Quilts For Orphans

Overview of Quilters for Orphans ... from 2014 onward .... all about us.

Updating our cover Page brings us up to date now with the incredible outreach our group of willing stitchers have made since the inception of QFO back in 2007/2008. Back then our 'mission' was to provide children in 26 COM Homes in India with tangible 'hugs' in the form of quilts which would wrap them in love from across the other side of the world. This we achieved over the intervening years between then and now.

Since then we have been approached by other needy childrens organisations, in China, Ethiopia, Zambia,Indonesia, Uganda ... as well as our very latest project ..... ageing Holocaust survivors in the Haifa Homes in Israel. Who would have thought that a small group of ladies could touch so many lives ... as well as enrich their own? It truly is an absolute blessing to be involved in this Group. 

Where there is a need ... and where we are able to meet it ... we will. There is truly no better feeling than to give ... and our quilts and other stitchings that we have been able to provide ... well, we trust that lives and hearts are brightened wherever they are received.

"We create our quilts in two sizes .. to cater for the babies and also the older
children in the homes/organisations that we gift our quilts to around the globe.
These quilt top sizes are : 35" x 45" for babies and 55" x 75" for older children."

We welcome donations of fabric and thread, we welcome off-site stitchers ... we welcome the opportunity to change lives, one loving fabric 'hug' at a time. Please visit our Website and share our vision.

http://www.quiltsfororphans.org/

Susan ... on behalf of QFO.

Get your Christmas shopping 'retail therapy' here ...... our upcoming Fundraiser at Mont De Lancey.

In order to continue funding our quilt gifting Ministry QFO holds several fundraising Events each year. And the following is our biggest ... it enables us to purchase batting/backing fabrics/threads and everything else necessary for the continued operation of QFO.

So please raid the pocket money and pop along to Wandin to see all that we have on offer for your Christmas gifting this year. Something for everyone with our handcrafted goodies on sale.

 

QFO Giftings update and pictures September/October 2023

                                                                    QFO Gifting

At our recent AGM, our Cheryl gave a heartfelt description of her trip to Vietnam with CHANGE THE ONE. Many third-generation Vietnamese children suffer from disabilities caused from Agent Orange which was used during the Vietnam War over 50 years ago. The team spent time rebuilding and fitting out a simple dwelling for a woman and her disabled sons, and quilts were distributed to children at Hope Special School. It was a very moving experience for Cheryl and she hopes to deliver more fabric hugs in the future.

Thank you so very much Cheryl for your continued efforts for QFO and for your heart and time taken to distribute these fabric hugs on our behalf. 

We have also been making some pillowcases for Heavenly Trimmings for their Christmas Blessing Bags for children with a chronic illness and their siblings.

And ... as the 'blessings' went out from QFO ... we were wonderfully blessed by the 'sweetest' of Thank You messages from the lovely folk at Heavenly Blessings ... how kind of you xx

And some more fabric hugs are heading to Monash Children’s Hospital!

And below ... another 'Thank You' note from the facility in Warragul that our Cheryl delivered fabric 'hugs' to from QFO.

And from our Vice President Libby ... below are the 'stats' so far on what QFO has achieved since its inception. Pretty jolly impressive and so very heartwarming.

Since QFO began in 2007, there have been over 5,500 quilts gifted! That’s 5,500 fabric hugs! So far, this financial year, QFO has gifted 253 quilts, and below is a list of where our 'hugs' were gifted. 

Billanook College Senior Students – Thailand;

Kirkbrae Aged Care; Royal Children’s Hospital –   Ward;

Life’s Little Treasures;

Change The One –Vietnam;

Fairview Village ... Warragul Aged Care;

Ukrainians resettling to Australia;

Maroondah Rotary – Refuge

Victoria and Monash Children’s Hospital – Monash Newborns).

And as we say in our Mission Statement – ‘We welcome the opportunity to change lives, one fabric hug at a time.’

And with that I will now send this Blog into cyberspace and thru the medium of technology ... onto your laptop/iPad or whatever device you choose to view it with. 

