National Quilting Day - March 19, 2011

Did you know that there was an entire day devoted solely to quilting?

National Quilting Day began with a resolution passed by members of the National Quilting Association at their 22nd Annual Show in Lincoln, Nebraska, in June 1991. The 3rd Saturday in March was officially designated as National Quilting Day. It all began in 1989, when the Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society organized "Quilter's Day Out" to celebrate the rich tradition of quilt making in Kentucky. The first National Quilting Day was observed in 1992.

For 2011, the theme is Build Your Own Log Cabin. They have a free quilt pattern available at their website. It is based on the log cabin block and is 64" square. Click here to get that free quilt pattern. This would make a great donation for your favorite cause--or make one for yourself to honor family and friends.

There are countless ways to celebrate National Quilting Day. Here are a few ideas: 1) Make it a service day and work on a quilt for your favorite cause; 2) Organize an exhibit at your local library or historical society; 3) Work on a quilt with a school, 4-H, scout troop or simply sew with a grandchild; 4) Sponsor a sewing day making lap quilts for seniors. Turn it into an oral history project capturing stories of the community; 5) Give a baby quilt to the first baby born on National Quilting Day each year.

I'm going to spend this day teaching classes at Grandma's Attic. I'm teaching the Clothesline Club exploring 1930s-era quilting at 10:00 am, followed by Quilt Red where we will explore embroidery and heart health at 11:00. Then I'm planning to work on a couple of quilt projects I've been dreaming up to present to you all in April. How will you spend the day? I hope it will be filled with quilts, quilting and good thoughts.