Sewing Day – Quilts for Ukrainian refugees

I just want to remind you that we have booked Eccleshall Community Centre, Shaws Lane, ST21 6AU, this Sunday 30th October, for another day of social sewing.

Please come and join us; there will be a small charge of £5 to cover the hire cost of the hall.

We will be making more quilts to donate to refugees who have come to the local area from Ukraine. A gift of something of beauty and warmth is so important to those who have left their lives to seek safety here.

To date we have donated more than 300 quilts – thank you to everyone who has donated quilts, fabric, funds and time to make this possible. I have had many messages of thanks, and photos of the recipients wrapped in their quilt or with it spread on their bed. It is so sad to see these rooms devoid of any personal possessions – but the quilt gives it a pop of colour and some personality.

The flood of refugees has slowed, but people are still arriving. I have recently become aware of a group of 27 people recently arrived. I have given them 9 quilts, the last ones I had, and would love to be able to give them more so that everyone can be included.

We will be at the Community Centre from 9am to set up tables, ironing stations, etc. Help with this would be very welcome if you can.

Please arrive from 10am to sew. Bring your own machine and an extension lead, if you can (parking is right outside the door and we can help you with carrying things in).

We have been given a lot of fabric, and some volunteers have been sorting, cutting and making up packs, so you can get started piecing straight away. We also have quilt tops that need sandwiching and quilting, and quilts that just need binding – something for everyone.

I will provide tea and coffee and biscuits – and am hoping some good bakers might donate some cakes! Either bring your own lunch, or we have a volunteer to take sandwich orders and do a trip to the supermarket.

Sewing will finish at 4pm to give us time to tidy up and be out by 5pm.

Come for as short or long a time as you wish. And do pop in to join us for a cuppa even if you don’t feel you want to sew.

The fabric that we have been given but isn’t suitable for making quilts will be available in exchange for a donation – so bring your purse.

Thanks for your help with this. See you on Sunday.