Many Blessings till next Post,

Susan

 

Contact us via our Website : www.quiltsfororphans.org 

Blogger: Susan Hamilton .....phone (03)9737 1825

email: [email protected]

Our postal address (for donations) is  P.O Box 398 Monbulk Victoria 3793

And .... we are www.quiltsfororphans.org 

On 'social media'  aka Facebook find us at https://www.facebook.com/QuiltsForOrphans/

Check out the following Links:

http://kayleenwest.com.au .... for Art with a positive spirit

https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au

http://mellyandme.typepad.com .... creative clothing etc for children

 http://mrsmartinsquiltshop.typepad.com/  ...whose customer blessed us with awesome fabric

We have also stitched for the following Childrens Homes ....

http://www.butterflych.org/.... for news about the Butterfly Palliative Care hospice in China

And their very own Blog ... which is beautifully written and contains inspirational stories on the children in their care. See the Link below:

http://butterflyhospice.blogspot.com.au/

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a59784e7a45314d6a673d0d0a&sb=1

www.freetobekids.org/- .... the rescue organisation that frees children from slavery and exploitation

www.hopefosterhome.com ... the babies we are creating crib quilts for in China ...

www.zoehopeproject.blogspot.com  .... giving hope to children in Zambia.

http://english.chinaconcern.org/  ... more children in China that we have stitched for ...

http://www.lolachildrensfund.org/ .... in Ethiopia

http://www.fikelela.org.za/orphan.asp .... the Fikelala AIDS Project in Capetown

http://mifanmama.com/Shining_Star_2.html the Home for vision impaired children in Shanghai

http://www.austchamshanghai.com/about-us/csr/mifan-mama.aspx

www.jewelsofhope.org ... the project we stitch for in Lesotho Southern Africa

http://www.thebabesproject.com.au/

http://elishacare.blogspot.com.au/

http://rangescc.wordpress.com/2007/05/11/elisha-care/

The Matombo Village Project vimeo.com/217129149

http://heavenlytrimmings.com

http://www.changetheone.org which provides ongoing relief, care and assistance to people and communities in remote areas of Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.

Vale Keith Greenwood .... whose Ministry was the catalyst for the creation of QFO all those years ago.

 

Keith with wife and soulmate Helen at a QFO Christmas lunch in our early days.  

When Quilts for Orphans began back in 2007 ... it was in response to a need that our Founders Gaynor and Reg Peterson perceived as one of the most important in the COM (Christian Outreach Ministry) Childrens Homes in India. 

Those who have followed our QFO journey will know that Keith and Helen Greenwood (pictured above) had the most amazing heart for India and had founded these Homes thru COM ... 27 in total I believe. And that our Founder Gaynor was prompted to begin the QFO partnering with COM which saw many, many quilts travelling across the globe on Mission trips to make the childrens accommodation in these homes in India just that little bit more comfortable. Keith Greenwood was an amazing man and we honour his life and I feel that we are that little bit better for being linked to his vision and heart for others. 

A life well lived unselfishly in the service of others. Thank you so very much Keith for sharing your vision with us. We are blessed to have known you and privileged to have been connected to your work for others. 

The children that Keith and Helen had such a heart for ... and that connected QFO thru the ministry that they founded.

We send our love to Helen and family as we remember Keith with love and appreciation for all his achievements ... and for the lives he touched both near and far. 

Susan ..... on behalf of Quilts for Orphans.

 

Rocking into October as we gather at the Hall for a day of QFO stitching and friendship.

We gathered at the Hall on Saturday October 14th .. a very small group ... comprising of our Vice President and Secretary Libby, Christine, Sheryl, Margaret and yours truly. We shared some of the items that will be available at our next fundraising Event ... at Mont De Lancey in November as well as stitching up a small storm of quilt bindings and other bits'n'bobs.

Kicking off this Blogpost with a personal 'diversification' into palm size hand painted 'quilted' rocks I had created and intend as a novelty offering on our next QFO fundraiser. Took all my concentration to 'stay inside the lines' I'd drawn ... but I managed it ;)And then, striking whilst the iron was hot .... I moved onto microwave bowl cosies and teabag wallets. Cannot believe I owned up to knowing how to use an iron :))) Shhhh ... don't tell anyone.

Later on in the day we enjoyed a wonderful array of 'Show and Tell' as we looked over the pieced and quilted fabric 'blessings' that had arrived at the Hall since our last get-together. 

Moving right along .... these table runners in festive themed fabric will also be available at our upcoming Event at Mont De Lancey.

The table runners above and the coasters below were created by Gayle Cunningham our Qld offsite stitcher. Beautiful.

And here's the poster with details of the November dates and days at Mont De Lancey.

And now for 'Show and Tell' ....... grab a cuppa ... we've lots to share with you.

Donated blocks beautifully put together by Sheryl above ..... and below ...  just the start of a magnificent number of quilt tops from long time supporter Gayle Cunningham in Queensland. Gayle has been incredibly busy indeed.

