Canyon Quilters of San Diego, a group of 275 members recently received a Certificate of Appreciation for having donated our 200th quilt since 2000. The certificate was presented at the Altrusa International 2003 Fundraiser. Altrusa International, Inc. of San Diego is the sponsor for the San Diego Chapter of Project Linus.
Canyon Quilters members are very active donating fabrics and their time to create “Gifts of Love” throughout the year in support of Project Linus. The Quilts and Cuddlies Committee holds bimonthly workshops to create exciting quilt kits complete with fabric and patterns, to assemble and pin quilt tops, to machine quilt, bind and label the quilts with Project Linus and Canyon Quilter’s labels. Members choose to work on their favorite task. Every month from January through November, when Canyon Quilters’ hold their monthly meetings, tops, basted quilts and completed projects are turned into the committee. At the meeting, new quilting projects are made available. This year a subcommittee was formed to hasten the completion of quilts for Project Linus. Finishing School meets monthly and focuses on pinning quilt tops, machine quilting and applying binding and labels.
Project Linus and Canyon Quilters’ members benefit equally from this quilt making experience. Project Linus recipients receive security through quilted blankets and quilters have an opportunity to hone their skills, learn a new technique or simply create a special quilt for a child in need.
Altrusa’s Project Linus Outreach Coordinator, Ursula Sorensen recently spoke at our monthly meeting, sharing with us the stories and thank you letters of the children who receive Linus blankets. It was an emotional presentation that created new and greater interest in the work of making Linus quilts.
Canyon Quilters’ currently have two challenges taking place. One is to create a Patriotic Theme quilt for the 4th of July from a provided kit of fabrics; and the second is to complete as many Quilts and Cuddlies items as possible within the next six months. Our members feel such love in creating these special quilts. We look forward to providing even more “Gifts of Love” in the future.
