Community Quilts from Ray and Arline

If you all read a previous post from Ray, you might remember that our blog reader Arline suffered damage due to Hurricane Ian.  It has brought her to the hard decision to downsize and move.  With that went her quit tops and much of her quilting stash.

This post is all about the quilting fabric, projects and kits Arline sent Ray’s way.

Ray writes:
With all of this from Arline and potentially more, I am going to have to start turning away quilts and fabric and UFOs. I never would have dreamed that I would find myself so warmly loved and accepted. This is not an easy decision. Yes, there is a lot of stuff from Arline, there are a multitude of tops each month from Patty and I am finding I like piecing a lot more than I did at one time. Needless to say, I have plenty of yardage and untold UFOs that I need to work my way through. Then the real kicker is that I am having to admit that I will be 70 on Oct 12. I sure don’t feel it and look it. My health is excellent and I plan on being around for a lot of years yet. But I want to have the time to enjoy what I do. Besides you have some great finishers that can and will do a wonderful job for you also. Don’t even think I will quit sending updates to you. I enjoy being a part too much.”

Here is what Arline sent…lots of yardage.


Ray has been working to make a lot of quilts for Veterans so these will be perfect…

Even more…


Those whites are going to be perfect for backgrounds.


Novelty prints, stripes, oh so much to enjoy and make use of.


These all look perfect for backings.

There is so much potential in these stacks.  WOW.  Ray does so many quilts for kids that these backings are going to work perfectly for them.  Can you see the flamingos on the top?

Not only did Arline send lots of fabric but lots of kits too, projects and UFOs.  It was so kind of her to think of Ray and the charity quilt project.


I recognize the quilt kit on the top left…Minnesota Hotdish.  That is a fun quilt from Atkinson Designs.


Even more…Ray is going to be in fabric and projects for some time.


I feel like one of those commercials that say, “But wait there’s more”.  There is more.  I love the flamingo fabrics in the middle.  Looks like they would make perfect pillowcases…and me, the prints on the left are right up my alley.


I’m so thankful for Arline and her ability to start the process of turning a lemon situation into lemonade.  Many thoughts and good wishes are being sent your Arline as you open the next chapter to life.

9 thoughts on “Community Quilts from Ray and Arline”

  1. Ray thank you for your service. Such an undertaking. Is there someone or someway that could help you process Arline’s very generous donation? It looks like you have received an entire quilt room. Best of luck and thank you for your continuing efforts!

  2. Are you looking for someone to help Ray out? Looks like he is inundated with fabric and what could be better. I’m not too far from Ray—a little south of Tampa. I don’t longarm—and, boy, I wish I did but could he use some help or can you contact me and let me know if I could be of help? Or is that not needed?

  3. Does Ray need help? I don’t longarm but I’m not far from him and maybe I could be of help. Just don’t know what all is involved. Could you let me know?

  4. WOW!!! So much fabric and looks like some very fun prints. Ray will be busy for a very long time. I look forward to seeing some of the designs he does in the future. Thank you Ray and Arline for all you have already done with your services, and for Judy who has offered to help Ray with a couple projects.

  5. My heart goes out to Arline but so grateful to Ray. I’ve been through a hurricane or two. Living in Florida you can’t avoid it. I live in the panhandle or I would offer to help. Postage required.

  6. Ray, thank you for all of your hard work with the quilts – your work is beautiful! You’ve done so much for so many!
    Blessings, Love and prayers

  7. Margaret in North Texas

    That is a lot of nice fabric from Arline. Ray, you have made some good decisions going forward–yes do take time to enjoy the process. You deserve that. Again thanks for all you do for others.

  8. I always enjoy reading about the work Ray does, all for such a good cause. And I can’t believe he’s 70! An encouragement that I’ve still got many good years ahead to do this too. Thanks Ray.

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