So very striking .. love the combination of red, black and white. And the lovely floral piece on the table behind is also Gayles handiwork. Doesn't the black sashing make the blocks 'pop'?

Gayle has been incredibly busy ...

Love the butterfly fabric in these two ..... above and below.

No details on the creative hands that gifted us the following two tops ... but please know that your handiwork is very much appreciated .. and thank you so very much.

This glorious fully completed quilt below... again no details on the donor but bless your creative and generous heart.

And more anonymous giftings .... so many kind and talented folk out there, beavering away on our behalf. Sew blessed.

This 'quarter log cabin' piecing above is very effective don't you think?

Love the 'honeyed' tonings in this top ....

And this nicely completed Tulip table centrepiece.

Intricate 'cubes' so very well done ... and the triangles below are stunning.

The next ones came with a name .... QFO member Elaine ... first some race cars she pieced from donated blocks.

Then some sleepy teddies ... just right for a childs bed.

... and then onto dinosaur themed fabric ... thank you Elaine.

From Lauretta ... we have this lovely top below...in floral pink shades teamed with green.

The next offerings are from the CWA at Wandin Yallock ... delightful and thank you ladies.

Brilliant mix of monochrome fabrics in the top above ... 

A lovely array of floral fabrics ...

Light and dark shades of green put together most effectively.

And ditto with the purples and mauves ... gorgeous.

Jelly roll stripes coming together nicely ...

More pretty florals ... with blues interspersed.

Beautifully put together small squares in a vast array of colours and prints.

And again with different coloured border. Thank you to each and every pair of willing (and talented) hands that have blessed us with all these wonderful tops and quilts. We truly appreciate all that you do to keep our fabric 'hugs' ministry thriving and continuing to wrap all who need it with love. Bless you all.

And now a few snaps showing an overview of our little team who gathered on Saturday ...

 

Sheryl ... caught unawares ... sorry Ma-am ... I'll do better next time ;)

Sheryls reciprocating photo skills were far better when the 'boot was on the other foot' so to speak. Thank you :)

Libby and Margaret 'footling with fabric'.

Christine ... always smiling ... and one of QFOs longest serving stitchers.

And that pretty much wraps up the second Saturday in October. A small but most effective day spent together at the Hall and we look forward now to November, We meet again on the second Saturday in November at the Hall in Hoddles Creek and I’ll be sharing another Blogpost after that. Till then,

Many blessings, 

Susan. 

Contact us via our Website : www.quiltsfororphans.org 

Blogger: Susan Hamilton .....phone (03)9737 1825

email: [email protected]

Our postal address (for donations) is  P.O Box 398 Monbulk Victoria 3793

And .... we are www.quiltsfororphans.org 

On 'social media'  aka Facebook find us at https://www.facebook.com/QuiltsForOrphans/

Check out the following Links:

http://kayleenwest.com.au .... for Art with a positive spirit

https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au

http://mellyandme.typepad.com .... creative clothing etc for children

 http://mrsmartinsquiltshop.typepad.com/  ...whose customer blessed us with awesome fabric

We have also stitched for the following Childrens Homes ....

http://www.butterflych.org/.... for news about the Butterfly Palliative Care hospice in China

And their very own Blog ... which is beautifully written and contains inspirational stories on the children in their care. See the Link below:

http://butterflyhospice.blogspot.com.au/

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a59784e7a45314d6a673d0d0a&sb=1

www.freetobekids.org/- .... the rescue organisation that frees children from slavery and exploitation

www.hopefosterhome.com ... the babies we are creating crib quilts for in China ...

www.zoehopeproject.blogspot.com  .... giving hope to children in Zambia.

http://english.chinaconcern.org/  ... more children in China that we have stitched for ...

http://www.lolachildrensfund.org/ .... in Ethiopia

http://www.fikelela.org.za/orphan.asp .... the Fikelala AIDS Project in Capetown

http://mifanmama.com/Shining_Star_2.html the Home for vision impaired children in Shanghai

http://www.austchamshanghai.com/about-us/csr/mifan-mama.aspx

www.jewelsofhope.org ... the project we stitch for in Lesotho Southern Africa

http://www.thebabesproject.com.au/

http://elishacare.blogspot.com.au/

http://rangescc.wordpress.com/2007/05/11/elisha-care/

The Matombo Village Project vimeo.com/217129149

http://heavenlytrimmings.com

http://www.changetheone.org which provides ongoing relief, care and assistance to people and communities in remote areas of Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.

 

And ... without further ado .... we 'spring' into Spring again. And a bevy of quilt pics to share.

