I am part of a small quilting group at my church. Basically it exists of me, my 15 year old daughter and another lady. We've invited and invited and the only time we had a packed house was the time we asked for cutters. We asked for people with scissors to help us cut out the squares for the next project. Today, I was chatting with the other "quilter" discussing when we would get together again and what the next step should be when another lady stepped up and stated that she had a couple of quilts that she had talked to me about repairing for her and she hadn't got around to bringing them. I looked at the other quilter and just blurted out that maybe it was time to plan a quilting "clinic". The other quilting lady stepped back a bit and said that it may not be a bad idea. We discussed sharing sewing and quilting basics, maybe have a quilting repair workshop and of course opening it up to the public.

Now I know we have seasoned vets here as well as newbies. If you're a vet and have done something like this and could share the experience and maybe what you would have done differently, I would really appreciate it. If your a newbie and wouldn't mind sharing what you would like to see in a situation like this, that too would be much appreciated. Don't mind hearing from those in the middle either, like myself;)

Sally

I think that sounds like a great idea!

Maybe you could hold some classes on how to quilt, and have the ladies all make a block and someone else put it together and raffle it off. You could use the money for other classes or something for the church.

Sounds like you have come up with a great idea. Run with it.

We quilt at our church too - we have often taken someone to teach them how to quilt and now they help too!! :)

I quilt with the ladies of my church. They have been doing this for many yrs - me, 3. Our Pastor announces from time to time or just calls people and says - we need people. We get our material - alot - from donations, sheets, draperies or just fabric. Our quilts go to Lutheran World Relief or local charities. Last year our group made over 700. I am the youngest at 58 with the oldest being 92. No whinning aloud. Volunteers come from within and are always willing. Good luck to you.

I started a quilting class at our church with the help of my good friend, Janice, in February of this year. She had told me about a children's hospice in Southern Calif. that she and another of her friend's had recently made a few quilts for. I had been wanting to teach quilting but didn't know how to go about it, so when I heard about this hospice, the wheels in my head started turning. I had a sign-up sheet in the foyer and a flier put in the church bulletin inviting anyone who wanted to learn to quilt to sign up. About 25 people signed up but our class ended up consisting of 12 ladies and 3 children, ages , 7, 9 & 10. The only catch was that anyone taking this class would have to donate their first quilt to the hospice. Most of these people had to go out and buy a sewing machine and didn't know the first thing about sewing. But, I must say that I'm very proud of this group. The quilts turned out beautifully and were displayed in our sanctuary on April 27th and on May 7th they were delivered to the hospice. We've since received a few photos of the the children who received them. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to be able to do something for these families who are in the midst of such difficult times. I encourage everyone to get involved and show the families that are hurting that there are people who care about what they are going through. We started a new class on June 7th, which will meet once a month. Our projected delivery is the 1st week in September. The class being taught this time is the LOG CABIN. By the way, the 7 year old taking the class is my grand-daughter, Maya, I can't tell you how proud I am of her. Oops, almost forgot, we delivered 19 quilts to the hospice.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, everyone!

I've been thinking about it and feel that maybe just starting with basic quilting technique may solve the "I need this quilt repaired" lady. If she comes to the class, that is, she could repair her own quilts.

We're currently working on a quilt for one of our nursing home members. I think there may be a need there, or we could check at the closest hospital to see if there is a need there, too. I actually, now that I'm thinking about it, have a (forgive my ignorance) houseful of nuns down the road from my home. It is not a convent. It is called St. Michael's House, although the locals call it the Rural Parish. Those lady's never turn a person in need down. I guess I could check with them, too.

Once a month seems to work well for us thus far,too, azam. Guess I will just need to get the word out by posting notices and using our bulletin too. We have a Post Office a block away from us. May go down there and post a notice also.

Please feel free to continue posting your ideas. Keep 'em coming!

Basic quilting works out well and as they learn more you can increase the difficulty of your blocks. Those that already know how would probably be willing to help you with the newbies. It's so rewarding to teach and be able to see the finished product. Good luck with your classes!

HI, About 2 yrs ago a friend talked with me and suggested we start a quilt group at church. I used to own a shop and taught quilting and missed the people. (closed the shop and retired) We put a notice in the bulletin at church, passed the word around and we now have 12 women give or take twice a month who get together to share ideas and quilt. We all help each other out and we make baby quilts to give to any baby or small child that gets baptized in the church. Our next project we hope to make a quilt for all the kids displaced and in the Methodist Home here in our area.
so I am sure if you get the word out some people might show up. Marge

I'm Azam's friend, Janice. We just loved doing this class, altho' sometimes it was REALLY challenging having 6 ladies who had never, ever in their lives sewn anything. Some came with their machines still in the box, never opened. WOW!! But, through laughter, helpful hands and lots of patience we got through it, and now we have some dedicated quilters. See my other post "Never Too Old To Become a Quilter" to see my 83 year old mom, who became a quilter after attending our first class. I think it helps motivate people to hear that the quilts will go to a charity that serves people going through medical crises - including NICU units in hospitals, and any hospice. Keep going!!