December 2022 Work Day Recap

What a wonderful way to end the year!  We had a great turnout. A Soup Luncheon was held on Saturday.  It was so nice to take time to slow down, dine and visit!  And such good food as well.  Thanks to all who contributed.  Several gals shared crafty Christmas gifts.  Reindeer, coasters, earrings, cookies.....this group is so creative and generous!

At the end of the year, it's fun to look back on the year's events and activities.  It's amazing to see all that we've accomplished and the fun that we've had.  There have been successes to celebrate but some tough times as well where we've had to lean on one another.  It's wonderful to have this group of women to lean on!

Donations

There were 32 quilts shared at Show and Tell this month.  Here are the PHOTOS.  Missions group delivered these to YESS, Agape, LSI, Bidwell, Joppe, and SHP.  We also had a few more veteran quilts.   

I also wanted to share our totals for the year.  We don't have a goal or any expectations from anyone.  I believe that God provides and that if we serve joyfully many great things will happen.  I think these numbers demonstrate faithfully these two aforementioned beliefs.  We've been blessed with several donations of fabric.  It's always fun to work with nice fabrics but quality fabric also ensures that quilts will last for the recipients.  Having outlets that will take any fabric we can't use is also a blessing, both for us and for them.  Some people are just thankful that we can find a good home for something that was once loved by them.  And who would have thought that this group is also doing a good service for local pet shelters?  No fabric, thread, or batting goes to waste!  And drumroll please.........my counts show 354 quilts/items shared with agencies.  There were also 55 dog beds made from scraps and 191 pillowcases donated to our friends at The Iowa Quilt Block for Ryan's Case for Smiles.  And we're still collecting them but I know we've had 7 quilts already made from the blocks you all made at the Couples and Friends event.  These are going to Veterans that we are aware of.  

Events

This year we organized a sewing event where we invited spouses, family, or friends to sew with us.  It was helpful to have others come to see what we do.  It was a lively night of sewing, eating, and conversation. Many thought this would be a good event to have again. 

We also held a 2022 Challenge, for everyone to try something new this year.  There were no rules, just the opportunity to try something new and share it with others.  Hopefully, the encouragement of others in the group helped you to keep going and possibly master new skills or complete something that you've been trying to get done.  Regardless of what your challenge was, the Show and Tell at our Soup luncheon was wonderful.  Many were very proud of their accomplishments and the new skills learned.  Others were just happy to get some things done.   

We agreed that we should do the Challenge again in 2023 to be thinking about something you'd like to try or get done.  Use this group to help you out with knowledge or encouragement!

Some Business Tidbits:

• A reminder of January Retreat days:  January 26, 27, and 28.  You will be hearing more from about this retreat as we get closer to the time.
• Hope Waukee calendar is where you can find dates and times for our get-togethers.

All of us at Hope Quilters certainly hope that these memories of this past year are happy
and warm and bring much joy to you as you remember them.  Wishing all of you safe
travels and healthy get-togethers as you move through this season of Advent, 
waiting on Christmas and experiencing the meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!