Received a day or so ago a veritable avalanche of quilt pictures to share with you ... taken at the Hall in Hoddles Creek at the most recent QFO 'Gathering Day' on September 9th.

Please enjoy. No details on the actual stitchers of each quilt (I was AWOL on the day) ... but I'm advised that the talented contributors to this feast of piecings were:

Judith Howard

Sandra Brazier

Nola Matthews

Margret Garlick

Joy Black 

Christine Sellar.

Well done ladies and thank you so very much for your efforts for Quilts for Orphans.

All the cats .... on chairs and mats ... this will delight a child I'm sure.

Tried to 'flip' this image but technology wouldn't allow so you'll just have to tilt to see the '100' on this special quilt.

All the bubbles here ... and how cheerful they all look.

Something for the dog lover ... these cute pooches pieced into a doggy themed quilt.

A pair of moody abstract themed tops ... 

Multiple bunny rabbits as well as 'lions and tigers and bears' ... and a fox or two for good measure.

Hearts and flowers beautifully appliqued on this top ..

And a myriad of 'heffalumps' in every colour of the rainbow.

Feeling 'sheepish'? well here's a lovely selection of themed fabric artfully appliqued and pieced.

Stunning flamingo panel ...

More adorable moggies ... what's not to love about this sweet top eh?

And we see that 'lions and tigers and rabbits' fabric reappear ... in this cheerful top,

Pretty in blush pink ... something sweet for a little girl perhaps?

Another nice pairing of complementary colours ....

A slightly nautical offering with what appear to be pirate ships ...

And SO much to see in this quilt top ... dinosaurs, dogs, trains, milk and cookies ... finding something for all tastes.

Gorgeous piecing here in this striking top ....

Another 'eye spy' of dinosaurs and multi themed fabrics ... so colourful.

And this one adds donuts and watermelon to the mix ... lovely.

I think I saw a few Aussie delicacies in the form of the iconic chocolate crackles in this top. Is it tea time yet?

Aren't these tops just scrumptious? And so much to see ....

A breathtaking beautifully finished piece .... stunning fabric and such gorgeous quilting.

Looks to be several tops in this pic ... all stunning ....

Another '100 day' cot quilt for a special babe. so beautiful.

And the penultimate pic ... this gorgeous offering being held up by one of our lovely quilters . ... gorgeous.

And for those with a sweet tooth ... this array of panels pieced together to tempt ... isn't it delightful?

And that wraps up this post folks ... as well as showcasing the wonderful efforts of those who stitch so willingly and from the heart for us. We truly appreciate your support and giftings.

Till next blogpost

Many blessings,

Susan

Contact us via our Website : www.quiltsfororphans.org 

Blogger: Susan Hamilton .....phone (03)9737 1825

email: [email protected]

Our postal address (for donations) is  P.O Box 398 Monbulk Victoria 3793

And .... we are www.quiltsfororphans.org 

On 'social media'  aka Facebook find us at https://www.facebook.com/QuiltsForOrphans/

Check out the following Links:

http://kayleenwest.com.au .... for Art with a positive spirit

https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au

http://mellyandme.typepad.com .... creative clothing etc for children

 http://mrsmartinsquiltshop.typepad.com/  ...whose customer blessed us with awesome fabric

We have also stitched for the following Childrens Homes ....

http://www.butterflych.org/.... for news about the Butterfly Palliative Care hospice in China

And their very own Blog ... which is beautifully written and contains inspirational stories on the children in their care. See the Link below:

http://butterflyhospice.blogspot.com.au/

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a59784e7a45314d6a673d0d0a&sb=1

www.freetobekids.org/- .... the rescue organisation that frees children from slavery and exploitation

www.hopefosterhome.com ... the babies we are creating crib quilts for in China ...

www.zoehopeproject.blogspot.com  .... giving hope to children in Zambia.

http://english.chinaconcern.org/  ... more children in China that we have stitched for ...

http://www.lolachildrensfund.org/ .... in Ethiopia

http://www.fikelela.org.za/orphan.asp .... the Fikelala AIDS Project in Capetown

http://mifanmama.com/Shining_Star_2.html the Home for vision impaired children in Shanghai

http://www.austchamshanghai.com/about-us/csr/mifan-mama.aspx

www.jewelsofhope.org ... the project we stitch for in Lesotho Southern Africa

http://www.thebabesproject.com.au/

http://elishacare.blogspot.com.au/

http://rangescc.wordpress.com/2007/05/11/elisha-care/

The Matombo Village Project vimeo.com/217129149

http://heavenlytrimmings.com

http://www.changetheone.org which provides ongoing relief, care and assistance to people and communities in remote areas of Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.

