January 1, 2024 Penn Oaks Newsletter
President's Note
Programs
Note: The January, February and March meetings will also be zoom meetings.
Intro to Dumpster Diving and Free Piecing
Julie Sefton is known online as Quiltdivajulie where she blogs at Me and My Quilts – Exploring the Possibilities. Four key words encompass her style – liberated, scrappy, eclectic, and colorful.
Julie made her first quilt in 2004 and fell in love with the process, from gestation and planning through free motion quilting and finishing. In 2007 she created her blog (https://quiltdivajulie.blogspot.com) where she shares her growth as a quilt maker and other glimpses into her life including a recent foray into the world of journal making.
In this two-part presentation, Julie will first share her series of eleven completed Dumpster Diving quilts as well as her work in process for the twelfth DD quilt. She will also briefly share the story of her book BUILD A BARN featuring the free pieced technique along with several examples of her barn quilts, including the book’s cover quilt See Rock City. There will be a short Q&A opportunity following the presentation.
Autographed copies of Julie’s book will be available to POQG members at the discounted group rate of $10 per book via sign-up sheet at the meeting with payment to the Guild.
Breaking News: Julep, a minty green, is the Kona Cotton color of the year. Doesn't help me much as
I am red-green color blind!
More Breaking News: Pom Pom Magazine's final issue, Check Mate, is hitting newsstands now.
The Challenge: Lets hear it for Barbie!
If you would like to participate, unleash you inner Barbie with at least a baby sized quilt to keep or donate. Go with a riot of pinks or pick your (or your daughters or nieces) favorite Barbie outfit to use as inspiration. We’re looking forward to seeing what you can come up with!
Rikki and Kathy
2023 Board
President - Carolyn Davis
Program Chair - Deb Houck
Assistant to Programs - Elaine Mayer
Treasurer - Rita Marie Smith
Recording Secretary - Kelly Meanix
Corresponding Secretary - Ellen McMillen
Membership - Denise Blake-Elaine Egan
Ways & Means - Jen Burke
Scraps and Pieces From The Textile World
Before you pull out the big black trash bags, consider donating your handmade goods. Even goods you consider “seconds” can be useful to people in need. Consult with your tax advisor to find out what portion of your donation (if any) can be used as a tax deduction and be sure to ask the recipient organization for a receipt for your records.
National Organizations
Our objective is to identify organizations that can use what we already have, not to make new items for donation nor to burden charities with stuff they can’t use. Most national organizations are very specific about the donations they accept. They may have standards for size, materials, washability, or messaging. Be sure to check their websites and only send items that comply with their guidelines.
1. Knit the Rainbow collects hand knit and crocheted winter garments and distributes them via partner organizations to homeless LGBTQI+ youth in New York City, New Jersey, Chicago and Detroit. Scarves, beanies, gloves, socks, ear warmers, and sweaters/cardigans are all welcome.
2. Since 1995, Project Linus has been collecting and distributing handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. The organization operates through a network of local chapters, so donations are distributed within the community in which they were given. Quilts, knitted or crochted blankets, and hand-finished fleece blankets are all
3. For more than 30 years, Warm Up America! has provided knitted and crocheted blankets, hats, gloves, scarves and other accessories for people in need. Only items made with yarn are accepted, and all items must be machine washable. Check their current needs page for up-to-date information on requested donations.
4. Paper crafters can donate greeting cards to Send A Smile Today. This organization mails monthly greeting cards to cancer patients in the United States to let them know they are not alone. They are happy to accept envelopes without cards, and cards without envelopes.
5. The Smiles for Children division of Project Smile provides stuffed animals to police and fire departments across the country. These soft toys are given to children in crisis by emergency responders.
6. Local Charities
If the items you wish to donate don’t match up with the needs of a national organization, many local charities welcome a variety of handmade goods. Here are some to consider:
7. Domestic Violence Shelters
Those who’ve experienced domestic violence often flee with not much more than the clothes on their backs. Shelters must be prepared to provide everything for parents and children—clothing, toiletries, bedding, toys, and a safe and comforting environment. Find a shelter near you by contacting your local Department of Social Services. Some shelters maintain wish lists through a national registry at domesticshelters.org.
8. Refugee Resettlement Agencies
The United States continues to welcome refugees from around the world. A network of local refugee resettlement agencies around the country works to with refugees during their first 90 days to assist them in finding housing and employment as well as applying for social benefit programs to move them toward self-sufficiency. Many such agencies accept donations of household goods to furnish the homes of new refugees. Furniture, kitchenware, and household linens are often provided. A search for “Refugee Resettlement Agency near me” should lead you to local organizations that would welcome your donations.
6. Brett Bara s the founder of Hello Bargello, a brand dedicated to reviving the vintage craft of bargello for modern makers. Her entrepreneurial spirit has inspired her to start businesses that connect the young, urban folks in her community with the deep tradition of handcrafts. In 2013 Brett founded Brooklyn Craft Company, a modern crafting store and workshop space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. In Brett’s current role as owner of Hello Bargello, she strives to connect the dots between preserving traditional crafts and building a thriving, contemporary e-commerce business.
