" Cyber Quilters" - QuiltSwappers and Larisa's Current Swaps

QuiltSwappers is an international cyberspace quilting guild. This past October 51 of their members gathered from 17 states, plus Canada, England, and Japan to meet face to face for the first time. They met in St. Louis, Mo. where details and accommodations for the weekend they called Quiltsville" were arranged by Quilters' Express Tours (http://www.quilterstours.com). These quilters donated over 50 quilts to Guardian Angels Settlement which cares for abused children. Sharon in St. Louis   I have the privilege of belonging to an online group called "Larisa's Current Swaps", which is an e-group from www.thecozyquiltpatch.com. This is a group of ever giving quilters, who send in blocks each month for charity. Then, our fearless leader, Larisa Malone, in turn sends them to various Charities. Some go to Cancer patients, others go to Project Linus Chapters, and still others go to individuals who are in need of some "Quilty Hugs" (loss of a home due to fire, or tornado, etc.). Most recently, members made blocks, and then someone in the group put the blocks together into a quilt, and at this moment is being quilted. This project will be sent to the NYC Volunteer Fire Dept., for them to either auction off, or to be given to one of the families of a fireman, who gave his life to save others   Larisa, gives of her time unselfishly. And, all the ladies, and men (yes, we have a few), also give of their time, and talents. I am so proud to be a member of this group, and so proud to be in the company of all these great quilters who give of and from their hearts. Larisa, formed the group a year ago this month, and it has grown to about 220 members. Deb Smith Kudos to all of the online quilters for all their good deeds!!!

"Quilts for Comfort"

Quilts for Comfort is a local organization based in Delaware. Our goal and purpose is to provide at-risk babies and young children in Delaware and Cecil County with baby quilts. The children who receive our quilts are affected by AIDS/HIV, drugs, alcohol, serious medical issues, and/or income. The quilts that we deliver come from quilting bees held in local churches every Saturday. Sewing machines to pre-cut fabrics (4 1/2" blocks) and everything needed to make the baby quilts are provided, although you are welcome to bring your own. We are always in need of fabric and sewing supplies. We deliver our quilts to local hospitals and social service agencies in our area. To date we have delivered over 465 quilts. We have held 39 quilting bees and brought together more than 500 men and women to help with the project. We invite members of the community to come and join us. For additional information visit http://www.quiltsforcomfort.com Kudos to the Delaware Quilts for Comfort organization for providing comfort to so many babies and young children!

"Prayer Quilts"

The following Kudos' story was submitted to McCall's Quilting by Cathy Sacket: "We have taken the making of quilts for cancer patients just one step further. Our quilts are called Prayer quilts. It's wonderful to make quilts for people who are undergoing chemo and radiation therapy. But I think adding prayers to them is an added blessing. Our quilts have been made up of prayer squares and nine patch blocks which are alternated with plain muslin squares. The prayer squares are made out of muslin which we have asked others to either draw or write words of inspiration to the recipient. Some have Bible verses, others may just say "get well." Others may have drawings either done by a child or by an adult. After they have finished we ask them to say a prayer for the person who will receive them. So far we have made and delivered 10 quilts ... not bad for a group of three sewers. If anyone is interested in finding out more about our quilts they can contact me at Crz4sqrs@aol.com." Cathy Sackett Kudos to Three Inspirational Quilters!!!

Please e-mail a brief description of your group's project so we can share it with other quilters and, perhaps, inspire more good deeds, as well as to say thank you. If you have photos please send them, along with your description, to Webmaster - McCall's Quilting, Primedia Enthusiast Group, 741 Corporate Circle, Suite A, Golden, CO 80401 If you would like photos returned please enclose a SASE.