Another batch of our QFO gifted 'hugs' on their way out ... as well as some upcoming 'Events'. Calendars ready?

Aaaand here we are again ... with more beautiful QFO fabric 'hugs' on their way to enfold teensy tiny folk in their comforting warmth. And to get them to their destination we welcome Kathy from the RWH-NICU Team to ferry them on their way. She collected them from our Vice President Libby .... who then provided me with the update to share with you. 

And of course to enable us to continue to 'sandwich' these quilts together with the necessary purchasing of batting and thread supplies .... we fundraise ... so pop these dates in your diary and raid your piggy banks for pocket money for early Christmas shopping.

And now I'll hit the 'publish' button on my trusty laptop and leave you to note the dates above and share the word foir these Events. Here's hoping for the very best weather on the days and a fine turnout of eager Christmas shoppers.

 

Many blessings,

Susan.

Our August 2023 get-together and we honour a very special member of our QFO family.

 

Well folks ... another Gathering Day has 'been and went' and here I am to fill you in on our doings on August 12th as we came together at Hoddles Creek for a day of stitching and fellowship with our QFO crafters. Plenty of activity as we set to work slicing and dicing fabric, trimming quilts and admiring some of the giftings that have come our way since we gathered last in June.

Present on Saturday we had Pauline, Christine, Win, Cheryl, Libby, Sheryl, Jennifer, Annette, Kathy, Sandi, Deborah, Carmen, Joy, Elaine, Yvonne (and her family) .. and yours truly.

Further down in the Blog ... just after lunch actually .. we had a time for a special honouring of a long time member. So grab a coffee and settle in for this months read. 

First stitching 'cab off the rank' so to speak was this delightful array of crafting and fabric gifted to us for our fundraising and quilting by Jackie from Somerville.

Firstly some delightful rabbits ... followed by an array of sweet birds, both made and also some pre-cut ready to go.

And a more than generous amount of fabric as she de-stashed for us. Many many thanks Jackie ... your kindness is much appreciated and will be indeed put to good use in our quilting projects.

From Chris Burns ... a delightful 'family' of wise owls ... how cute are these little fellows? Many thanks Chris, so sweet.

And from our Sandi, some Christmas stars & some beautifully pieced table runners. Her'fabric matching' skills are 10/10

And here we have Cheryl hard at work on her magnificent quilting machine. she spends countless hours at home quilting our cot quilts on this machine and her freehand work is just superb.

Below is a batch of 27 cot quilts destined for our outreach to small babes both in the hospital system at Monash and thru Lifes Little Treasures. Cheryl has quilted these at home and returned them to the Hall last week for bindings before despatch. Legend!!

And below ... we have the lovely 'finishing off' of a set of what we call 'orphan blocks' ... gifted to us from the talented and generous Jennifer Knol. Our resident member Sheryl gathered these pieces together and created a table topper. Excellent collaboration methinks.

Here we have our Libby ... performing a bit of maintenance on our Gammill machine ...

Sandi and Carmen choosing fabrics from our wall 'stash' to add to their projects.

The ever smiling Christine working on what look to be bindings for cot quilts. 

Sheryl, Annette and Deborah working out the 'why and wherefore' of a gifted mystery piece for our fundraising ..not quite sure what the answer turned out to be ... but it kept them busy with the figuring out.

Our hand sewing 'corner' with Kathy and Jennifer finishing off some bindings. And our Pauline popping past ... to iron?

 We are blessed with some wonderful fabrics and this particular cot quilt is an example. Beautifully 'retro' and gorgeous.

Joy busily trimming quilts for us at the cutting table.

Long time QFO member Win, hard at work at our stitching 'corral', otherwise known as the area with our donated Horn cabinets all set up.

Sheryl discovered a 'wannabe' colour coordinating flutterby outside the Hall .. how pretty. It was a tad windy but he held onto that leaf with grim determination. 

 

And the colourful bunting was probably what attracted him to our little hillside spot.

An overview of our very busy space on Saturday. 

And ... all of a sudden it was time for lunch. And this month was a return, if you like, to the pre pandemic QFO days of old. With shared food once again on the menu ... woohoo!! We had soups, savoury slices, home baked bread and muffins. As well as 'dessert' for those who finished their first course (and ate their crusts)

A nice gathering around the lunch table for our stitchers ...

