by Kristyn

We are just getting started with our learn to quilt program that the London Modern Quilt Guild Canada is running in the Limberlost community.  This week the ladies learned some colour theory- thanks to Mary for doing this!  They also decided on some fabrics that they would be using for their string quilt tops.  We have had some beautiful fabrics donated which made picking the fabric a tough job.

Thanks to everyone for your donations to date!  The only thing I can think of right now that we still need are some pairs of scissors for snipping threads when piecing the blocks and some pairs of scissors to cut the fabric strips on the blocks.  Let me know if you have a pair of scissors you aren't needing any more if you would like to donate to the group.

Here are some photos of some of the supplies we have received so far.

Thanks so much for the donated sewing machines as next Tuesday is our first day piecing blocks!

Can’t wait do really get rolling with this wonderful community project!

In the fall of 2013, the London Modern Quilt Guild decided that our outreach project would be to teach the art of quilting to residents that live in the Limberlost Low Income Housing Development. Discussion occurred with London Community Chaplaincy staff to work out the logistics of this. We also felt that we would invite other Guilds (Thames Valley Quilters Guild and Canadian Embroiderers' Guild, London) to support this in various ways such as volunteer by coming to the Stitchin' Time, contribute supplies, etc. 

The first project was to have members of LMQG make "blankets", Denyse Schmidt style and then the participants/ residents would choose one from these many blankets and add their own touch by hand stitching the blanket stitch.

On January 21, 2014 we launched the project at the London Community Chaplaincy Unit in Limberlost Housing Development and we had one person attend. We have grown to 4 participants and have a roster of  7 volunteers from the our guild and the two other Guilds mentioned above. We provide snacks and the Chaplaincy the coffee and tea. The participants have been quick in learning 5 different blanket stitches which have really enhanced the already beautiful blankets. Thank you to all of the volunteers for coming out to stitch with the ladies and providing companionship and to Guild members who have made the beautiful blankets. The participants can be so proud of their accomplishments.

As the blankets are nearing completion and the participants are eager to learn we are ready to move into quilt making from start to finish. March 25th is the date we start our learn to quilt portion. 

To make this possible we would appreciate your assistance. If you are able to provide any of the supplies listed below for this LMQG Outreach sewing group it would be great.

2- rotary cutters

2- 6"x24" grid ruler

2- 9 1/2" square grid rulers

sewing machines (2/3)

If you have any of the above supplies either gently used or new, we would appreciate your donation.

Also needed:

thread- spools of neutral colour for piecing

plain foundation fabric- muslin or broadcloth in pale neutral colour.

quilting fabric that can be cut into strips (minimum 2" wide)

This will get our group started making string quilt blocks for their quilt tops.

Eventually we will need batting and fabric in pieces large enough for backing.

Supplies can be dropped off at Hyggeligt Fabrics,  3-515 Richmond Street, London if possible by noon on March 22nd.