Quilting As Real Life: Try It

Part 3 of Six Parts

What if I don’t sew?:  And other important issues.

THE SET UP: Sharon Roos said, “Use tables to spread out the sheet, then the batting, then the quilt top.  We use masking tape to tape the sheet to the table, as we use a lot of used sheets for backings and they need to be fastened to a smooth surface so they don’t wrinkle up.  Using the crochet thread or light weight yarn, tie a double knot through the center of each block, joining all 3 layers. You will also need straight pins, crochet thread or sports yarn (depending on the thickness of the batting you use), several needles, a couple of scissors.  You’ll want to meet in a room where you have several tables and chairs enough for everyone.  One needs to be able to trim the batting even to the quilt top, then trim the backing so there is about 2” extra all the way around.  Then fold the backing over and pin in place around all the edges.  If someone brings a sewing machine to this meeting, that person can sew around the edges where it is pinned.”

The places where events, like book clubs, model building, Bible studies, discussion groups and quilting take place are important.  If the seating is not comfortable, if people can’t hear because of outside noise, if food isn’t allowed, if parking is difficult, if the temperature can not be controlled, then people are less likely to return in the future.  In the case of the quilting ministry, it is obviously important to have adequate space to place the evolving quilts on tables to enable easy chair access to the material.

QUALITY WITHOUT OBSESSING OVER PERCEIVED  PERFECTION: “Keep in mind when you are making these quilts that they are for the homeless shelters (for instance), not a quilt show that is being judged for how a knot is tied.  But we also pride ourselves on putting together pleasing, bright quilts to brighten up the day of a homeless person.  The most ugly fabric can be made into a beautiful quilt by combining it with other fabrics.  Some of the fabric scraps (smaller than 8” square) make the most beautiful quilts.”

Often it is the perfectionists in the crowd who create things that we admire.  They do things just right; whether it is the construction of a piece of art, or provide critical leadership for an organization!  But when planning for a new project, or a different set of volunteers to contribute to an existing program, an image of an expectation of “perfect” outcomes may thwart many very good prospective participants.   This is a very real fact of ordinary life in all areas.

WHAT IF I DON’T SEW?: “The only skill required to be a church quilter is the ability to tie a knot.  Emphasize this to people who have questions about joining your group.  The quilt tops are pieced by several of our members at home, but they could be pieced at church in an old fashioned sewing bee.  As we progressed to making more and more quilts, we bought bed risers for the tables (can be found at Wal-Mart or a similar store), which means we don’t get backaches from bending over the tables to tie the quilts. 

The above paragraph identifies a critically important issue.  The “reluctant” among us who argue that, “Well, I would do that , but I don’t … [speak in front of groups, sew, have enough energy, socialize well, and on and on.]” is a significant barrier for many people who consequently decide not to engage in an activity that would otherwise seem right down their alley.

“HOMEWORK IS OK” Another tip that works for us is to cut kits for the ladies who sew the tops at home.  That usually means 60 8” blocks either in 2 or 3 coordinated colors or a color theme, like pastels for women or darker colors for men.  They are packaged in 1-2 gallon plastic zip lock bags with a note saying how many squares or how they might be assembled.

It is nice to think that one’s reward is in doing the good deed itself.  Though true in part, all of us appreciate being recognized and thanked for what we do.  The display of completed quilts over the pews is an outstanding way of sharing ones work and enabling the congregation to recognize the quilting project as a gift from the entire congregation.

PUBLIC DISPLAY; EVERYBODY WINS:  Before we take the quilts to the homeless shelters, we display them over the pews in church.  This is a great reminder to the congregation of needy people right in our area, and it also helps in getting donations of sheets for the backings, some fabric, and even some money for this ministry.  This display and frequent notes in the bulletin about how many quilts, which shelters get them, requests for their help, and letting them know you consider them your prayer partners in this important ministry.

Another means of recognition of older adults who are engaged in one or another of the programs of the church is to include photographs of them in publications that are distributed by the church.  Sheila Hinkel  has made a habit of doing this in her church.

(From Sheila)  When I started here, I was always armed with a camera. Most people hate having their picture taken, however, they quickly got used to the fact that we will be documenting what: 1. we will be doing  2. what we have done  3. who did it.  Now, holding up a camera gets smiles and poses, with them knowing it will be shared with others. They may make a silly comment, but now they never squirm, and enjoy seeing candid shots taken around the church activities - it is a good way to let everybody know that we are alive!   Sheila

Sometimes it is difficult to “see” the importance of leadership in the most successful of projects because the members seem to be doing it all themselves.   Yet, in the best of the programs, it is almost always a leader or two or three -- behind the scenes -- suggesting things like hanging quilts over the pews for public recognition, or posting photos of the members having fun, that ultimately enable the members to see that their presence and their contributions really matter.

Bruce