Jeans for Joppa

JOPAA Sew In

October 16&17, 2015

I really didn't know what to expect.  We sent a few emails and hoped they'd show up! 

Well, you did it.  We had around 15 people show up on Friday and 13 on Saturday for our Sew-In.  Mac McKoy from Men of Hope showed up as well.

A little background for you: Last year about his time Robert Buchanan stopped by Hope Quilters (HQ) one Saturday at the invite of a quilter.  He made mention that the JOPPA people he saw when he drove the bus could really use one of our quilts to keep warm.  Mac McKoy happened to also stop in the room that day and mentioned that he was trying to think of something for the Men of Hope to do for a mission.  Well Robert + Mac + Hope Quilters turned into Jeans for JOPPA.  Mac had the men start collecting denim jeans for us.  HQ designed a simple blanket that would be sturdy (using denim), warm and easy to make.  We have been collecting denim, flannel and corduroy for this project.   We just decided to have the Sew In as the fabric and blankets take so much time and storage that it was easier to focus on the project for one weekend rather than draw it out all year long.  And what better timing than just before the weather gets colder....brrrrrrrrrrrr!

This weekend Room 212 was full of tables, sewing machines, people and denim!  We used an assembly line approach.  Many showed up without machines and helped with organization, ironing, cutting and pinning. Those with a machine put in a size 16 needle and started sewing denim into blankets.  It was the team work that really got the job done.  We ended up finishing 13 denim blankets.  WOW!!!!     Missions will coordinate getting them to JOPPA soon.

Besides Hope Quilters, the invite was sent to another Hope sewing group.  I sent the details to Missions and to Mac to send along to others they thought would be interested.  To be honest, I was a little overwhelmed at the turnout but then again, I know I shouldn't ever doubt God when he's on the move.  Thank you, ladies, so much for your help.  We did good this weekend.  Bless you all.

 

 

Jeans for JOPPA kick off

On the first Sunday of each month, Hope is providing volunteers and donations to assist in Joppa’s outreach efforts. Wherever unsheltered people are living, around Des Moines, volunteers visit with them - building relationships, providing survival supplies and helping with specific needs. http://www.joppaoutreach.org/about-joppa/

In January we started talking with representatives of the Men's Ministry team.  We determined that a jean quilt would be something we could partner on.  The men have been bringing their old jeans to church for us to use in quilts.  They are calling it Jeans for Joppa!

We wanted to provide a sturdy quilt that would provide warmth and would wear well in the harsher elements.  Sturdiness and warmth were important as was a bit of expediency.  We couldn't spend 30 to 40 hours on each of these quilts. 

At our March work day several people work together to come up with a design that could easily be made by anyone in only a matter of a couple of hours.  We used a bit of an assembly line with people cutting the denim to some uniform sized, sewing pieces together into 80 inch long strips, sewing strips together into 60 inch wide tops.  Then finishing the quilt with a flannel back.  Finishing involved simply sewing the front and back together in pillow case fashion.  Once the pillow case was turned right sides out the bottom seam is finished, it's topstitched around the edges and then tack down to keep it together.

9 blankets have been delivered to Joppa so far.  Reception is positive.  We are glad we can help by using cast away denim, our love of quilting and a little ingenuity.

Cutting, piecing, quick attractive durable blankets.




Lots of variety.  Lots of fun.