Mar 19, 2011

National Quilting Day


“National Quilting Day was established in 1991 by the National Quilting Association. Officially, National Quilting Day is the third Saturday in March, but many quilters make their projects month long and focus on charitable causes in groups or as individuals.

The purpose of the day is to continue the tradition of quilting through education and service. Quilt shops, fabric stores and local guilds host a variety of events and classes throughout the month to expand the knowledge of existing quilters and draw a new generation into the craft. Each year, the National Quilting Association introduces a new logo block for quilting groups and individuals to add to their Quilting Day quilt.

Whether you reside in the U.S. or elsewhere around the world, the goals are the same:

  • To reflect, and celebrate the rich traditions of quilt making and all of its contributions to both family and community throughout history.
  • Make it a service day and work on a quilt for your favorite cause, locally, nationally or internationally. And if you don't have a favorite one, start one or visit one of the many sites I've listed in the past.
  • Organize an exhibit for your local library or historical society. Exhibit quilts, tools, books, etc.
  • Organize a quilt history day or a quilt documentation project.
  • Work on a quilt with a school, or community quilting group and spread your love of quilting to others.
  • Contact a local senior citizens group or facility and organize a show and tell or maybe even sponsor a sewing day to make lap quilts for seniors.
  • Organize a sew-in, quilting bee, workshop, lecture, retreat, bus trip or even a shop hop and invite your friends.
2011: Consider making a quilt for earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan. Quilter's Newsletter has teamed up with Naomi Ichikawa of Japan, to send quilts through them to her for collection and distribution: Quilts for Japan


Build Your Own Log Cabin for National Quilting Day 2011!
Download the free pattern

Celebrate on your own: Not in a position to stitch or quilt? Visit your favorite quilt shops, pass your love of quilting on to a child or friend, or spend a few hours sewing or reading your favorite quilt book. The idea is simply to celebrate your love of the quilted comfort of fabric and the joy it brings into your life and the life of others.

More Free patterns from NQA:

2009 Block of the Month
2009 Block of the Month Sampler

Blocks for January-February-March

Blocks for January-February-March 2009

Download the patterns and instructions (PDF)

Blocks for April-May-June

Blocks for April-May-June 2009

Download the patterns and instructions (PDF)

Blocks for July-August-September

Blocks for July-August-September 2009

Download the patterns and instructions (PDF)

Blocks for October-November-December

Blocks for October-November-December 2009

Download the patterns and instructions (PDF)

National Quilting Day 2009
Welcome Home Quilt 2009

"Welcome Home," to help you to help others.

Download the PDF

2008 Block of the Month

2008 Block of the Month Sampler

Blocks for January-February-March

Blocks for January-February-March 2008

Download the patterns and instructions (PDF)

Blocks for April-May-June

Blocks for April-May-June 2008

Download the patterns and instructions (PDF)

Blocks for July-August-September

Blocks for July-August-September 2008

Download the patterns and instructions (PDF)

Blocks for October-November-December

Blocks for October-November-December 2008

Download the patterns and instructions (PDF)


And please support the generosity of the National Quilting Association for their continued sponsorship of quilters, this quilt day and all of their free pattern links.

photo above:
2,500 Free Quilt Patterns

5 comments:

Scrappy quilter said...

I'm celebrating by quilting all day. I'm working on another quilt for the North and I plan on working on one to donate to Japan. You can see where to donate a quilt to Japan on my blog. I've already told hubby and C that today is my day because it's National Quilting Day. Hope everyone celebrates this wonderful way to show their creativity along with remembering past quilters. Hugs

Rosalyn Manesse said...

What an excellent post! So packed with great info

deborah said...

So much useful information! Thank you for sharing it with us, I see several patterns I can use for charity quilts.
Happy Quilting Day!

Anonymous said...

Love all your free links and patterns. One of the best places to find quilting tips and ideas too! Love your generosity and writing the most of all. Thanks so much!

Joanne Lendaro said...

Informative post! Thanks for taking all of the time it took to put that one together!