Region of York Quilters Guild

Instructions for:

Cuddle Quilts:

- Basic Pattern

- Disappearing 4 Patch

- Quick Strippie

- Lasagna Quilt NEW!

See the response and pictures below from the Guatemala Mission with thanks for our Guild's batting donation!

Thanks so much to the Guild for your generous contribution of the quilt batting. I was shocked at the amount received (oh man how am I ever going to get all that into my suitcase) and pleasantly surprised how vacuum storage bags condensed this huge mass into a manageable task.

The field co-ordinator in Guatemala was absolutely thrilled with your gift. There are 5 sewing machines the ladies use. Quilting is not new to the locals but the use of machines (they hand quilt) and batting is a new concept---they currently use felt as batting. Due to periodic interuption of electricity, electric machines are a rarety. It was interesting to note that any sewing shops we saw it was the men who did the sewing.

The region we were in was in the mountains and the night temperatures dipped pretty low to about 5C and don't forget, that homes are not heated. You have no idea how your random act of kindness through your donations has truly blessed the recipients. Thank you so much.

Program - Outreach

We love quilts! And we love to give quilts away. The Region of York Quilters Guild has an Outreach Program and through this program we donate “Quilts from the Heart” and pillowcases to different hospitals and community groups in York Region. In the last couple of years we have given many quilts to Doane House Hospice, Southlake Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital, and to the Sandgate and Yellow Brick women’s shelters.

The members from our guild make cuddle quilts (approx 36” x 48”), preemie quilts, pillowcases and some twin sized quilts using either their own fabrics or the donated fabrics that are available at each guild meeting. Batting and backing are also available and we have some kits and some new patterns for you to choose from or you can create your own design. (Some patterns are available on the website.)

Each cuddle quilt has a red heart appliquéd on it saying “Created by Region of York Quilters Guild” to show the recipients that they are cared for. The children, women, men and teens who receive these quilts are in difficult situations and we know that the comfort of a quilt is much appreciated.

The Outreach Committee accepts fabric donations that are 100% quilting cotton, minimum Fat Quarter size or Charm Squares.

Below is a letter of thanks from one of the organizations you made quilts for!

"Thank you so much for the hard work that you and your Guild continuously put in to providing warmth and comfort for our women and children. Your generous donation helps us provide every bed with a new pillowcase and every person is gifted with a quilt. The women and children greatly appreciate being able to sleep in a safe bed with a new pillowcase as it provides them with a sense of personal belonging, and once the weather becomes chilly we can often see our women and children cuddled
up in the beautiful quilts that you provide us. We have many
children who emulate Linus from the Peanuts comic once they receive their quilt and can be seen carrying around their "safety quilt" everywhere.
On behalf of the staff and volunteers at Yellow Brick House, and the countless women and children whose lives you have touched – thank you for your kind and generous support!"

A quilt will warm your body and comfort your soul. ~ Anonymous