Category: News

The natural disasters which have occurred during the last month have been heart wrenching. Everyone wants to make some contribution to help and the funds pouring in to the relief organizations have been very generous. But somehow writing a check does not necessarily go to the heart of our soul. Physically doing something somehow makes us feel better, as though we are sending a tangible sign of our caring.

Here at the Studio, quilts from all over have been sent to us and we will be mailing the first batch of quilts next week to Austin, Texas, to the Linus Connection.

We have received quilts from all over the U.S. Several of you have sent quilt tops and pre-cut squares of fabric. We have spent the last two Tuesdays at the shop making quilt tops, distributing backing and batting to people who are quilting the tops for us. We send a big “thank you” to Quilters Dream Batting in Virginia Beach for donating a large roll of batting to the cause.

This week I am off to visit my grandchildren. I decided this would be a perfect opportunity to let them help in the effort.

We received several packs of pre-cut squares to make into a quilt. These were all sorted into bags based on design. One bag contained brightly printed squares with cats and fish on them. I selected enough squares to do a small quilt and am taking them with me so the grandchildren and I can piece them. I’ll explain about the hurricane victims and how they can help in the effort to give some means of comfort to a small child whose family has lost everything.

My daughter and son-in-law also have a 17-year-old foreign exchange student living with them. What do you think my chances are of enlisting the help of this young man? I’ll keep you posted on our progress via my blog or on Facebook.

Jinny

We have had a lot of interest from people wanting to donate quilts or help make quilts for Hurricane Harvey victims. Our classroom space is fairly small, so if you are planning to come to help at our first Quilt-in on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 10 to 4, we would like you to call the shop and specify what time you plan to come. Please let us know if you plan to here 10-1,  1-4 or all day (10-4). You can call us at 703-759-0250.

At the shop we will work on quilts made from five-inch squares. If you have some pre-cut squares to add to the stack you are welcome to bring them. Please bring a sewing machine and basic sewing supplies.

We also have limited amount of batting and backing for quilt tops you want to donate. Bring those as well so we can find the best color and size for your quilts.

We have been in contact with the Linus Connection in Austin, Texas about sending the quilts to them, and this is the response we received.

Thank you so much for getting in touch!

Our organization is geared specifically toward children from preemie up to age 17, but we will not turn larger quilts away when there is so much need. Our usual focus is comfort quilts in all sizes, but  due to the extraordinary circumstances, we can take anything up to about twin size.

Quilts and blankets will be distributed through the Austin Disaster Relief Network. They are sharing with both evacuees in Austin shelters as well as taking supplies to affected communities throughout the Gulf area.

We’ve distributed over 200 quilts and blankets so far and have a new pile of lovely donated quilts and blankets growing for our next delivery.

Have a great week!

Jennifer Ofenstein

The Linus Connection is a Federal 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Thanks to all of you reading this for any help or donations.

Jinny

Last week we were all drawn together in unity as we stared in awe at the magic of the universe. The eclipse captured the heart and souls of our country.

Not even a week later our hearts are going out to those affected by the horrible destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey. This storm will impact the lives of thousands of people in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi for months to come. It is estimated that in Texas alone, more than 100,000 homes have been flooded. Many people will have lost everything but the clothes on their backs.

We ask ourselves, “What can I do to help?” People living close to the disaster are taking clothes, food and supplies to shelters and distribution centers. Others are directly involved in the rescue operations. The vast majority of us are not able to do that. But there are other ways we can offer our support.

The immediate need is money to help in purchasing food and supplies.

There are several relief organizations recommended on CNN.

And, of course, the American Red Cross is always prepared to help in such situations.

If every one of you reading this donated at least $10, think of the impact it would make. One thousand donations would generate $10,000 in seriously needed aid.

Those of you who have been to Quilt Market or Quilt Festival are very familiar with the George Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston that is now sheltering thousands of storm victims. Many people who work for Quilts, Inc. are victims themselves.

While the urgent need right now is money, as the waters recede and people return to what is left of their homes there will be a need for so much more.  As quilters we know the warmth and comfort that comes from being wrapped in a quilt and we can all help providing that comfort to the victims of the storm.

At JINNY BEYER STUDIO we want to collect as many quilts as possible to send to those in need. As we did with Katrina, we will send those quilts to the various organizations in the affected areas that will handle their distribution.

Do you have quilt blocks or tops that have been sitting around and are in need of finishing into a quilt? Maybe you already have some finished quilts that you made to donate to a worthy cause. Please bring those quilts to us and we will see that they go to a family in need.

We are currently planning two “Quilt-In” days at the shop, on September 12th and 19th from 10-4. Bring your own “Harvey Quilts” to work on, or help us make some new quilts. While supplies last, Quilters Dream Cotton has donated a large roll of batting to use in Harvey Quilts and we at the Studio have set aside some fabrics that you can use for backing. These will be distributed on “Quilt-In” days.

If you cannot come to a Quilt-In, stop by the shop at any time to drop your quilts off and please:

• Donate a minimum of $10 to the Red Cross or other charity of your choice.
• Bring finished quilts to us for distribution. If you know of an organization that will be distributing household goods to those in need, please send contact information to us.
• If you are a long-arm quilter and are interested in donating your time to quilt some of the tops, please contact us.

Watch for details on our Facebook page.

I know we quilters can accomplish a lot when we work together. Thanks, in advance, for helping out.

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