In an age where charity has been so hotly supported by so many, starting a totally new charity felt a little overwhelming. But I had a deep passion from my experiences in the quilting word and knew I had to start somewhere.
The reason this charity exists is mainly due to my darling friend Nicola Bretherton. From the first day I met her the joy and love of crafting and quilting we had inspired everything. Her joy and spirit… Well I get choked up each time I think of her because she was just amazing and I miss her so profoundly.
April 2018 saw Nicola lose her battle with Cancer. Like so many others her losing her fight to that awful pig of a disease was devastating for so many.
Now like most of us… Nicola had a stash. One that would rival most! It certainly was impressive. And I for one was so touched the family asked for my help in trying to sell everything off for charity.
That set a spark into my mind. I was so touched to be asked and equally got thinking of all the husbands and in some cases wives out there, who do not have anyone to help them sort out the stash of someone when they have passed away. And then equally what do you do with it all.
Around this time I started my business in Hertfordshire. A relatively wealthy area and one where money is mostly available for most. I did however start to meet younger women with families who did not have the funds to start to learn to sew. Didn’t have the sewing machine, the fabric, the patterns, the books and all the bits you need to start he quilting hobby. Equally the retired person is on a fixed income and they too want to craft and quilt but sometimes the money just is not there. It is a sad story but a real one. This hobby is not cheap. And to do it… You need money or help with the tools to get you going. So I thought. There must be a synergy here.
And so the Quilter’s Legacy Foundation was born. My aims are simple. To help people dispose of their stashes and the proceeds help setup a fund to help quilters who need or want projects but do not have the means to do it.
In its simplest forms I know it works. In the intricate details. I have not got that skill set. I have loosely got three trustees in place. The charity number is being obtained. Bank accounts are being opened and the guide lines of logically how it will work are written and ready to go, but we are only six month old and have raised just £250. But that is a fair amount of fabric to be able to donate to someone who needs it.
Now the really hard work starts. How to get items from people who need help sorting. How to set up the sales to be able to sell these stashes. How to support the loved ones left behind by people who were their everything. Then to spread that person’s love of quilting to others and to try and inspire them to sew and quilt and fall as head over heels with quilting as we all have.
It is no small job this. One I fully accept I can not do alone. Which is where I know the amazing quilting community will hopefully help build. It just takes a handful of people to create something incredible. You just have to listen to Irene Heathcote’s story of the beginning of project Linus in this country to just know the love and care quilters have for giving to others.
But all the while I do this. I will think of Nicola. I will remember why I am doing this. To share and spread the joy and love of quilting. I will field the usual negativity from people and only try one thing. To encourage more people to quilt and those who want to but can not afford to do so, help them have the tools to start.
If you have any ideas of how possibly you can assist I would be so grateful for your help in this regard. It will take a village to make this work and I know this community has the deepest amount of love to give. Lets try find a way of spreading it to encourage more people into this craft we all love so much.
Best way to reach me is my email [email protected] and I truly am grateful for any advice you might have to share.
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