Quilt #21 Na Lima Aloha

Once again I am out of order but I want to assure you all that #19 and #20 are finished and are in the process of being gifted.

One of my favorite gifted quilters Susan Haushalter.  I learn
something new from her each time I am in her presence.
Sometimes it has to do with quilting.

Today #21 was finished and provided to Na Lima Aloha. 

When I first started The Duncan Project, I ran into a wonderful quilter (Sandra Chin) at the fabric store who introduced me to the Hawaii Quilt Guild. The members are without a doubt some of the most generous women I have ever known. I joined the guild and have begun to attend the various quilting get togethers (called quilting bees) on the island. As we sew, we share what we are working on. More than 50 percent of the time, these quilters are working on something to be given away to comfort others. They understand the "love is in the stitches."

This is the description of the Na Lima Aloha project from the guild website.

Nā Lima ALOHA (THE HANDS THAT LOVE)
Nā Lima Aloha was established in July 2004 as a community service to support various organizations and agencies throughout Oahu and to support relief operations in other areas as well. Through the donations of smaller-sized quilts, we share our aloha with displaced, needy, or critically ill children and adults. Organizations we have contributed to in the past include various senior citizen convalescent homes, the Veterans Administration Center for the Aging, hospitals, abuse shelters, and foster care facilities. In the past year we have donated over 300 items throughout the island.

One interesting aspect of the Na Lima Aloha quilts is that they are all made with donated fabric. The fabric once donated is cut and packaged with a pattern and batting creating a kit.  The volunteer quilter can select a kit to work on, either at the bee or at home, and it is returned to Na Lima Aloha for distribution. This quilt cost me nothing apart from thread and time.

We quilt once a month at the
Wahiawa Botanical Garden.

This is a great project for beginning quilters as the patterns are all very simple and as Susan Haushalter told me today, "There are no quilt police." Meaning my best effort is good enough. If any locals are interested in participating, please contact me and I will help facilitate. It is a great way to sew at home or come and meet other quilters. In addition, if you have fabric that is just taking up space, consider donating.  I love the idea that a child will get to enjoy this sweet little quilt and I love that this project has brought me into a space with so many wonderful women who act out of love and concern for others.