Volunteers!

The success of the UF/IFAS Suwannee County’s Quilt in a Week camp could not have happened without a lot of amazing volunteers to help.  A big shout out to: Cathy Rogers, Jane Corless, Denise Suits, Lois Scheer, Anda Chance, Sheila Hiss, Glinda Pennrock, Sheila Pugh, Pam Jarvis, Tammy McKay, Marlene and Ginger Williams, Jay Thompson, Mary Anne Mosely, Rose Marie Suits, and Colleen Cody!  Two of our volunteers, Emily Jane Curtis and Makenzie Greaves were previous quilt participants!  Special thanks to the folks at Adams Upholstery for showing us the commercial side of sewing! Amy Bailey even brought her spinning wheels to show the participants what goes into making thread.

JoANN Fabric and Crafts provided funding through a grant to buy items for the camp like rotary cutters, cutting mats, rulers, marking pens, etc.  The grant even provided funding to give each camper their very own sewing kit.

Learning Opportunities

Participants learned how to thread and use a sewing machine to make ¼” seams, fill bobbins, choose their own fabric, follow a pattern, use a rotary blade and measuring tools, iron and press and assemble the fabric blocks in order to finish a quilt top. The pop-out block pattern was chosen as it is a realistic and manageable project to finish within a week.

One of the favorite parts of the week is picking out a minimum of four fabrics for the project.  The JoANN grant allowed us to purchase a variety of 100% cotton fabrics from which the campers could choose. We also have been lucky to have people like Carolyn Purdy who bring some lovely, donated fabric to help keep the cost of the week-long camp low.

The campers learned foundational skills to create future items or repair/alter items. Other skills include patience, consistency, and making mistakes in a safe environment (all of the participants were introduced to a seam ripper!)

During the week we had share sessions with both participants and volunteers bringing in quilts and sharing the history behind them. Some volunteers also shared fiber art creations to inspire the campers and encourage them to experiment with various techniques.  The campers created labels to attach to the quilts to help capture the date, name of the quilter, who it was made for and the quilt name.

As mentioned previously, there were field trips to discuss careers. One stop allowed campers to try out a long arm quilting machine. This year, through a grant from JoANN Fabrics and Crafts, walking feet attachments were purchased so the youth could quilt their own potholder. In past years, we only showcased stitch in the ditch to quilt the potholders. Three returning students were offered the opportunity to use the walking feet to “Quilt-As-You-Go”.  Both instructors and youth learned during this time!

All the quilts were finished after campers returned to put on their binding. In the past, participants have entered their quilts in the fair and have won prizes.  No doubt this year includes many award-winning quilts! We are looking to having a fall applique and/or paper piecing class for the youth.  Many adults have also requested a beginner sewing class. If you are interested, please contact the office to be placed on a waiting list. The Extension office is an equal opportunity institution. #JOANNLOVES4H  @Florida4H

1