Stitching kindness into the fabric of life
Photo attributed to Dinh Pham (unsplash)
Several years ago, I was a science teacher with a fascination with beetles. My in-law, Rachael, made me a beetle quilt, one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received and an item I will carry with me forever. She had made a quilt for my husband years before featuring a world map to celebrate his love of travel.
My special collection of beetles.
For years, Rachael has been making personalized quilts for friends and family. When our friends starting having children, these quilts were the best way to bring our blessings to their families. The most recent quilt we had made was for our friends Kevin and Thais and their son Miles. We decided to integrate some theme fabric that really represented the whole family. We chose musical notes to frame the front side and the back is a checkerboard pattern of American and Brazilian flags. Kevin told us, “With the birth of our son, nothing commemorates the unification of two family trees better than the quilt we received. It’s an incredibly thoughtful gesture and beautiful piece that we hope will stay in the family for generations to come.”
A quilt can last for generations.
Quilting is an act of kindness. Rachael is one of the kindest humans I know. As she tells it, she grew up seeing her mom, Vicky, sewing all sorts of things, including quilts. After college, Rachael and her friend asked Vicky to teach them how to make a quilt. A couple of other women joined and a small quilting group sprang to life, meeting regularly. As the group evolved, one thing stayed the same…pizza. So at some point they named themselves Pizza & Patchwork.
This group of women has been meeting every Wednesday for 30 years, enough time to experience the full range of life’s treasures and losses, the highs and lows. As these women cut and pin and sew patterns, they also stitch together community and support for one another. Each brings her own perspective to the table and, through this comradery, learning and compassion happens. It’s what women, people, have been doing for centuries and what feels so lacking in society these days.
Vicky, Erin, Attya, Amanda, Robin, Tammy, Rachael
The most amazing aspect of this group is their humility. They never boast about their work which compels me to share their story, because it’s hard to imagine how many people in the world have benefitted from these hands. Here is a sample of some of the work they have done.
Royal Family Kids' Camp: 2008 - 30 quilts donated to kids that are neglected or abused.
Providing much needed love and security to kids.
Pillowcases & Neck Pillows: 2010 - The neck pillows were given to a local HIV center. Pillowcases were given to a quilt shop working with a larger organization to distribute to those in need.
Fundraiser for Room to Read: 2016 - They made 11 quilts and a few other fun quilt-y items as part of a raffle to raise $25,000 to help eight Sri Lankan girls graduate from secondary school.
An incredible keepsake for kids.
Sew Powerful Purses: 2020 - Quilted purses sent to Zambia. The local seamstresses in Zambia make re-usable hygiene pads. Girls can carry them in the purses made by P &P so they can stay in school.
Queens of quilting and their purses for girls in Zambia.
Fleece Blankets: 2020 - These were not quilted, but tied. Many, many were made and sent to Cancer Care Point for patients to cover up while they were receiving treatment.
Quilts for Kids: 2021 - They made 59 quilts to comfort children facing serious illness, trauma, abuse, and natural disasters.
Sew Love: Fabric scraps and batting are donated to this organization as stuffing for use in dog & cat beds (for animal shelters).
Quilting Community: They participate with sewing groups and fabric stores to create a world-wide community that connects quilters and inspires through design challenges.
Design challenges boost inspiration!
The craft of quilting clearly taps into the four tenants of kindness. Rachael shares her perspective:
Kindness to Myself: The process of creating quilts is very rewarding. It’s fun but also it’s satisfying to see the finished product. Regardless if the recipient is someone I know or a complete stranger, a little piece of myself is in that quilt.
Kindness to Those I Know: It’s a labor of love, a way of demonstrating how much the people in my life mean to me. It’s far more valuable than something you might purchase as a gift. And people respond with delight because it’s one-of-a-kind; they feel special too.
Kindness to Those I Don’t Know: We have so much. It’s rewarding to give back, especially to support children and girls. A quilt provides comfort and warmth while also telling others that they have value, that they are worthy of such a gift.
Kindness to Nature: Originally, quilts were made from old clothes or scraps of fabric. We buy our fabric (100% cotton) but there are always scraps left over. Batting as well. But it’s not wasted. We donate the majority of it to Sew Love. The woman who runs the organization uses our scraps to make the stuffing for dog and cat beds. Also, quilts are meant to last generations unlike store-bought blankets.
So, here’s my takeaway. If you are feeling the need for more community, purpose and kindness in your life - pick up a craft. It doesn’t have to be quilting. You don’t have to be an expert. It can be baking cookies, growing herbs, cross stitch, or whatever. Find others who are doing the same and keep at it. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself doing kind things for many people who, in return, will shine kindness back on you.