Why do we quilt? I feel like you can trace stories of our lives via the tops brought into Laurena’s. In March and April, there was an avalanche of blizzard quilts pieced during those snowy February weekends. After the Machine Quilter’s Expo in April, there was a definite comfort quilt trend. Whether T shirt, memory, or comfort quilts, these fabrics stitched together were a symbol of the care and concern for people in our lives… and for others in need.

Laurena is a member of the Burlington and Rising Star Quilt Guilds. She donates charity days at LLQ so the Guilds can complete more quilts. Hosting both Guilds this spring produced nice results for their charities.

Can I be honest? Laurena’s got charity quilt days down to a science. With pinning stations, quilting stations and the trimming/binding log, there’s work for everyone. Quilts unzip off the frames faster than tight jeans. After all, she doesn’t call it “Laurena’s Little Sweatshop” for nothing!

The piecing doesn’t have to be difficult. Look at how four strip “railroad ties” blocks can evolve into completely different and beautiful tops!

Gwen is a charity quilter extraordinaire! She’s taken many a charity quilt top for Boston Modern Quilt Guild and Rising Star under her wing. Lately, Gwen’s been doing plenty of tops for the Quilts for Kids Charity Quilts. At last word we heard, there were 150 tops waiting to become quilts. They are small tops that need functional quilting. Contact the folks at Sew Together in Tewksbury if you are able to convert a top to a quilt!