Dessert :)

And now to the part where we pay tribute to one of our founding members ... our very own Yvonne. Seen here with daughter Clare and grand daughter Amber.  Some of our long time members might recall Amber stitched for us waaay back in the early pre-Barn days .. when we all gathered in Gaynors lounge room to sew our fabric hugs.

 I'll now add Gaynor and Rachels tribute to Yvonnes magnificent contribution to QFO as related to us by Libby ... and fear not, we are not losing Yvonne and her talents.  Word has it that she's just downsized her amazingly big quilting machine ... and after a short period of thinking ... has bought a smaller 'domestic' machine with which to keep busy. Proof that you absolutely cannot keep a quilter idle for very long at all.

I'll now transcribe Libbys talk for the benefit of our readers. And pop in a few images of the slideshow that was set up to honour Yvonne.

Words passed on to Libby by Gaynor, our Founder, together with her daughter Rachel.

'Through a connection with Rachel (who modelled wedding dresses), Yvonnes involvement with QFO began around 14 years ago. Yvonne had been the owner/manager of Tatters Wedding store in Monbulk for many years. When she finished up her business and 'retired' Rachel recalls meeting Yvonne emerging from the Bendigo Bank and after a conversation about QFO ,,, Yvonne was 'in' as the saying goes. This was around 2008/2009. At this time young Amber, Yvonnes grand daughter became involved too. Gaynor relates that Yvonne would willingly raise her hand for any project to be undertaken by QFO and she was (and still is) an absolute blessing. Rachel remembers Yvonnes wicked sense of humour and that no matter the task set before them .. Yvonne had a way of getting it done. Yvonne surprised us all when she purchased a magnificent Gammill and it didn't take very long at all before she was producing the most amazing quilting on our creations ... taking them to a whole new level. I think we've all seen how she 'matched' the computerised quilt pattern to the individual fabrics in the quilt.

(I'll leap in here and make mention of an example .. cowboy fabric being matched with a quilting pattern of boots, stetsons and lassoos. Beyond amazing!) 

Back to Gaynor and Rachel ...'Special orders like the aprons we made for the Prison Network Ministry, or a project for Chinakids or Hohidiai ..like bean bags and others  .. all accomplished with Yvonnes expertise. In 2020 Yvonne kindly lent her expertise to teaching others how to 'drive' our own hand guided Gammill quilting machine in the Hall. Passing on her own skills and passion and now ... at the same time ... tackling and learning the new skill of free motion quilting on her new domestic machine at her home.

Since 2008 QFO has created around 5000 quilts (our fabric 'hugs') and such a goodly portion of these have been personally quilted by Yvonne ... what a magnificent achievement and a true blessing to our little Ministry.

Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts Yvonne. 

How it all started for QFO ... Quilts for the children in the COM Homes in India.

Yvonne and grand daughter Amber .... stitching in Gaynors home in Macclesfield ... pre Barn days.

So. Many. Quilts ... all destined to wrap the recipient in love. And many quilted by Yvonne. 

Gaynor, Rachel, Yvonne and Amber in our former home 'The Barn' in Macclesfield.

A swag of quilts gifted to Billanook students for carrying to their Thai/Burma outreach collaboration.

In our new home at the Hall in Hoddles Creek.

And Yvonne happily 'driving' the Gammill for us in the Hall. What a treasure she continues to be.

It's an absolute blessing to have you as part of QFO Yvonne and I think I speak for us all when I say we appreciate each and every thing that you have contributed to our little Ministry from the very first day that you joined us. Bless your heart.

And I think that just about winds up this Blog ... I'll choof off and find the Links to some of our latest partnerings for your perusal ... and I'll add them below. 

Heavenly Trimmings ... http://heavenlytrimmings.com We have been asked to create Blessing Bags which are stitched pillowcases in which to package parcels for Courageous Kids battling chronic and life threatening illnesses.

Also Change the One http://www.changetheone.org which provides ongoing relief, care and assistance to people and communities in remote areas of Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.

And that's pretty much a wrap folks ... I'll footle off now and stretch my shoulders in preparation for a session of bowl cosy stitching for our next fundraising effort. Watch our website for news of upcoming Events and follow our Facebook Page also. 

