Charity Quilts - a bit about our group

In 2011 our quilt group began creating charity quilts for two charities in the Chicago area.  Baby quilts are going to Quilts for Kids Illinois and twin and baby quilts are going to a local women's shelter.

On December 13, 2011 we presented 12 baby quilts to Quilts for Kids Illinois and 5 baby quilts and 11 twin quilts to the women's shelter.  We have several more quilts to complete after the new year which we will present to the shelter as soon as they are completed.

All the fabric for the quilts was donated by Quiltfabric.com in Willowbrook, IL.  The space to host the sewing sessions was provided by the Burr Ridge, IL Park District.   

Most of the twin quilts were quilted by Terri Boi on her longarm quilting machine.  Terri's help was invaluable to completing the quilts!!!!

We used two basic patterns for most of the quilts, a Rail Fence pattern we found on the Internet that we adapted to fit our size requirements and used strip piecing. 

And, a pattern we call 'Bricks' that was adapted from one we found in a magazine.  We created the Bricks pattern to use fat quarters most efficiently.  Each twin size Bricks quilt uses 14 fat quarters plus borders for to make its top.
Prior to holding three sewing sessions we met several times at the quilt shop and several of our homes to sort fabric, create attractive fabric sets, cut the fabric and create kits to be ready for sewing.  The planning and kitting began in the spring of 2011 and the sewing session took place in September and October.
For the sewing sessions we advertised in the local newspapers and at the quilt shop.  We had volunteers from all over the Chicago area, and even a lady from Kalamazoo, MI.  The volunteers had varying skill levels, from beginner to experienced quilters.  We all had a good time working together for a common goal.  When all quilts are quilted and bound we will have created and donated over 40 quilts!


Following are photos of the quilts, some of the members who created them, and the representatives of the charities.  (See all blog entries for the rest of the quilts and credits to their creators!)

Sue Parenti presenting quilt to 
Bob Urquart of Quilts for Kids Illinois

Debbie Golliwitzer and MaryLou Berry
presenting quilt to Kathy Smith of Pillars,
representing the women's shelter