Virtual Quilt Making Exercise Creates Gorgeous Quilt

This quilt titled Rainfall is being raffled off by the quilting circle at UU Church of Muncie. Photo providedThis quilt titled "Rainfall" is being raffled off by the quilting circle at UU Church of Muncie. Photo provided

By Katie Frederick—

Muncie, IN—It was mid-February when the quilting group at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie met to discuss the next quilt for the famous Bazaar in the Woods. This would be the 25th year a quilt would be made.

They began with picking out fabrics from their stashes for the pattern which had been chosen earlier. Fabric was found in caches at the quilters homes, a typical occurrence during all past quilt making.

Next step was to choose the design, define the number of squares, and begin cutting the fabric squares. The process went smoothly and much was accomplished during the first three in person meetings.

Then COVID hit.

Our famous Bazaar in the Woods, held for 100 plus years, was now canceled. This annual event, on the first Saturday in November, had always brought large crowds visiting varied vendor booths, buying distinct gifts, and enjoying a delicious breakfast or lunch.

“Why Not a Virtual Raffle?”

 “QUARANTINE QUILTING” began! Jobs were organized. Beth Gonser’s main job was to keep the flow of emails (there were lots) and quilt packets moving. She would organize the cut fabric squares into packets and take them to “front porch distributors” Cheryl LeBlanc or Cindi Marini’ for distribution or pick up.

Everyone in the UU quilters group, (Elsbeth Fritz, Cindy Ruman, Melissa Tong, Holly Hanauer) helped in numerous ways. Quilters stitched the blocks, then stitched rows, and then completed the quilt top. Linda Hanson added the border. A small group met at church, wearing masks and practicing social distancing, to layer the quilt. Nan Barber added her beautiful quilting, Cindi Marini sewed the binding, which was then stitched down.

From start to finish this spectacular quilt was designed, created, and completed in September by the quilting circle at the UU Church of Muncie.

Titled “Rainfall” for its varied colors as the rain falls and rainbows appear, it is beautiful, comfy and definitely worthy of bidding. Time, patience and love of quilting resulted in this spectacular 2020 Virtual Quarantine Quilt.

Raffle Now in Progress

Tickets cost $5 per ticket or $20 for 5 tickets. For example, to purchase 1 ticket enter $5, to purchase 5 tickets enter $20, to purchase 25 tickets enter $100, etc.

Tickets are on sale now and will be sold through November 6 at 12:00 noon. You can purchase your tickets by clicking this link:

 http://www.uuchurchmuncie.org/quilt-raffle-2020/

You can also send a check to UUCM at 4800 W Bradford Dr. Muncie, IN 47304 . **Check must be received by November 6 in order to qualify for the drawing.

Drawing will be held via FACEBOOK on November 7, 1 pm.