Till next time,

Blessings,

Susan

Contact us via our Website : www.quiltsfororphans.org 

Blogger: Susan Hamilton .....phone (03)9737 1825

email: [email protected]

Our postal address (for donations) is  P.O Box 398 Monbulk Victoria 3793

And .... we are www.quiltsfororphans.org 

On 'social media'  aka Facebook find us at https://www.facebook.com/QuiltsForOrphans/

Check out the following Links:

http://kayleenwest.com.au .... for Art with a positive spirit

https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au

http://mellyandme.typepad.com .... creative clothing etc for children

 http://mrsmartinsquiltshop.typepad.com/  ...whose customer blessed us with awesome fabric

We have also stitched for the following Childrens Homes ....

http://www.butterflych.org/.... for news about the Butterfly Palliative Care hospice in China

And their very own Blog ... which is beautifully written and contains inspirational stories on the children in their care. See the Link below:

http://butterflyhospice.blogspot.com.au/

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a59784e7a45314d6a673d0d0a&sb=1

www.freetobekids.org/- .... the rescue organisation that frees children from slavery and exploitation

www.hopefosterhome.com ... the babies we are creating crib quilts for in China ...

www.zoehopeproject.blogspot.com  .... giving hope to children in Zambia.

http://english.chinaconcern.org/  ... more children in China that we have stitched for ...

http://www.lolachildrensfund.org/ .... in Ethiopia

http://www.fikelela.org.za/orphan.asp .... the Fikelala AIDS Project in Capetown

http://mifanmama.com/Shining_Star_2.html the Home for vision impaired children in Shanghai

http://www.austchamshanghai.com/about-us/csr/mifan-mama.aspx

www.jewelsofhope.org ... the project we stitch for in Lesotho Southern Africa

http://www.thebabesproject.com.au/

http://elishacare.blogspot.com.au/

http://rangescc.wordpress.com/2007/05/11/elisha-care/

The Matombo Village Project vimeo.com/217129149

http://heavenlytrimmings.com

http://www.changetheone.org which provides ongoing relief, care and assistance to people and communities in remote areas of Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.

Yet more giftings of our work …. blessings going out 🥰🥰🥰 ...... And some coming in 🤗

Well here I am again … with more updates on our most recent quilt despatchings.

Always so very heartwarming to see our handiwork going out …. thus making room on our storage racks for the most recently finished fabric’ hugs’ to await THEIR turn to be gifted 🤗

As the title of this blogpost indicates … ‘blessings in = blessings out’ the perfect circle of what QFO is all about. 

I received a message and accompanying photos this week from our member Christine who passed on this beautiful handiwork from Mary Baluch. Four finished quilts, several quilt tops and some small pouches. Beautiful fabrics and the finishing off was just perfect. Thank you so very much Mary. These quilts are certain to brighten lives when gifted. Bless you. 

And .. forwarded to me from our Libby ... who received this update from Heavenly Trimmings ... recipients of a recent QFO gifting of quilts. 

From Heavenly Trimmings –
Thanks so much for those quilts are just so beautiful!  
The kids are oohhhhhing and arrrrring over all of them, it will be tough for them to decide which one
they would like to choose!

For details on Heavenly Trimmings and what they are all about  ... visit https://heavenlytrimmings.com

 

Also from Libby ... this lovely update from local Aged Care Facility Kirkbrae ... we have gifted to them several times in recent years. And Libby tells me that 22 quilts have just been delivered to them .... how wonderful :)

And finally ... some lovely handiwork from QFO member Elaine, who has created these delightful tablerunners as part of our fundraising 'arm' ... proceeds of which help fund our batting and supplies for more gifting quilts. Thank you so much Elaine.

Watch the Blog for more updates as Libby tells me that we will soon be blessing the Rosella Ward at Paediatric ICU with single and cot size quilts and I will have photos to share once that has been done.

Till next update, many blessings .... and remember that we gather again at the Hall on the second Saturday of this month ... which my trusty calendar tells me will be August 12th. And keep an eye out for our inbetween Newsletter ... details of which may be found on our website at https://www.quiltsfororphans.org 

Susan

Blessings received ... and blessings gifted to others. July/August 2023

Well gentle Reader ... here I am again with more pictures and news of recent QFO incoming and outgoing fabric hugs ... as well as some inspired handicraft stitcheries from our talented Members. So grab a cuppa and enjoy this brief update.

Our longtime QFO member Christine has not been idle in recent times and has made more magnificent table runners. One runner is made from some of the many orphan blocks stored at the Hall. 

 

And Julianne delivered some beautiful craft to the Hall this past week. Gorgeous tote bags, natty drink coasters and her famous pin cushions and equally popular pin dolls and pin cats. Very welcome items for our Spring fundraising events.

 

Our QFO Member Sandra Brazier has introduced Nola from Queensland to our Group as an offsite stitcher ... and here are three of Nolas gifted fabric 'hugs' and a lovely note to introduce her to our group of willing supporters.

