Thanet Quilters "Scrap Bag"
The part of our website where we report on past activities, events,
workshops and achievements enjoyed by Thanet Quilters...

 
********** Albums 1 and 2 have been updated with March 2010 Show & Tell photo`s **********
Time for "Show-and-Tell"
We've got some pictures from one of the "show-and-tell" sessions at a Thanet Quilters meeting.
To see the photos, click here....

Visit To Victoria and Albert Museum       
This long awaited trip certainly came up to our expectations and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The quilts were outstanding, and were very well displayed. It had been a long time since I had travelled through London so I particularly enjoyed the coach journey and seeing all the new sights. Thanks once again to Shirley for a very well organised trip that went off without a hitch. The surprise was being entertained on the coach by Chris Ewbank whilst waiting our turn to go in —how did you organise that Shirley???         ( May 2010 )
Trip To Malvern Quilt Show 2009

                                            A trip to the Malvern Quilt Show was organised in May 2009 by Shirley Gibbons in conjunction with Carol Peters Travel. We were fortunate enough to visit the show on Friday afternoon for a preview and a full day at the show Saturday. A wonderful show where there were many traditional quilts as well as contemporary. The hotel we stayed in was first class and I am sure I can speak for the all the whole trip was excellent and a big thank you to Shirley for arranging such a wonderful couple of days.
 

About Project Linus

WE are a 100% volunteer organisation whose aims are:

  • To provide a sense of security and comfort to sick and traumatised babies, children and teenagers through the provision of new home made patchwork quilts and knitted / crocheted blankets;
  • To give an opportunity for needlewomen across to UK to contribute to their local community.                                  

Project Linus originated in America, December 1995 when Karen Loucks saw a newspaper article showing how much a comfort blanket had helped a child cancer victim and decided to organise blankets for her local children's cancer unit and started spreading the word. Since that time over 2,300,000 blankets and quilts have been delivered worldwide. (www.projectlinus.org) Project Linus started in the UK. March 2000 as a result of a quilter’s desire to help children in need. It has now spread to cover most of the UK. To date we have delivered over 81,000 quilts and blankets. We always try to get the blankets delivered to children who are local to the makers.

Project Linus UK in East Kent  ( January 2010 Update )

Where have the quilts gone?
    • Over the past few months quilts have gone to “Footprints” in Canterbury which is a residential care home for children with multiple disabilities which also provides respite care.
    • Carousel Ward at Buckland Hospital in Dover
    • By The Bridge nr Sittingbourne – a specialist fostering organisation
    • KCC Social Services
    • And many idividual families.

    For any further information contact local representative Anne Fordham Tel. 01304-619519    (Nov09)
 

 
 
Quilts for Babies in Prison

We have been sending quilts to Prison Baby coordinator Margaret Packer for some years now but recently she has said that she hears from the Project Leader at the Prison that although cot quilts and floor quilts are very welcome the babies would like some soft toys to play with.  Margaret has supplied some patterns for knitted teddy bears, patchwork toys etc so if you enjoy knitting or want to use up some patchwork scraps please contact me for the patterns. 

The "Babies in Prison" project is organised by Canterbury Volunteer Centre, a registered charity which is based at Tower Works, Simmonds Road, Wincheap Business Park, Canterbury CT1 3RA.

Your can see their website at: www.canterburyvolunteercentre.org .

Two members of Viking Quilters
display a couple of the quilts made
for the "Babies in Prison" project.
 
Helping Hands donate quilts to Babies in Prison

WELL DONE TERRANCE

Scores of youngsters placed in foster care will be receiving a special gift thanks to the work of a charitable quilt-making project supported by patchwork enthusiasts from across the county.  On Friday, 9 October members of quilting groups from Aldington, Faversham, Whitstable and Thanet met to hand over their latest batch of 50 quilts to representatives of the National Fostering Network.  There were also a further 15 quilts for a Maidstone-based charity for homeless teenagers and adults.
Organiser Terrance Gilbert started the  project in 1995, inspired by American quilting expert Becky Brown's "Helping Hands" scheme. He said:  She  readily agreed to my using the Helping Hands name and developing something similar.  He estimates that, to date, his teams of enthusiatic patchworkers have made over 1,600 quilts for donation to good causes. 

Helping Hands supporters in Kent normally get together two or three times a year for a work day.  Terrance explained: "They are good social occasions and I try to provide an opportunity for participants to learn a new quilt design or technique. We also get a lot of quilts made!". .  Terrance also holds a monthly Helping Hands day at his home for a small group of quilting friends. A highlight of many meetings is the heart-warming letters received from foster parents and others explaining how a donated quilt has become a treasured possession.
Terrance explained: "Everyone involved in the project gains.  The quilters have the satisfaction of using their skills to benefit others.  And for the recipients, many of whom are experiencing emotional or social problems, it is compelling evidence that others - complete strangers - genuinely do care about them."
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There's more on Helping Hands - with details of how to get in touch with Terrance - on our Helping Hands page.
Quilts Galore - Terrance Gilbert and members of Helping Hands Project present quilts to Ena Fry of the national Fostering Network.