Quilt-Making with Christy’s Olds
CARE IN ACTION
In fall 2024, a school family entrusted a sizable quantity of surplus fabrics to Maggie D. The family’s intention was that the fabric be used for projects with students and for various charitable causes. Maggie’s imagination began to work immediately, dreaming up engaging student projects that she could initiate.
Imogen’s Olds had already worked with Maggie over several weeks, creating personal stuffies for display at December’s Identity Showcase. Meanwhile, pre-cut flannelette squares within that treasure trove of fabric prompted Maggie’s next idea: quilt-making to benefit children, new to Canada, who would welcome both the physical warmth and the kind gesture of a quilt made just for them. Just before breaking for the winter holiday, Maggie connected with Christy’s Olds to invite them in as partners. These Olds were keen and set to work in 3 teams, laying out the squares in attractive patterns to create designs for 3 quilts, with the knowledge that these quilts would be given to 3 children. The 3 quilt tops were pinned to sheets, ready for Maggie and her sewing machine. Over the holidays, Maggie stitched the blocks together, returning in January with solid quilt tops. Maggie and these students met over three weeks to lay out the backing and quilt stuffing, temporarily secure the quilt “sandwich” with pins, and add quilt ties to hold the layers together. All that was needed was the binding, which happened quickly.
During Random Acts of Kindness Week (a fitting coincidence) the team was joined by Dorothy Patterson from ARK, a charity which provides support for local families and individuals in need . The students were thrilled to see the quilts finished and ready for gifting. Dorothy was so impressed with what they had accomplished and excited to deliver the quilts on our behalf. She shared a bit about the three children she had in mind, and the students chose which quilt would go to which child. There were plenty of smiles in the room as they folded up the quilts and officially wrapped up this project. Dorothy reminded us that small acts of thoughtfulness give huge results in the lives of others. …high praise to students who happily gave of their time for others.
Maggie is familiar to current students as our librarian, to the Youngs as their cooking teacher, and to many alumni as their music teacher.
