Tonight at 6pm was the official opening of the 2022 Houston Quilt Festival. Every year, I look forward to going “shopping” at the festival, as well as lots of Beautiful Quilts. Tonight was mostly “window shopping” the real shopping is scheduled tomorrow.
I had classed during the day, first one was to learn more about my Electric Quilt 8 software and using the Accuquilt 8” dies with it. I received the Accuquilt 8” Cube free as part of my Island Batik Ambassador package. Yes, I bought more Cubes while shopping, companion sets to go with the 8” Cube and a 4” cube to use with the 8”. I look forward to being able to use those. The other class was sewing “Apple Core” blocks without pinning. Still lots to work on, but getting there. I used the 10” Stack Nightshade Batiks by Island Batiks, part of their Winter 2021 precuts. (Given to me free from Island Batik.)
At 5pm, those taking classes could go in and start shopping early, and the general public would join us at 6pm. I was mostly looking around and plan on doing more serious shopping tomorrow. I ended the day at the “Interactive Booths”. These are booths from various non-profit organizations.
I found a new organization at the Quilt Festival. The “Day1Bags”, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that works with children in Foster care in Texas. They believe in “Dignity not trash”, basically, most foster children as they are moved from home to home, or as they age out, their belongings are placed in black trash bags. I spent some time talking with Hailey and Paula about their organization, while thinking what can I do to help.
Day1Bags, have been servicing foster children since 2016, and their mission statement says:
“Our mission at Day 1 Bags is to provide brand new duffle bags and backpacks to foster youth instead of trash bags as luggage when being removed from their homes or moved from shelter to shelter.”
I remember when I had the three foster girls, Freedom, Brandy and Daisy. When their mom packed their clothes, their clothes were crammed in large black trash bags. This was not the way any child should have their belongings moved.
You ask why they would be at the quilt festival, well, I believe it is the perfect place for them to be. They would like to give 600 Seniors (foster children aging out of the system) a Quilt, a pillowcase, a zipper pouch, and a drawstring bag. This way the young adults can start the next chapter of their life a little better, knowing someone cared enough to make them for them. Who better than a bunch of ladies (and men) who love to make quilts, pillowcases, and bags to help out?
Day1Bags does not just give out bags in the San Antonio, Texas area, where they are headquartered, but all over the United States, not only to children in foster care, but children in shelters and in partnership with other organizations.
So, you ask what can you do? Well, as quilters, I am sure you have fabric that you can use to make a quilt that could change a child’s outlook. Or maybe you love to make zipper bags, like the byAnnie.com bags. Or you can donate directly to Day1Bags.
Currently, Day1Bags are also looking for gift card sponsors for children in three areas in Texas, San Antonio, Austin and DFW (Dallas Fort Worth), for Seniors who will be aging out when they graduate in Spring 2023. Maybe this is something you can help with?
If you are at the quilt festival this week, stop by and visit them in Row 100, booth 159. Say hello to Hailey, Paula and Hunter. They would love to share more information with you.
To sign up to help, visit their website at Day1Bags.org
For more information:
See you all tomorrow!
#islandbatik, #accuquilt, #day1bags, #HoustonQuiltFestival
Lisa's Quilting Passion 
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