Charity Quilts: The Cheryl and Jill’s Mom Edition

I have a treasure to share with you today.  This quilt has a history (don’t all quilts?!).  It was sent to me by Jill in Lakeside, California.  Jill sent a note with the quilt top:

“This was in my Mom’s stuff when she passed away.  I have several quilts from her and know I will never get to this.  Hope you can use this in your charities.”

The quilt is beautiful, and knowing that it was made by Jill’s mother makes it even more special.  The top is 80” x 81”.

I love the center star, the log cabin blocks, the flying geese borders, the bear paws in the corners, but especially the pine trees.  And the colors work together so well to make this a work of art.  The center of the bear paws blocks has the same red fabric . . .

. . . as the center of the log cabin blocks.

Jill’s mum used many different fabrics in the pine trees.  Each tree was made in the “improv” style:  the trees are of different heights, and the white logs at the top of each tree were used to make the blocks a uniform size.  I love that!

Can you believe Jill was willing to part with this top?  I sent it to Cheryl in Dallas because I know it will be well loved and appreciated at the charity she supports.  Cheryl is like me in that she thinks all quilts should be BIG.  She added a navy print border to the make the quilt long enough for a twin size bed.

The digital quilting pattern is Zoidberg Feathers, designed by Barbara Becker.  It’s a new interpretation of the traditional feathers that quilters have loved forever.  It’s perfect for the quilt don’t you think??

The finished quilt is 88” x 89”.

With the addition of the new border, the dark blue backing was not quite big enough, so a pale blue band was inserted to make it just the right size.

The quilt that started with Jill’s mother is headed to the House of Hope in Gainesville, Florida.  Cheryl send me an e-mail with the photos:

“Jo, The House of Hope recently got a new director, a gal who previously went through the residential program.  When she took over her duties, one of the first things she asked the board of directors was ‘Do you think that Cheryl will still send quilts to us?  The women and I love those quilts.’  My answer was Yes!  When I started making quilts for the House of Hope a few years ago, only 8 women lived there.  Now that 20-28 women go through the program each year, I would not be able to continue to supply a quilt for each one if it were not for the generosity of your blog readers who have sent quilt tops for your charity program.  Thanks go to each and every one who has EVER made a charity quilt.  It’s important work.”

I agree!  I believe in the charity quilt project and love that more people are getting involved in it. If you want to SEND quilt tops or fabrics or RECEIVE them for your favorite charity, check out the buttons at the top of the blog called “Charity Quilts” and “Quilt Donations.”