 

Lovely work Nola and ever so many thanks for your kindness to us and to those who will be blessed by these beautiful quilts. 

 

Next fabric 'cab off the rank' so to speak .. is Irene and her handiwork. Irene creatively added and embroidered the cute animals to one of the many incomplete quilts stored at the hall and was clearly very pleased with the result.

Shortly afterwards trainee Gammill Operator Sharon beautifully quilted them! It won’t belong before it will join the lovely inventory of cot quilts ready to gift to a deserving child .

 

Our member Ida has been very busy too. As the following pictures demonstrate.

 

 

Ida traces her embroidered characters from children’s colouring books. Simple idea but perfectly appliquéd.

 

 

Our Cheryl has not been letting her machine gather dust either ... she sent me pictures of her handiwork ... including a delightful piece she created with a jelly roll I was able to pass onto her from a friend earlier in the year (thanks Janet) Cheryl is an absolute whizz with small piecings and has made some beautiful fabric hugs over the years. These ones are destined for the Lifes Little Treasures ministry. 

And now I come to the part where we bless others further afield with our handiwork ... please read on ...

Billanook year 11 students and 3 teachers came to visit us at the Hall last Tuesday 25/7/23. The students have to raise $10,000 each to be able to go on the volunteer working trip to Thailand in September. There they will help construct some new buildings in a village school. Besides devouring Annette’s and Christine’s scone’s, they chose 23 single and 14 cot quilts to personally give to a child in the village.

 

It is lovely to renew our association with Billanook after a far too long break for the students to travel and gift quilts to children overseas. We calculate it was 2015 when Joy Black suggested the Billanook students take QFO quilts on their volunteer trips. We have framed photos from 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and now newly presented framed photos from 2019.  May our partnership with Billanook continue for many years to come.

There will be a more comprehensive story in the STAR Mail this Tuesday 1/8/23 and distributed throughout the Yarra Valley. Online the following week.

And that wraps up this Blogpost. I look forward to sharing with you again after our August gathering at the Hall. In the interim, if you've not already subscribed to our Newsletter and want in-between Blog updates as to our bits'n'bobs ... wander over to our website at https://www.quiltsfororphans.org and follow the 'prompts' to subscribe. Simples :)

Till next Blog, blessings to all and thank you to our supporters, we truly do appreciate you all.

Susan

Contact us via our Website : www.quiltsfororphans.org 

Blogger: Susan Hamilton .....phone (03)9737 1825

email: [email protected]

Our postal address (for donations) is  P.O Box 398 Monbulk Victoria 3793

And .... we are www.quiltsfororphans.org 

On 'social media'  aka Facebook find us at https://www.facebook.com/QuiltsForOrphans/

Check out the following Links:

http://kayleenwest.com.au .... for Art with a positive spirit

https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au

http://mellyandme.typepad.com .... creative clothing etc for children

 http://mrsmartinsquiltshop.typepad.com/  ...whose customer blessed us with awesome fabric

We have also stitched for the following Childrens Homes ....

http://www.butterflych.org/.... for news about the Butterfly Palliative Care hospice in China

And their very own Blog ... which is beautifully written and contains inspirational stories on the children in their care. See the Link below:

http://butterflyhospice.blogspot.com.au/

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a59784e7a45314d6a673d0d0a&sb=1

www.freetobekids.org/- .... the rescue organisation that frees children from slavery and exploitation

www.hopefosterhome.com ... the babies we are creating crib quilts for in China ...

www.zoehopeproject.blogspot.com  .... giving hope to children in Zambia.

http://english.chinaconcern.org/  ... more children in China that we have stitched for ...

http://www.lolachildrensfund.org/ .... in Ethiopia

http://www.fikelela.org.za/orphan.asp .... the Fikelala AIDS Project in Capetown

http://mifanmama.com/Shining_Star_2.html the Home for vision impaired children in Shanghai

http://www.austchamshanghai.com/about-us/csr/mifan-mama.aspx

www.jewelsofhope.org ... the project we stitch for in Lesotho Southern Africa

http://www.thebabesproject.com.au/

http://elishacare.blogspot.com.au/

http://rangescc.wordpress.com/2007/05/11/elisha-care/

The Matombo Village Project vimeo.com/217129149

Upcoming QFO speaking event … with breakfast 🥞

Our President Annette will be spreading the QFO word at this upcoming function.
Contact details may be found on this flyer … for catering purposes please contact Dawn by the 21st of this month (Friday of this week).