Maritime Modern Quilt Guild donates 11 quilts to The Lodge That Gives

Quilters have no shortage of extra fabric, and members of the Maritime Modern Quilt Guild found an excellent use for their stash of scraps and unused yardage.

Throughout the last year, the group of 55 quilters from across the Maritimes sewed 880 quilt blocks. During their February meeting, they donated 11 colourful twin-sized quilts to The Lodge That Gives, a “home away from home” for cancer patients travelling to Halifax for treatment.

Kendra Morton with the Canadian Cancer Society accepted the quilts on behalf of The Lodge That Gives and says everyone was “so touched” by the handmade gifts.

“It demonstrates that it truly is our donors and supporters who make an impact in the lives of those who are fighting cancer every day,” says Morton. “The quilts will be used to provide warmth and comfort to future cancer patients during their stay at the Lodge.”

Jeanette Smith, secretary of the Maritime Modern Quilt Guild, says members submitted proposals about different charities that would benefit from the quilts. There were many great suggestions but The Lodge That Gives was the lucky recipient this year.

Guild members are already hard at work on their next project — square within a square blocks — and Smith hopes they’ll have a batch of quilts ready to donate to the IWK Health Centre by November.

“They’ll be for whoever needs one, whether it’s a child or a baby or a woman there for obstetrical or gynecological care,” says Smith. “We’re really hoping some of them will go to teenagers in the mental health unit.”

The Maritime Modern Quilt Guild formed in November of 2013 and meets in Halifax on the second Thursday of every month for a two-hour meeting. Members teach each other new quilting techniques and share their finished products. On the last Saturday of each month, the Guild has a “sew-in” in Dartmouth where they bring their machines and work on their projects.

“It’s fun to see what everyone else is working on and there’s so much knowledge in the room that if you’re stuck on something, someone will have done it before and can help,” says Smith.

Smith says she’s noticed a rise in quilting as the younger generation moves toward modern fabrics and brighter colours. Many guilds in the past focused on hand-quilting but most Maritime Modern Quilt Guild members do their quilting on machines.

But the IWK quilts aren’t the only major project in progress. Smith is also coordinating the creation of 87 throw pillows — one for each of the residents at Maplestone Enhanced Care in Dartmouth.

“I feel like seniors might not have as much support from the outside community and would really enjoy something bright and handmade,” says Smith. “Any time you make something for somebody, it’s not just about receiving the item but it’s knowing the time and effort that went into making it.”

“It makes you feel special to receive a gift like that, especially from someone you don’t know.”