Community Service Project: Lap Quilts

Susan Capone introduces our first CSC project of 2016

Susan Capone introduces our first CSC project of 2016

The SFMQG Community Service Council launched our first project for 2016 at the February general meeting. CSC member Susan Capone told us about her idea to make lap sized quilts for the residents of local nursing homes. Susan has reached out to two potential homes which would appreciate donations: Manor Care of Boca and Boulevard of Boynton Beach.  

Our color palette includes orange/yellow, blue/violet and blue/green.

Sunset Ridge blocks made by Susan Capone

Sunset Ridge blocks made by Susan Capone

As the Executive Council mentor for the CSC, I have set an initial goal for completion of ten lap-sized quilts.  Our quilts should be 36 x 45 inches, which is a good size for laps and wheelchair users.

We began by collecting block ideas on our Community Service board on Pinterest. We decided on two simple patterns to use for this project. Members can contribute blocks using either pattern.

We are using the same palette for all of the blocks. Our background color is Kona Snow (a slightly off-white). Susan distributed several yards of strips which she had pre-cut for the meeting, and we will have more available at future meetings. For the colors we are using orange/yellow, blue/violet or blue/green.

Sunset Ridge is a free pattern available from the Moda Bakeshop. This cute pattern comes together very quickly!

Movin' On Up blocks made by Allison Schnackenberg

Movin' On Up blocks made by Allison Schnackenberg

Our second pattern is Moving On Up, a free tutorial and pattern from Crazy Mom Quilts. This is another quick make which results in slightly wonky squares.

At the February Sewcial, several members including Susan, Allison, Charlotte Noll and Marianna Steele worked on preparing fabric bundles for distribution at our next meeting. We received a donation of fabric recently and we selected the prints which fit in with our color palette.

If you would like to make blocks:

  • Make blocks using either pattern.
  • Use Kona Snow for the background color.
  • Any modern fabrics in our color palette can be used for the rest.

If you need fabric, we will have Kona Snow strips and bundles of prints in the right colors available to collect at the next meeting.

Other ways to contribute:

  • Come to our Sew Day on March 5th and help sew blocks and put together quilt tops and backs.
  • Donate batting - we need pieces which are at least 40 x 50 inches.
  • Donate fabric in our color palette - we need 10 inch squares, 2.5 inch strips, fat quarters and yardage.
  • Make a cash donation at the next meeting to help cover supplies.

I look forward to seeing lots of bright and beautiful blocks at our future meetings.

~ Allison Schnackenberg, President