Monday, January 16, 2017

Accidental Volunteer: Charity Quilts Day 16


Simple, Yet Spectacular!

I made a trip back up to the MCC Connections Thrift Store and quilting room in Kidron, Ohio today. I went to ask a long list of questions related to charity quilting, and one person who could answer most of them was there working today. Not wanting to waste her valuable work time, I tried to help along side while she explained things.


First I learned how to pin a comforter into the frame. That was enlightening as I had frames at home I could use for the same. I wondered if they were still where we'd stored them.


Then it was time to start laying out 5" squares into comforter patterns, and I watched as the squares went up. It took me a while to understand her method of rows and furrows, but I hung out long enough to try one with help. It was a lot of fun, I have to admit. I thought I should be going by that time, but it was suggested I grab a quick bite and come back for a little more. Okay, I could do that.



You can tell these folks have been at this a while. Their method is down to a science. Fabric that is usable for quilting is cut into 5" squares by people who are good at and like to cut fabric. Then it's stored by color in large bins. Flannels and vintage fabric is stored separately. Backing is kept in cabinets and labelled with yardage amounts. The place is as organized as a surgery--almost.


 We let the backing size dictate the tops today. This backing was for a print with turtles on it, and could suit both a girl or boy. It was really a fun one to do, and I think it was creeping on 3:00. Maybe we could do just one more.


Sometimes a special fabric was chosen, and the comforter designed around that. Most of the time we tried to keep using up the fabric that was already on the table, adding to it enough to change the look. There's not an endless supply of options, and sometimes you have to pick something close rather than perfect.

To remove the quilt in an order that can be sewn accurately, I was shown how to add numbers across the top with masking tape. The women who serge will handle it next, and they prefer it laid out in a specific way. That's how we did it, too. And we went from one to the next to the next.


I know there's at least one I didn't snap a picture of. Maybe two. The day flew by, but the company was excellent. Gosh, I stayed the whole day, and that certainly wasn't my intention at all. I had just dropped in to ask some questions. Some advice: A bag of chocolates helped, but the next time I must take coffee. 

I was also treated to a lesson on packing quilts for shipment, but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I can barely keep my eyes open to finish this. It's a good kind of tired, though.

To all who were so generous with their time today, thank you! I learned so much from you, and I'm hooked. You did well.

Come on, Doxie girls.
Off to bed, and tomorrow we sew.




10 comments:

Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts said...

This is so intriguing - loved it!

June D said...

Great way to spend the day. : )

Laundered Cotton said...

Cool! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Wonderful! I am sure the quilt room staff was happy to have you!!! I am proud of you! Like I have said for years.....if I lived CLOSER to Kidron, I would be helping many more hours than my 'one' Monday a month.

Stitchin At Home said...

What a wonderful way to spend a day and the layouts look wonderful.

Blithe Quilts said...

Working alongside of someone skilled is the best way to learn! It is also a wonderful way to work. It really makes it easier and a pleasure!

Barb Neiwert said...

A good group like that makes the day go by quickly! Looking forward to the advice on packing quilts for shipping.....

Sharon - IN said...

Sounds like a fun and informative day! Thanks for sharing.

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

This really is inspiring , it's a whole industry going on there

Kate said...

That's a lot for one day. They make some beautiful quilts with what they have.