28 April, 2015

Fit To Be Tied

Graduation quilts; stitched, layered and awaiting tying.
It's that time of year again... graduation is just around the corner.  Our Quilt Ministry has been bestowing quilts upon our church's high school graduates every year since 2009. This year it is a smaller-than-average class, only six graduates. We've fine-tuned the process over the years, and have settled on creating quilts that reflect the school colors of their intended college destinations, whenever possible. Because those decisions aren't always made early, we (the quilters) are typically scrambling at the last minute to get them ready before Youth Sunday and the beautiful service of presentation. It's always worth the effort. Our quilts are unique, based solely on the inventory in our closet. Seven years ago we were gifted with a truckload of solid broadcloth fabric samples, I'm not certain of the origin of the samples; they're all rectangular and sorted by color name and number. We determined, early on, that we could trim each sample piece to a consistent 23" X 13" rectangle, and, using twelve rectangles, we could assemble a generous sized throw (50" X 66"). The quilts today still reflect that original stitch, slash and shuffle  method; each one is backed with polar fleece and machine embroidered with our church logo. They are gifts we're proud to offer; and, I dare say, that our graduates are happy to receive as a token of love from their congregation. May these quilts offer warmth and comfort to this year's graduates as they venture out and make their own way in the world, always remembering their church family back home.
Life is Good!

3 comments:

NanaNor's said...

Wow, what an undertaking for you ladies. AT my last church in Ca., about five of us lady would gather a couple of evenings per month and make Chemo quilts for our local cancer organization-so each person had a quilt while getting their chemo. I love this idea; I think there is only one other quilter at my church now, so doubt I'd be able to do this. Love the thought, time and love that goes into these for the graduates. Hope you are enjoying spring!
Hugs, Noreen

Janet O. said...

What a loving way to send the graduates off to college.

Jeanne said...

Such a wonderful gift to give the graduates! They are fortunate have a caring church family.