Friday, February 17, 2017

The Joy of a Quilt Room Volunteer



The Quilting Room at the
Connections Thrift Store In Kidron, Ohio


I travel about an hour each way to volunteer at a MCC thrift store and quilt room. It's such a pleasant drive because this is what I'm thinking about. A bright, sunny room full of quilts, comforters, fabric, and the nicest people. Who wouldn't want to be here? I feel so lucky!




The modified pineapple log cabin quilt and two comforters were turned in today. I was glad to have them done, and out of the studio at last.


 I lay out quilts on the design wall as my part when I'm there. Here I used 4" squares for a top to finish approximately 60" x 80". I'm always dependent on whatever fabric is available when I open the bins. I see this as a creative design challenge every time I don't see what I'm looking for. It allows me the opportunity to work with colors and prints I wouldn't have even given a chance before, and surprisingly--I like the new combinations!



While I was digging through the fabric bins for the first quilt, I came across this delicious lobster print. I couldn't wait to finish off that first quilt to start on the next. 



I started with my backing first, which dictated my finished size. It's much easier matching the top to the backing than visa versa. I mixed lots of shades of red and blue, stripes, checks, spots, and prints, and went to town. First one...


...and another. This is the kind of comforter you'd want to cuddle up with on your porch swing.


And the last one for the day made me go back to the 5" bin. I was short on time, and there are just fewer pieces to deal with when you size up. This top will finish at around 60" x 80", and will soon be available for sale in the store. The rack was full today with a beautiful selection of comforters. If you're ever nearby, be sure sure to pop in.

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's turn in early tonight.

Linking up with~
Crazy Mom Quilts


13 comments:

Kat said...

What a wonderful store! I'd love it if there were something like that near me. Your layouts look great, love those lobsters!!

Unknown said...

Great pr for the store. I imagine many people do not realize what IS there! Thanks for the great photo of that quilt room. It is a cheery, bright, happy place to spend time. Anyone who can handquilt could just drop in for even an hour, and do a bit of work. There is always at least one quilt in a frame - ready to be quilted. Then at least 2 or 3 comforters waiting to be knotted. Wish I lived closer. My drive is an hour also. So glad you have gotten connected!!

Angie in SoCal said...

It's much easier matching the top to the backing than visa versa - what a brilliant idea. That will work well with the donated flannel at our church group. All three are wonderful, Julie. Thanks for posting.

Julie said...

Kat, I feel so lucky I fell into this. I really can't tell what a nice place this is because of the people who staff it. I get giddy on the ride up knowing I get to be a part of it. So it may be a volunteer position, but I think I get the best end of the deal really.

Thank you for the kind words. Those lobsters just lit me up when I found them!

Julie said...

Great ideas to share. There are always small groups popping in and out to help. A group of 3 women had traveled about an hour yesterday for a Friday test session, but usually come on another day. They finished tying one comforter and moved on to another. Every little bit helps.

Julie said...

Angie, sometimes the simplest revelations make the biggest differences, right? I've tried the task of sifting through backing options and knowing there would have to be a great operation on paper and cutting to make it work. I've brought this idea back to my own studio, and started designing my own quilts around what backing I have on hand. It sure solves the dilemma before it happens, and some of those quilts have the quickest turn around from frame to finish while others become languishing WIPs waiting for me to solve the backing question.

terrieannie said...

store. Is there a specific charity that benefits from this charity? It sounds and looks like a great setup and a wonderful way to share our over abundance of fabric, too.

Scooquilt said...

And you're doing a great job with the available fabrics! What a fun chance to play!

Stitchin At Home said...

Love all that natural light. Your layouts are lovely Julie with a really nice flow of colours.

grammajudyb said...

Love your layouts! What a wonderful use of what was available. Lobsters, and daisies and plaids, oh my!

Linda Swanekamp said...

I thought places like that were only in my dreams. I can't imagine how they get the space and make it work.

Kate said...

You made great use of the fabrics in all your lay outs. What a fun place to hang out, play with fabric and do good all at the same time!

Kelly said...

What a lovely place to play! Beautiful quilts!