Genuine Thanks

Jennifer thanked me for teaching her new skills and how to use new equipment with such sincerity. She said that she knows she will be able to make things better for her children. Nancy and Jennifer's photo by Karen Osborn

Women with a Mission

These ladies had their own "mission". They were on a mission to learn all they could. These "students" were easier to teach than any I've ever had.
The quilters had never had lessons in art elements and design and fabric selection before, and it was difficult to translate into equivalent vocabulary in their language. They were not about to give up or give in to frustration.
We introduced the efficiency and accuracy of rotary cutters to replace scissors and were rewarded with a collective "AHHHH!" when they were demonstrated. Our concern was to make sure they understood the importance of safe use of the razor sharp tools, but fear not! They understood that better than we did.

Unpacking the New Sewing Machines

Unpacking new sewing machines...photo by Karen Osborn






Putting them together and making sure they work...












We purchased 5 electric machines and 5 treadle machines. Electricity is not always available. Women learned to layer the quilt top, batting and backing and quilt by hand.

Learning to Sew with Machines and Quilt by Hand

Bryon is getting the new machines ready to sew and watchful eyes are taking it all in.
Quilters learned to hand quilt.

These special ladies appreciated learning to use machines instead of hand piecing all their work.
Rebecca is hand quilting.

Quilt Frame

A simple quilt frame was constructed so the quilters can hand quilt and finish larger projects.

Quilting Projects

Strip Quilted 9 Patch Projects

Proud Quilters

Completed Quilting Projects

By the end of the mission week the quilters had completed a small project, learned to use a rotary cutter, iron seams, make uniform seam width and make points and corners come together perfectly.