What's a Quilt-a-thon?
Quilt-a-thons are gatherings of volunteers to make assembly line fashion. Some people sew, others iron, someone else will cut and a group will pin baste . It is the participants who make each Quilt-a-thon special through their comfortable chatter, shared experience and the delight as each new top is completed and shown off.
What do I need to bring?
The questions most frequently asked once someone has committed to coming are what will I be doing and what do I need to bring? The simple answers are you can do whatever you want and you need to bring the equipment specific to what you choose to do. There are five stations to work at. If you plan on coming for a few hours you should select one station. If you can come for four or more hours you might want to consider working two or more stations for variety.
The five stations are:
Machine Sewing - You will need to bring a sewing machine that is in good working order with either a quarter inch seam guide or quarter inch foot. Also needed are neutral thread, bobbins, seam ripper, a few pins, scissors for snipping thread, a multiple plug extension cord or surge protector and a pillow to pad your chair. You will be provided with a "kit" and instructions to make a simple quilt top.
Ironing - You will need to bring an iron and ironing board. You will be ironing seams, yardage, quilt tops and quilt backs.
Cutting - You will need to bring a large cutting mat, rotary cutter and 6" x 24" ruler. You will be cutting sewn strips into units, flannel backings and making up additional quilt kits.
Pin Basting - Consider asking your dry cleaner for #2 nickel plated safety pins. Although safety pins are recyclable many aren't returned to the Quilt-a-thon. Any you can contribute are greatly appreciated. You will be pin basting the finished quilt tops.
Hand Sewing - You will need basic sewing supplies (scissors, pins, thimble needle threader and glasses.) You will be sewing down bindings or attaching labels.
Quilters are generous people. There is much sharing of equipment and supplies that take place at a Quilt-a-thon. If you are unable to bring equipment, don't let that stop you from volunteering. Come get a feel for how a Quilt-a-thon works. Soon you will be one of volunteers sharing equipment and helping newcomers.
How do I get there?
All Quilt-a-thons take place the Unitarian Universalist Area Church from 9 am to 4 pm. The church is located at 11 Washington Street in Sherborn, MA. Click here for directions. Link under construction
Who can I speak with about the project?
Gwyned Trefethen: GwynedTrefethen@mac.com
FAQ ON MAKING A QUILT
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