanks for the feature :) I could look at quilts all day and never get enough!
1 year ago
artofjane says:
What a great story. I love quilts. And quilters.
1 year ago
WoollyPoPo says:
One of the things I love about quilts is the rich history of creative, generous women who used the medium to influence the world around them. Two more inspirational stories to add to history!
1 year ago
GoodGriefGlass says:
Sweet story. Appreciate your hard work.
1 year ago
aisawada says:
Great story!
1 year ago
berrybluecreations says:
What a fabulous feature!
1 year ago
mollyscottage says:
Great article!
1 year ago
rainpeople says:
...thank you for the lovely & inspirational article! keep up the great work! XO
1 year ago
TerryAskeArtQuilts says:
Wonderful story!
1 year ago
AudreyJeanneRoberts says:
I've had the good fortune of meeting and spending some time with Anna Maria Horner at the Atlanta Gift Show. She is an AMAZING woman. Talented. Committed to her family. A great mom. A fantastic designer. People like her make the industry proud. Every little stitch matters to a family somewhere... Audrey
1 year ago
AllThingsBelle says:
Another great organization that I recently got involved with is Quilts For Kids! They will even supply you with the fabric and you quilt it for kids in the hospitals.
1 year ago
KnitzyBlonde says:
Beautiful story. Thanks for bring it to us!
1 year ago
odiliafu says:
Sweet and inspiring!
1 year ago
Dryw says:
Very inspiring!
1 year ago
poplovedesigns says:
Wonderful cause, thanks for sharing it! <3 Andrea
1 year ago
erwinsmith123 says:
Motorhome
1 year ago
lorenabr says:
great story :) http://twitter.com/lorenanbr
1 year ago
BlessedBeeApothecary says:
an amazing article and beautiful itemes i adore quilts they are so special and personal.
1 year ago
NagihanDesigns says:
Great story and talents put to a good cause! I love it. Thank you:))
1 year ago
jewellerytreasures says:
what a wonderful idea thanks for sharing it
1 year ago
dollybirdboutique says:
lovely story x x
1 year ago
FabricFascination says:
I enjoyed the article and the beautiful quilts that went along with it. My daughter and I, and a few friends have made tiny quilts for the NICU where she works as an RN. Sharing love through fabric is very gratifying.
1 year ago
sittingonthewall says:
what a lovely article...quilting can be done so wonderfully, i lave making my baby quilts!
1 year ago
jubilee82 says:
Wow!! Very nice!!
1 year ago
MoranArtandQuilts says:
What a great idea! I think I'm going to donate some quilts.
1 year ago
PatchworkTrails says:
What a wonderful article! I know Victoria, and she has done some amazing quilts for charity. Her efforts have been so admirable! I love how Anna Maria has gotten her kids involved in the rainbow blocks by using their drawings for the tutorial. So nice to be aware of these efforts going on out there!
1 year ago
FluteTeacher says:
I'm inspired! I don't quilt, but this idea would work well with crochet and knitted afghans, too!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great quilts and a fantastic project : ) thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
Sweetiebugs says:
I love this- so inspiring! I can't wait to make some quilts. :)
1 year ago
anotherghostquilts says:
NIce piece, as always, Linzee!
1 year ago
miznovember says:
How beautiful. When something is truly made with love, you can feel the love in it. I agree. A quilt in a time of loss could be the most comforting thing to receive.
1 year ago
brideblu says:
What an inspiring story! I would love to get involved with this effort!
1 year ago
Bonbonsandmore says:
Thanks for letting the world know how wonderful quilters and quilts are! My favorite way to make and donate quilts is Quilts of Valor...quilts given to Wounded Warriors home from the wars - http://qovf.org
1 year ago
SilverSistersStudio says:
What a great idea to accept blocks and unfinished quilts. I can't commit to a whole uilt, but could probably make up a block or two.
1 year ago
ukpinsandneedles says:
what a nice post! well done!
1 year ago
Pamelaquilts says:
Wonderful article! A handmade quilt really is like a hug to someone who is hurting, and it feels good to be able to tangibly help someone using your talents. Our quilt guild makes hundreds of charity quilts a year - many go to children, but we also donate to our hospice program and find the quilts are so appreciated by the families.
1 year ago
dearbitsy says:
What a fantastic cause!! I'm not a quilter, but I've heard another organization called Project Linus which accepts crocheted, knit, quilt, and fleece blankets. I'm inspired!!
1 year ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
So inspiring!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
So inspiring....we can all make a difference, every lil bit helps....Thanks 4 sharing u'r amazing stories!
1 year ago
PaperPicker says:
i love handmade quilts - what a great cause.
1 year ago
VWinc101 says:
Linzee, it's just so great that you took the time for this. It's always fabulous to bring awareness to many projects, as many of us are always wondering how we can help... You been a great help, and I thank you most whole heartily! Lovely article!
1 year ago
TrimsNmore says:
very inspiring, thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
StitchedInColor says:
Actually, at the same time that Anna was starting Rainbow Around the Block, I was making plans to launch a charity quilting bee through Flickr. Our group, called do. Good Stitches {a Charity Bee} is working collaboratively to make one quilt per month for needy children through Wrap Them in Love. You can learn more here: http://stitchedincolor.wordpress.com/rock-the-cradle/. I'm currently taking names for a second charity bee to launch this fall!
1 year ago
beachglassshop says:
lovely
1 year ago
lkmccray says:
So happy to hear this may have encouraged some of you to quilt for a cause or to teach others to do so (especially loved hearing MeMeandMe say she would teach her granddaughters to quilt). Anna Maria and Victoria are definitely inspirational. Thanks to those who have shared your favorite causes, too. Quilters are a generous bunch, for sure!
1 year ago
designMatter says:
Tnx for inspiration too:)
1 year ago
songsparrow says:
I'm not much of a quilter (yet), but this is so inspiring I might just take it up!
1 year ago
sonyamacdesigns says:
Bond & Respond Quilt Project ... Ours is not necessarily a charity quilting project in the true sense of the word, but on June 14th, after being touched in a special way by the O so generous & kind Kelly Rae Roberts through her first e-class and being a blog follower of Anna Marie Horner's, ... I felt it my duty to seek to inspire her more than 725 students to produce a gift quilt for the soon to be Mother. A members of our community Marianne's RuffHaven has volunteered to quilt & bind the top for us. The quilt blocks have slowly begun to trickle in and we look forward to seeing the final product! It is my hope that this quilt will be a tangible response to Kelly's generosity & bond this community of creative business artist as Kelly's e-class did.
1 year ago
IlGiardinoLuxor says:
Great story, such an ispiration! :)
1 year ago
aileenrae says:
I've never quilted but this does have me thinking about it. I have this great design for angel pillows that have a pocket in the front. I would like to make these and donate them to children that could use something comforting like this. Any ideas? They're super simple and only require three cuts of fabric.
1 year ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
thanks for having my Arabella bag here with her quilted sides. A lovely article about making the smallest difference in the biggest way - giving a unique hand made with love item to someone who needs and can use it. These two ladies have accomplished everything thru their giving, thank you both! kind regards, Annette
1 year ago
KynaHsiao says:
Such a great cause! Beautiful work!! Makes me want to learn to quilt!
1 year ago
paisleyandplaidpaper says:
This is wonderful and I love your pieces. What a great passion that really works for good!
1 year ago
quiltdoodledesigns says:
Great cause, beautiful work!
1 year ago
PotterBeanie says:
Love this!
1 year ago
MoonDanceTextiles says:
quilts, made to comfort those in need, are an American tradition...much like bringing a "covered dish" during a family crisis...
1 year ago
sonirations says:
I used to love watching my grandmoher with my aunts quilt and we have so many of them to cherish now that she is not with us. Quilting is awesome!
1 year ago
PocketCardsbyPam says:
I have loved quilting in years past (particularly baby quilts) and haven't done it in quite some time. I am now inspired to get my stash or fabrics back out and get going. I especially know what a blessing things like this are (read the NIN site...moving!) Thanks for your work!
1 year ago
moondogtreasures says:
what an inspiring story. i believe it's very important to give back from the abundance of our talents. that's why every september, i donate 54% of the sales of my mala bracelets to the charities of the Global Mala.
1 year ago
ButtonTreeShop says:
This is a really great idea! It's projects like this that make a huge difference.
1 year ago
GreatestJoyDesigns says:
I am always moved and encouraged in the kindness of so many people, many who are in the community of arts. God bless you all.
1 year ago
dragonflymystdesigns says:
How inspiring!! I'm going to go through my stash and make some blocks to send off!!
1 year ago
meganashleycrafts says:
this is such a great idea! I'm going to pass the news on to my Aunt and her friends, all quilters & own a quilting shop :)
1 year ago
FullofFun says:
This is amazing!
1 year ago
HillJ says:
If you're in New Jersey, Blankie Depot would love to welcome your volunteer time and talent. They donate handmade hugs to children statewide (knit, crochet, quilt, no sew fleece and handmade toys). Visit: www.blankiedepo.org Thank you!
1 year ago
OhDearWatson says:
quilting is so nostalgic
1 year ago
ReendiculousGourds57 says:
Every thread has a story! Loved reading this article. Very heartwarming and inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
LaughingWatersUP says:
Love!
1 year ago
Melissababycreations says:
Great story! Very inspirational!
1 year ago
judiheindesign says:
Great ideas! I make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. They ship all over the world, wherever there is need.
1 year ago